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Topic: Thumb and 2nd finger |
Allan Haley
From:
British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 9 Oct 2016 9:52 am |
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The Newman course really stresses the thumb and 2nd finger. Almost no 1st finger picking at all. As a beginner, I find it helpful as it keeps me from grabbing three-note clusters. The two-note pulls are clearer sounding to my ears when I'm jamming with a band. Less is more.
I wonder how many experienced steelers use T and 2 as their main picking fingers and play two-note lines rather than fatter three-note pulls. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 9 Oct 2016 9:56 am
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| I do, for the most part. Same technique alternating T,2 for single note runs too. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 9 Oct 2016 10:21 am
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Most of us. Three note grips don't, generally, say anything more effectively than two notes.
Generally. Obviously chordal passages are subject to different rules, but they serve a different role.
There are times when you want all three notes, but not that often. Listen to the cats that most of us lionize; mostly single notes and dyads.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 5:21 am
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I think many pro players have also used only two notes sometimes because it's easier to "play" two notes in tune than three. With only two notes, you can always adjust the bar to bring them in perfect tune. When you play three or more, the guitar itself must be far more in-tune. That said, I sorta prefer three notes whenever possible, as it gives a fuller sound, but I will use less notes if there's more instrumentation on the bandstand, or if something sounds "out". Listen to the simple intros on Tammy Wynette's "Apartment #9" or "Ways To Love A Man", and then play them yourself with two notes, and then with three. You'll find the difference in the sound and "impact" using three notes is readily evident! 
I'm a big stickler on using whatever sounds best, so I do use both variations, and can only hope others do the same. This also avoids someone asking the embarrassing question..."If you have all those strings and pedals, why do you only play one or two notes at a time?"  |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 6:45 am
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| Donny Hinson wrote: |
| This also avoids someone asking the embarrassing question..."If you have all those strings and pedals, why do you only play one or two notes at a time?" |
I usually say "We do that because audience members only have two ears, so the third note is usually wasted. And since we're paid by the note, it saves the bar owner a little money, and he appreciates that."
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.
Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? |
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Ollin Landers
From:
Willow Springs, NC
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 7:41 am
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OK.
I probably learned more from Jeff Newman materials than anyone else. IMHO it's the right hand technique that Jeff taught that tend to make the Thumb and 2 easier to use. When I am correctly using the right hand peaked knuckle the Thumb and 1 fingering for me is awkward.
I also noticed that I tend to pick the string closest to the Thumb with 2 and the string farther away with 1.
But this is just one technique.
I have heard Doug Jernigan play pretty fast using Thumb and 1. I think I heard that Doug claims it's faster than Thumb and 2.
If you notice in this excellent video Doug has a flatter hand and picks the strings sort of in order. In other words he would pick string 5 (Thumb) string 4 (1) and string 3 (2).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvxiz57N6CE (1:54) Minutes
Using the Newman peaked knuckle technique it's actually easier for me to pick string 5 (Thumb) string 4 (2) and string 3 (1).
When I play 3 note chords or if I'm picking Thumb and then 1&2 together or vice versa I tend to flatten my right hand out more and play in order Thumb 1 then 2.
Some times it's nice to be able to mix techniques.
_________________
Zum SD-12 Black, Zum SD-12 Burly Elm Several B-Bender Tele's and a lot of other gear I can't play.
I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other half I wasted. W.C. Fields |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 7:51 am
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Doug also places his thumb pick farther up the knuckle. Since the fulcum of the finger is where it meets the metacarpal bone in the palm, bringing the pick closer to the fulcrum reduces the distance needed to effect the move, thereby making the thumb faster than it would be if the pick were closer to the thumb tip.
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.
Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? |
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Ollin Landers
From:
Willow Springs, NC
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 8:08 am
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| Quote: |
| Herb Wrote "Doug also places his thumb pick farther up the knuckle." |
And Doug has a pretty fast Thumb.
I never noticed how far up on the thumb Doug puts that pick. I know I tend to have issues with the Blue Herco's sliding down or getting loose. But I put mine on about centered on the cuticle. I suspect that's where a lot of people wear it.
Doug looks like he has that thing above the cuticle completely.
_________________
Zum SD-12 Black, Zum SD-12 Burly Elm Several B-Bender Tele's and a lot of other gear I can't play.
I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other half I wasted. W.C. Fields |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 10:29 am
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Play primarily versions of banjo rolls and alternating picking - almost no two-note or three note "grips". Sneaky Pete recommended I start out that way and stick with it as much as possible, and the other multiple-finger grips would simply fall into place when needed.
He was right. I find it far more fun as well, and makes playing with a band early in your steel experience far easier.
Instruction books are almost universally singular in style, and there are very few of them. Do you really want to play just like everybody else? If so, play the tab as written and use the fingers recommended. If you want to develop faster play "close" to the tab and play it in the way that feels best to you.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Peter Nylund
From:
Finland
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 11:14 am
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Playing a diminished chord with only two notes doesn't sound very convincing to me
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I know my playing is a bit pitchy, but at least my tone sucks |
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Dick Wood
From:
Springtown Texas, USA
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 11:42 am
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I use my thumb and second most of the time BUT I do switch up at times and use my thumb and first so that I can be more versatile in my style of playing.Do not limit yourself to this or that way of doing something.
Most of my fills are two strings.
_________________
Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night. |
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Herb Steiner
From:
Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064
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Posted 10 Oct 2016 11:48 am
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| Peter Nylund wrote: |
| Playing a diminished chord with only two notes doesn't sound very convincing to me |
That sort of depends on what the rest of the band, especially the bassist, is playing. In a large or arranged ensemble the total band sound produces the chord. But played by itself, yes three notes are preferable.
_________________
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.
Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? |
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