Basic blocking question

Steve Norman · Post by **Steve Norman** » 13 May 2009 7:44 am

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

from 1:17 on

I had problems until I started using the back of my ring finger to block instead of my palm. Sitting up seems to help me, I tended to slouch over the instrument for a long time. For me the crease line trick has improved my playing over multiple string runs.

Its not natural and takes a lot of time, A LOT!

Pick drills like alternating thumb finger thumb, slowly blocking after each pick, gradually increasing speed is a good warm up.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 13 May 2009 7:57 am

Gwenyth should really enjoy this link to Sara Jory doing "Together Again". About at 1:51, you can see some excellant video of her right hand technique. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiXRXE71 ... re=related

Don McClellan · Post by **Don McClellan** » 14 May 2009 8:00 am

I didn't read all the replies but here's my 2 cents. You'll find as you play that different licks call for different methods of blocking and there are many methods: palm blocking, pick blocking, right hand finger tip (ring finger and pinky) blocking, left hand thumb and or finger tip (middle and ring finger) blocking and maybe more. I have learned all of these methods and I use them all the time. When you hear strings ringing when they are not supposed to be find the easiest way for you to block them. Practice it over and over until it becomes second nature. My point is there is no one way to do it. There are many ways. You ultimately will need to learn them all and it isn't really that difficult. For me they just came automaticly. But it is one of the most important parts of good steel guitar playing. If you really want to play you'll find the ways that work best for you. Don

Joseph Barcus · Post by **Joseph Barcus** » 14 May 2009 11:44 am

I was using the line in your hand as a reference that works very well for me not that I watch it all the time it seems to be what worked best for me. you should learn both ways some melodys sound better by pick blocking. you take Joe Wright he plays with four picks and for the most part he is a pick blocker and a darn good one at that. your hand has to be relaxed thats a must if you get all up tight its not going to happen, and the more you think about it the more slop you will get. I have a friend that wraps his little finger around the first string kind of like holding on you might say to the point he wears out a spot on all of his guitars, needless to say he is very very fast and clean at what he does. I perfer the tele sound or the buck trent blocking sound myself. but thats just my way I like is all. Herby Wallas will tell you that too much blocking is going on these days and look at how he plays super great guy.