The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi all, new to the forum. Just starting to learn the pedal steel, and the attached picture shows the grip that's most comfortable for me. Does anyone see any problems with this grip. It's not how I think most people hold it, but seems to be working for me. Thanks.

Hi David, my only concern with your grip is that your hand tends to obstruct your view of the fretboard?
Having said that, I’m no expert or even an accomplished player! Consider other techniques when you get the opportunity...and adopt what’s best for you? Here’s what works for me...at least I attempt to maintain this position! Ha!

Is this tone bar grip okay?

Probably not. The bar is too far back in your hand, and your fingertip crooked over the end of the bar will likely hinder your single-string work and blocking, to say nothing about the stress that that grip puts on your finger. The bar grip should be loose and relaxed, with little or no bend in your forefinger. The reason is that any muscle/tendon stress now could show up after a few year's playing as chronic pain, and it could also cause fatigue right now after you've been playing only a few hours.

Watch a video for pete's sake. There's hundreds of em. You might as well be playing with your elbow.

I never curl my finger over the end of the bar.
Erv

Absolutely not.

That grip would make doing any slants really difficult

How tall are you?

If you're rather tall (>6'2"), you may need a bar longer than what is currently available on the market. There is a 4" bar for taller players in the works from a prominent bar maker. Not sure when they'll be shipping though...

It may be comfortable right now but it may inhibit your playing in the future when you decide to hold it more in line with other steel players. Learn it only once.

Hi David,
If you're just getting started, I'd suggest that you take some lessons from a local, established player.
Not sure where you are in Ontario, but there are players across the province who can help you.
For example, Burke Carroll is in Toronto, and I can't recommend him highly enough.
He is a great player and teacher, who can get you on the right track, and help avoid bad habits that will be hard to break down the road.
PM me if you're interested.
Lee

David,
I think that grip will be a problem in many ways. Like John W suggests, try and find some video of a more accomplished player, and the differences will become obvious.

I’d address it now, before it becomes a habit you need to correct.

Watch how players move the bar to cover the strings they play, while staying at a single fret

. Watch how they roll the bar to create vibrato..

Any subtle movement of the bar is going to be tough with that grip.

Hang in there. Your playing, and you’re getting some good advice. Don’t be afraid to let us know how it works out.
Enjoy the journey.

Paul Franklin's thoughts on Choosing and Holding the Bar

That grip is almost as unconventional as Bobby Koefer's grip!

Lee, I thought you were going to say,"Bobby Socks On A Chicken"

Thanks for the tips everyone. I have seen a bunch of videos and I know this grip is unorthodox, I was just hoping one of the experts on here would have some inside info about this grip, like maybe you've seen people use it and it worked for them. The arguments against the grip do make sense. Thanks again.

No for sure.

If you have large hands you my need a longer bar. I played for years with what everyone called a 10 string bar. I bought a used S12U that had a, Quote: (12 string) bar included. I have thin hands with long fingers. The bar is 1" Diameter by 3 3/4" length. Best feeling easiest controlled bar I have ever had in my hand. If you can handle several bars and see how they feel in your hand on the strings.
Good Luck and Happy Steelin.

I used to hold my bar that exact same way when I first started, for 2 reasons, I hadn't had the muscles formed in my hand, so I didn't feel I had good control unless I did that, and be it was easy for me to pick up and move the bar bc I was really sloppy at muting the strings and I just picked the bar up to move it. As i got into better stuff, it was really holding me back. I work for about a week straight on holding the bar the proper way and man, it was really worth it, it was so much easier to control and nicer to move after I finally did form those muscles. JB