The rare time I use an autoharp (I inherited a nice one from my Dad) I hold it against my chest without a strap (though it has buttons for one) and strum it with a sort of frailing method. I have yet to re-bar/re-felt this autoharp, but hope to someday as there are too few key of G and key of D chords and too many key of F chords (ie no Em or Bm).

I predict a comeback for autoharp which will coincide with a comeback for tambourine, noseflute, and shakey eggs. Be forwarned.

Peace, Mooh.