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Topic: The Little Finger Issue |
James Cann
From:
Phoenix, AZ
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Posted 30 Sep 2004 10:45 am |
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What comment is out there on extended vs. curled-under little finger? With my first guitar (an S-10) I was never able to block with extended finger except for when I tried an SD-10 guitar (an LDG, for the record). With this, I could block easily and it seemed like my hand felt more comfortable.
As it turns, I'm waiting now for an LDG delivery.
All coments welcome.
James
Sho-Bud LDG (en route) |
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James Cann
From:
Phoenix, AZ
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Posted 30 Sep 2004 10:47 am
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Oops! Since I teach English, ain't no excuse for words like coments! Sorry!
JC |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 30 Sep 2004 1:01 pm
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James, it's up to you. There is no "best" way. Use whatever technique is most comfortable for you (it'll differ because different people have different physiology). Stop using any technique only when you have found out it's holding you back...and you'll know - no one has to tell you - you'll just know.
Having seen the late Ray Meyers (known as "The Armless Wonder") play lap-steel...WITH HIS TOES...made me realize that all these little discussions about how to use your hands are...well, rather insignificant. |
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Ron !
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Posted 30 Sep 2004 1:18 pm
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Donny
Wise words.Couldn't have said it better.
Ron
Nikaro SD10 4x6 |
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David Berry
From:
Sandston, Virginia, USA
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Posted 1 Oct 2004 6:13 am
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| If I understand the question correctly, my PSG teacher (Buddy Charleton) tries to get me to extend my little finger some when I'm playing on the upper strings. It makes blocking a little easier. When I'm down on the lower strings it's not as much of an issue. I still haven't mastered it yet. |
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John Daugherty
From:
Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Posted 1 Oct 2004 6:45 am
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I had never given this any thought (I've only been playing for 50 years). Now that you mention it, when I look at pictures of me playing steel guitar, my right hand looks like a Brit holding a teacup. The pinky is extended and pointing toward the front of the guitar. Scotty was observing me while I tried a guitar in his store. He said "I was watching your hand. Most all good steel players turn their hand in that direction".
I never took lessons because nobody taught when I was learning. I experimented with different techniques and stuck with what gave me the best sound........JD |
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Charles Curtis
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Posted 1 Oct 2004 6:49 am
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| The late Tommy Roots taught placing the end of the little finger on the outside of the first string of either neck to help maintain position. |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 1 Oct 2004 7:52 am
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When I started learning I could not find a steel player anywhere near where I live so Iwatched short film clips of the Big guys and I reckoned they all extended their little finger whilst playing.
For the love of me I just could not get it down,I even taped a short pencil to my finger to keep it straight every time I practised.I did this for quite a long time and when I tried it without the splint the finger curled back under my hand.
I guess it will always be that way.
Since then I have observed numerous players doing this.
Right or wrong?I would say do it comfortably.
Best regards
Billy |
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John Daugherty
From:
Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Posted 1 Oct 2004 10:00 am
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| YES Billy, Do what is best for you. Never try to be someone else or play like someone else. If it feels good... DO IT. That is how the great became great. When I first started playing lead guitar I wanted to play like Chet Atkins. No one would pay me to play like Chet Atkins so I started playing for singers and making them sound good. I developed a knack for this and liked being able to be myself, improvising and also getting paid to do it. Same thing happened with the steel guitar. I always enjoyed creating my own licks and sounds through trial and error(much error). There is no shame in making errors. That is how you learn and grow,and yes, I WAS influenced by listening to other steel players......JD |
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