The Steel Guitar Forum

Well,I guess this question applies to both lap and pedal,but I am refering to pedal,in this case,so am placing it here.

I am having a tough time getting my very large right hand to do either knuckle or palm blocking.

Any reason why I should not simply block by just touching either the thumbpick or a finger pick to a string gently to stop it from vibrating,instead of using the palm or knuckle?
Thanks,
Malcolm

That is called pick blocking. The best person I have ever seen do this was Sally Van Meter. She is incredible at it.

http://www.sallyvanmeter.com/home.cfm


You can get a clinking sound if not done right.

My advise is just to try all three and practice. One will stand out as your best.

Many of the best steelers use many kinds of blocking, palm, picks, bar-hand fingers and thumb, whatever is best for the situation.

Thanks to all who answered.By the way,I meant to say that I was referring to lap not pedal,so I posted the thread in the lap forum.
Thanks!
Malcolm

Andy Hall's extensive pick blocking can be clearly seen in the right-hand videos he did for Bluegrass College lessons -- you can see a hint of it in the sample lesson at www.bluegrasscollege.com. I signed up, and in other lessons it's very clear blocking-as-muting.

Try to see him in a festival workshop, and ask about it -- he explained at length at the Joe Val fest. workshop he did last February...