blocking

Larry Griffin · From: Rittman, Ohio, USA

ive played pedal steel for a while but i cant seem to figure out a good blocking pickin pattern i guess is what im trying to describe trying to figure which strings to use in a finger picking roll i suppose any help would be appreciated im pretty far away from anyone who gives lessons so i kinda have to use whatever means i can to learn thanks Larry Griffin

A. J. Schobert · From: Cincinnati, Ohio,

Larry start slow and set your goals realistic. Get video's, just play one part slow and this may take you months to learn to effectivly block out the notes. Technique is important, but listening to how you sound out of the amp is just as important. I would encourage you to find a teacher. They can help you so much and speed up the proccess.

Ken Metcalf · From: San Antonio Texas USA

Here’s one for you.
Pick string 8, then 7 then 6.
Stop each from ringing before you pick the next string.
Pick 8 stop, 7 stop 6 stop all open no pedals.
OK do it like this 8, 7, 6, - 7, 6, 5, - 6,5,4,3
Let 3 ring a second then stop it.
move up 2 frets do it again.
I block with my picks.
Good luck!!
_________________
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Little Walter PF-89.
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Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

I still have a long way to go with blocking techniques. But what I found that worked to get me this far, is to: First, don't worry about what strings you pick. Just stike a couple of random strings and try stopping them from ringing with the pick. That way you don't have to think about 2 things (a pattern) at once. Then, when you have some success with blocking, as Ken mentioned, try a 3 string pattern, and then a 4 string pattern. When I started doing this, all I worried about was deadening the string. I didn't care how. I then found myself blocking with my palm and the picks.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Pick blocking requires a moderate picking force and speed to work well. It doesn't work nearly as well if you try to be "soft and gentle"!

Pull 'em out by the roots!!!

Pat Burns · From: Branchville, N.J. USA

...do yourself a favor and buy Joe Wright's course...it's all about the body mechanics of playing the steel, including picking and blocking, and the muscle memory that you gain from the practice...it's basic and necessary, like putting your underwear on before you put on your pants.

A. Roncetti · From: Toronto,Ontario, Canada

I was taught a very useful technique and it works very well. Hold your picking hand in a "C" shape. You should have a crease in your hand just below your pinky.No matter what strings you are using if that crease is in line with the top string you are picking blocking comes easily. Move your hand so the crease is always over the first string in the grip.Try to lift your whole hand keeping it in that shape rather than your wrist.My 2¢

Buck Dilly · From: Branchville, NJ, USA * R.I.P.

Ditto what Pat said- I do 10 to 30 minutes of Joe Wright Exercises everytime I sit down. I do this first. This warms up the muscles and helps to create muscle memory. The key to playing up to speed is to practice slowly and accurately. I also recommend both pick and flesh blocking while doing any exercise. Eack style has distinct advantages. There are many threads on this subject in the forum. Read them. Now...to Pat Burns- "Stop Typing and practice!!"

Wayne D. Clark · From: Montello Wisconsin, USA

Larry, Jeff Newman (deceased) Jeffran Music, has a two disk lesson out called "The Right Hand Alpha" that deals with Pick Blocking. One disk is a DVD the other a CD. Email me and I'll give you the 800 #. Mr Rencetti's comment sounds a lot like Newman's Method.

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Godrich Pedal
Nashville 400

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