right hand technique

[graham rodger]

im a guy with small hands and ive been blocking single notes with my smallest finger(pinky)turned under,but more notes are ringin out at times,im usin the bar well movin up and down,occasionally i have bass notes ringin that shouldnt be etc..if i change my grip so as my pinky straightens out over strings this helps,but im playin 12 string and pinky is too short to fall over front edge of strings like i see some players do..and therefore feels awkward and stretched...any thoughts...keep comfortable pinky under grip?or get used to awkward feeling extended pinky grip?

[Chris Collins]

Hi,
I think your problem might be more to do with the shape of your hands when picking rather than the size of your hands. Correct right hand shape is does not necessarily feel right at first and it does take some time to get used to it. I suggest you invest in the Jeff Newman video (or probably also on DVD) called "right hand Alpha". It goes through step by step the correct hand shape and picking / blocking technique together with demo's & backing tracks for you to practice the exercises. Its not overly expensive - about £40 - £50 quid I think. BUT hand on heart I can say that of all the tuition material I ever bought for the PSG this tape gave me the most improvement per £ spent. If you watch the video and practice the stuff regularly you will not only solve your problem but your tone will improve loads. Gerry Hogan will likely have the video available - give him a call or e-mail. His web site is www.steelguitars.co.uk

hope this helps

Chris

[graham rodger]

cheers chris

[Donny Hinson]

Graham, your right hand should be naturally blocking all the bottom strings, by virtue of your resting your hand on the strings as you play. I've seen some beginners almost avoid touching the strings with the pinky/palm, but that's just extra work. Of course, when you're playing those lower strings, you don't want to be blocking them!

Right hand position (as I use it) is very natural...here's how to get it. Hold your hand just like you're holding a pencil. Now, just rotate your wrist slightly to the left, like someone just stole your pencil! Then relax your arm slightly, and extend your middle finger slightly...and that's it!

Right-hand blocking shouldn't be something you have to think about as much as it is something that just happens naturally, IMHO.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 17 August 2006 at 01:52 PM.]</p></FONT>

[Wayne D. Clark]

Graham, Jeff Newman's lessons are top drawer, I just talked to his wife this morning about another matter. If you don't have the address, here it is Jeffran Music, 11214 Travis Gulch Dr. Charlotte, NC 28277. I have an 800 # also, don't know whether it will work from your end of the Globe, but here it is. 1 800 373 3418, Sorry no Email address. Just looking at the Listing of items avaliable and "The right hand alpha is $35.00 us. It containes one DVD and a CD of rhythm tracks. Chris was right on suggesting this item. Keep picking and grinnen.

MSA D10 8/2

[Chris LeDrew]

Right hand Alpha, all the way.

[Mike Vallandigham]

Right hand Alpha, best dang $35 I ever spent. I wish someone had given this to me first, before anything.

Also, remember to keep that right elbow tucked in, it works wonders for the tone.