Panhandle Rag right hand picking

Michael Valentiner · Post by **Michael Valentiner** » 15 Jan 2011 7:38 am

I'm really a newbie to lap steel even though I've been trying to learn the instrument for years. I have a question about right hand picking for Panhandle Rag. I'm playing it on a 6-string with C6 tuning.

I have the first 5 notes as g#-e-B-E-G# which I play straight across the neck at the 16th fret on strings 1-2-4-6-5. My question is: what fingers are used to pick this? 2, 3, or 4 fingers?

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 15 Jan 2011 8:00 am

I play it in key of E,,,C6 tuned lo to hi A-C-E-G-A-C-E-G. 2nd string 12th fret, down 4 frets (still 2nd string), down 2 more frets 2nd string with a quick thumb on the 4th string (still 6th fret) before sliding into E6 on 4th fret. Fingers are m,t,m,t,,,(hope that's correct for key of E on C6 tuning,,,cause actually I play B6,,,LOL).

***While the "straight across" thing may seem easier,,,don't forget,,,this is an instrument who's signature sound is "movement" (ever heard it called a "slide" guitar???) You need to hear "movement",,,keep it tasteful,,,,. On a pedal steel, the pedals create "movement"

Just my opinion ymmv

Michael Valentiner · Post by **Michael Valentiner** » 15 Jan 2011 3:37 pm

Thanks Sonny. "m,t,m,t" is what I'm looking for.

I'm trying to emulate Leon's recording: http://www.well.com/user/wellvis/audio/PanhandleRag.au.

I am sliding into the notes in the right places. Doing so (and not thinking about it), I realized I'm picking it m-m-i-t-i, where I slide into the first note and I have enough time to play the second note with the same finger. Either that or two fingers like you is the only way I can get it to flow.