Bar Slants Mechanics/Technique

Ray Langley · Post by **Ray Langley** » 6 Jan 2009 1:09 am

Until today, I was having a hard time with the actual mechanical movements of the hand and fingers while trying to learn slants. They say a picture is worth ten thousand words. If this is so, then a video must be worth ten thousand pictures?

Watching real-time videos and other videos on forum members' web sites was some help to my old brain and eyes. Even the written instructions, with photos, in the Jerry Byrd Course was of very little help. I was still struggling with this. Then, a little while ago, I stumbled on this video at the HSGA site:

http://www.hsga.org/new_design/instructional_videos.htm

The demonstration is by Lorene Ruymar. She shows you, in minute detail, how to manipulate the bar between straight bar, forward slants, and reverse slants. This is what I needed. Of special interest, is a practice technique of swiveling the bar on the thigh. This means you can practice your technique (silently) while watching T.V. or engaging in other sit-down activities, like driving?

Thank you Lorene for your clear and detailed instruction on this elementary, but vital, subject! It it so much better to learn something the right way, than to correct bad technique later on.

Mike Harris · Post by **Mike Harris** » 6 Jan 2009 7:57 am

Excellent, thanks for posting, Ray. That's just what I needed to see.
The intonation seems trickier on the reverse slant...
Also, I've been playing with my index finger flat, in general, on the (stevens) bar--should it not be, or should I simply arch it at certain times, such as when making a slant?

Ray Langley · Post by **Ray Langley** » 6 Jan 2009 9:05 am

Yes, reverse is trickier. It is still a little painful, but seems to be a necessary technique to enjoy the full experience.

I would also like to hear the answer about the bent finger.

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 6 Jan 2009 10:44 am

Ray, the bent finger is the pivot point when holding the bar as many would deem 'properly'. This allows the player to execute the various slants fully, exactly, easily, smoothly, and unencumberred. I cover the minutiae of these matters on pg. 4 of my site www.hwnsge.5u.com
What pain are you experiencing? There should be no pain involved, except maybe from the tip of your left index/pivot finger from the many hours of playing/practicing while holding the bar as taught by Byrd. But that soon gives way.
I couldn't bring up the Ruymer vid to comment on and havn't seen it in a while.

Mike, I'd say you should re-learn to consistantly hold the bar as did Jerry Byrd, with the arch, for the reasons mentioned above. Doing unneeded movements is pointless, and will slow you down when wanting to play the faster stuff.

When practicing the slants, your ear will become your best friend. Check out the 'anchoring' aspects of getting this technique down pat on my site's tutorial page.

Slanting is one of the most valuable assets in developing your voice on the steel.

John Drury · Post by **John Drury** » 6 Jan 2009 1:10 pm

SGHOFer Billy Robinson.

The "Sultan of Slant"

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EFwO2PVvsBc

Rock Able · Post by **Rock Able** » 6 Jan 2009 2:28 pm

Here's some impressive video from Rick Aiello's site.

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/_sgg/mb_1.htm

Ray Langley · Post by **Ray Langley** » 6 Jan 2009 5:38 pm

Thanks, Ron. I just read every word on your site... My pain with slants has nothing to do really with playing the steel. It is simply a result of too many car wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, and some degenerative bone diseases, etc. I use the work "wreck" instead of accident, because no one ever wrecks a bike on purpose.

I do realize how vitally important all the slants are, but I am hoping to make some pretty sounds without too many reverse slants, at least in the beginning.

John, I'll be watching that video several times. It seems that many of the really good players use bars much fatter than the "recommended" 3/4"?

Rock, I have previously downloaded all of Rick's vids to my hard drive. His playing moves me. I'd like to meet him and many others here someday.

Don Kona Woods · Post by **Don Kona Woods** » 6 Jan 2009 5:58 pm

Rock, I have previously downloaded all of Rick's vids to my hard drive. His playing moves me. I'd like to meet him and many others here someday.

Good news, Ray, you can met Rick him in person and others at the HSGA convention in Joliet, Illinois, October 2009.

Aloha,

Don

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 6 Jan 2009 6:49 pm

Ray, I forgot about the reasons for your pains.
At least you're giving it all your best shot.
Head on, friend!

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 7 Jan 2009 9:24 am

I do a little slanting on this short demo for CruzTone steels. There's 2 cameras so you can get a pretty good look. I don't know how "correct" it is but I try to get it in tune. Bobby Black and Tom Morrell are the best I've seen at that skill although any accomplished player has do do it well. Even pedal players have to do it once in a while because no matter how many changes you have there's always something you don't have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqYJKYWtbVw

Les Anderson · Post by **Les Anderson** » 7 Jan 2009 10:27 am

You want to try going from a reverse slant to a forward slant when your hands are a bit cold. That bullet bar can very quickly scoot right out of your hands.

Her technique is great and the beginner should spend a lot of time practicing bar slants. Poor bar slant techniques is about the same as a pedal steeler stomping on the wrong pedal or knee lever.

By the way, I always carry a Stevens dobro bar in my pocket or have it laying between the necks of my D8. The bullet bar gives you about 20% more sustain and somewhat better tone, however, as I said above, try those slants with a chromed bullet bar when your hands are a bit cold or you have very dry hands.

Ray Langley · Post by **Ray Langley** » 7 Jan 2009 10:33 am

Don, it would be a dream come true to attend the convention, but unless someone picks me up and drives me there, it isn't likely to happen.

Thanks Ron! I am hanging in there. It is possible that part of my problems are poor technique.

Michael, your video is VERY inspirational to me! Your left elbow looks like you are flying. Your left index finger is "hooked over" the bar rather than resting on top, in a bent-position. Some would say you are breaking all the rules, but it sounds just wonderful to me. I don't care how it looks. It sounds grand, and that is the goal.....

Can you talk a little bit about your technique? It may be something that someone with wrist and finger pain (like me) can adapt to, more easily than the conventional approach. Hooking the index finger over the side looks like it makes it easier to return to straight position from forward slants? Feel free to PM me, if you like. And, that is one super sounding axe.

Ray Langley · Post by **Ray Langley** » 7 Jan 2009 10:43 am

Les, if you prefer the sustain of the bullet, check out this review:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=149387

Right now, at this very moment, I have the lead-filled glass bar sitting right next to a Dunlop 919 and a Lap Dawg, on my computer desk. The the two Dunlops are VERY cold to the touch and the glass bar is not. Really!