The Steel Guitar Forum

by the way thanks for the words of wisdom calvin

Calvin W....Thats quite a bold bet you've made....If players who read this forum take you up on it, be prepared to get a 2nd lien on your home.

Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect!

Misdirected practice is time consuming, frustrating, and the possibility of achieving success is slightly better than zero, provided one lives to be 100 and has the capacity to still be playing.

Unfortunately, far to many recognize too late the futility in misdirected practice and quit playing. When they do, both the individual and steel guitar itself are the losers.

Jimmie M....Following what some may believe to be "words of wisdom", is like deciding to drive from your home to a destination in San Francisco California, refusing to read the road signs, and the only known direction is......"west". The only thing you would eventually find is the ocean.

as Reece writes:
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Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect!

Misdirected practice is time consuming, frustrating, and the possibility of achieving success is slightly better than zero, provided one lives to be 100 and has the capacity to still be playing.
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No finer words on the subject have been expressed...

As an accomodation to Bobby Lee while also acknowledging his technical problems with this thread, (as explained within the link he provided)I'm happy to accomodate him by continuing this discussion on another thread in the "Steel Players" section called...."The Elements Of Tone part 2".

The presenting of new ideas and questions by many who are participating in a positive manner on this thread is appreciated by those truly interested in learning.

Without question, we are collectively making a positive contribution to those who have a sincere desire to push the envelope of new ideas of learning while enjoying playing.

I will open the new thread soon as possible, meanwhile I understand your comments, questions, and suggestions may continue here.

Since this was the beginning thread in which most comments were made, and the technical issue no longer exists for Bobby Lee, I believe this to be the best place to provide my personal opinion about what is believed by most to be intricacies of the “Elements Of Tone”.

The following list corresponds to the numbers on the first page of this thread…..

LEFT HAND:

1, The amount of downward pressure should be just enough to overcome bar/string rattle!

2. The weight of the bar is proportionate to the weight required to overcome bar/string rattle!

3. The mass of the bar is also relevant to number 1 and number 2!

4. Different bar alloy was not discussed enough to form a preliminary consensus!

5. Diameter of the bar is discretionary provided the needed control and downward pressure is considered!

6. Bar vibrato of differing speeds and lateral distance can provide emotion and enhanced tone!

7. Weight distribution of the bar can be variable across the strings as long as the strings being played do not have bar/string rattle!

8. Bar weight manipulation has not reached a preliminary consensus!

9. No additional downward pressure is required other than the resting weight of the ring and little finger!

10. Finger separation of the ring and little finger is less inhibiting relative to bar vibrato!

11. As long as the bar is secure both front and back, and the ability has been acquired to slightly raise the back of the bar and execute controlled vibrato, the configuration is meeting the requirements of achieving a good tone!

12. The grip pressure on the bar should be as relaxed as possible provided bar security is not compromised!

RIGHT HAND:

1. This has not been discussed enough to form a preliminary consensus!

2. Metal finger picks are likely best!

3. Finger pick thickness is not critical unless the picks are of such light gauge it allows them to change pick angles while playing!

4. The extent of the excitement of the strings can be varied by changing the pick angles. It is generally believed the “bite” on the string which results in added pressure exerted, provides a better tone!

5. The depth of the picks is a matter of personal feel, but as long as it meets the criteria specified within number 4, any depth is acceptable!

6. A wide separation between thumb and fingers usually results in added pressure on the strings!

7. The thickness of a plastic thumb pick has the propensity to provide a more bass like sound when compared to metal finger picks, which makes pick selections very important!

8. The weight distribution of the right hand when touching the strings should be only that which is required to dampen the strings!

9. Pull pressure on the finger picks may vary relative to pick angles, but generally if the pressures are balanced it will contribute to a good tone!

10. Same response as #9!

11. A specific area on the neck in which to insert the picks when playing, has not reached a preliminary consensus!

12. Depth of picks into the strings varies depending on the angles, but the deeper the pick goes into the strings, the farther it is to remove and strike the next string, which could be detrimental to some!

Some of the elements listed above have not reached a consensus, and some require further discussion to fully validate.