The Steel Guitar Forum

Not knowing any other lap-steel players, I've never seen it done - pulling a string up a half-tone behind the bar. I can see how useful it would be to raise the sixth of the chord to a seventh, or the major third up to a fourth and back. I just find it VERY difficult - I have to change my grip on the bar mid-lick and it seems (and sounds) so clumsy. Is there a secret? Very light strings? Super-human strength?
How's it done?

Tony:
It takes a little practice but after you get used to it,it will become natural. In fact, once you get it down you may tend to over use it.

I use my ring finger. Lighter strings do make a difference but it may be better to learn on heavier strings. You have to toughen up the tip of your finger a little. When I play my frypan, that has lighter stings than my dobro, I tend to over shoot the pull.

I don't seem to change the grip on the bar when I do it other than pushing in more on it with my thumb and middle finger. I guess what I really do is, in effect, grip the bar harder.

You should get it down in a day or two of trying.

I learned playing the song Faded Love. I just played it over and over until I get it down.

Pulling the string usually means to pull it and let go.

Bending the string usually means to bend it to the stop and hold it for the cords, the same effect as a bar slant.

Hope I've helped.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ric Nelson on 17 January 2000 at 06:49 AM.]</p></FONT>

I've heard you can hurt your fingers if you over-do it. I'm being very careful using this technique until my fingers get a little stronger. It certainly is a fun trick to add to the bag.

It's more than a trick for me. It makes a lot more possible on dobro (& lap steel probably too): more chords, cleaner slants, steel guitar like licks. I use standard gauge strings and I put my thumb against the neck when pulling a string in order to have more strenght. That's not like it how is done in the books, but it works fine for me. Don't loose much on bar control either.
I've also grown used to adding pulls when I'm playing slants. There's always one string that needs to be brought up to the right pitch. Check out Stacy Phillips' books, and you'll find much this subject.
P.

Outside of Jerry Byrd, the best I have seen at "string pulling" is Billy Robinson. Check him out at Scotty's Convention. I have also seen Buzz Evans do it beautifully on the pedal steel! Check him out in Las Vegas.

Also watch Junior Brown on TV. He can pull an inside string in tune while he's singing.

I agree, Junior does do a heck of a fine job on that Guitsteel....blows my mind every time, JB....must be something w/ those initials...
Mike