Discussing The Physiological Differences At The Hands

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

I'm wondering if others have considered the differences that seem to promote more speed in finger movements? It was once thought that practice was the key to the wonders of speed picking. I'm saying, not quite so! There are too many reasons to believe otherwise. It's the dreaded SLUMP in progress that should awaken a player to the reality of certain differences in various individuals.

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

I have always believed it takes practice to be a speed picker. This is what the late great Jeff Newman told us as well. Other experts in the field say the same thing.
You say "It was once thought..." I say it was more than that, I say it has been established as irrefutable proof that it takes loads of practice.

What are your "many" reasons to believe otherwise?

Sure, there are slight physiological difference in the hands from one player to the next but they are over come by practice and more practice.
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Mike Kowalik · From: San Antonio,Texas

Before being able to pick fast comes the necessity of musical knowledge.One must know what notes must be produced to play the desired melody.Next comes knowing what strings and pedal/lever movements must be utilized.

I've heard players that were able to play fast but what they played fast said nothing musically.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

I have often thought, especially while listening to Herby Wallace at his best, that there is no way I could practice enough to achieve that level of speed. I do believe that certain people have faster "twitch-muscles" than others. Of course anyone can improve their speed by practice but I'm not sure that there aren't different potential limits for different people.
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Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Yeah, Jimmy Day and about 40 other people to whom it has been attributed...
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b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

richard burton · From: Britain

It's all to do with the speed that the brain can fire off signals to the fingers.

The synapses have to be super-fast to become a speed picker.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Jim,

All kidding aside, I recall hearing you play a fast run on the pedal steel that in my opinion rivaled some of the fastest players in the land. It was a quick burst of notes ascending a scale in a split second. I can't forget hearing such great accomplishments in speed picking.

Maintaining a stance on my part that prolonged practice sessions are just as wearisome as the dawning of the realization that developing a likeness to our super pickers may never transpire.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

.. but it will still make you a better player. So go practice! Wink

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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

a slump doesn't wake me up. when i start slumping i usually end up going to sleep.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Human responses to direct commands appear to be underdeveloped. There are no phenomenal reactions indicating an instant response to sudden threats that may cause bodily harm. The most likely instances can be readily observed in such sports as baseball or professional boxing. The same split second delay in getting clobbered with a right hook to the jaw, is directly related to a slowing of special commands at the pedal steel to pick up the tempo. Held in reserve, are those who are exceedingly gifted through some unknown force of natural means.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i can feel myself getting drowsy again already.....

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

I think practice is absolutely required. It develops, and maintains the "Hardwiring" of the brain to the fingers, hands, feet and knees. The proper amount of time spent practicing is important. I learned that if I spend too much time at it, I can become burned out. My nerves become fried and at that point I think I'm wasting time. That's when it's a good idea to take a break and come back to it later or the next day. If you don't spend enough time, then you play the steel on the armrest at the movie theatre like bOb.
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Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

b0b,

There is sufficient evidence that ARTISTIC ABILITY plays a huge function in generating the necessary timing and quickness of rapid note selections, executed with intense accuracy. The fingers of the artistic musician readily adapt to techniques that obviously are most difficult for a percentage of students striving to achieve loftier goals.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

What evidence? I don't buy it, Bill. Dexterity and artistic ability are two different things. Dexterity can be improved through repetitious training. Muscular dexterity is the primary requirement for speed picking. It has very little to do with artistic ability.
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Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

b0b,

Years ago, I sauntered into a music store that was owned by an accomplished guitarist. He allowed me to try out one of the guitars on display. I played through a couple songs, and then turned to face the shop's owner. The first words that spewed from his lips were; you play TOO HARD. I never capitalized on his advice to this day. His words rang true though, as it became more apparent that picking hard instead of picking lighter, and compensating by using additional volume, allowed for more speed while picking the strings. (Watch how lightly Chet Atkins picks the strings) At one point, while playing "THE ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL" he uses just the tips of his fingers. Sort of conclusive evidence that he knew something that helped to shape his career.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Most pedal steel players don't play hard enough, in my opinion. That's why they can't get a good tone.
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Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

b0b,

Very true b0b! The only differences would involve purpose, and intent. Typically, speed picked notes decay instantaneously, whereas the the JOHN C. tune "ROSE COLORED GLASSES", recorded by BUDDY EMMONS, requires those base notes played with great emphasis.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Fred,

Thanks for commenting, and stressing how you manage your practice at the pedal steel guitar. I wanted to point out that b0b has indeed stressed the importance of regular practice sessions. His tapping out rhythms at the theatre, in all probabilities has not set a precedent. Toe-tapping is another common behaviorism in music circles.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

b0b,

Could you elaborate further with dynamic prose as you have demonstrated by indicating that many players DO NOT pick with sufficient force? I wonder at times how well the problem has been thought out. Your statement is interesting, in as much as the door is open to others who may disagree. Getting boxed into a corner, or a one-way street is worth considering, when issues involve suggested playing style changes. Perhaps the ultimate resolve in the perspective student, would be developing character, and a personal touch, known far and wide as STYLE.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Well, it's often said that tone is in the hands, but it is rarely explained. A firm attack from the very tip of the finger pick is essential for good tone. Whether you are playing slowly or quickly, quietly or loudly, nothing is gained by scraping the pick over the string or applying too little energy. Robust string movement will excite the magnetic field well enough to produce the full overtone series, the primary characteristic of good tone.
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Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

b0b,

I'll buy that! However, as I'm sure that you are very much aware also, how a great number of players find different goals to pursue, that include playing without picks, for example. Getting back to the motion and energy of the picking fingers, I believe that too much is taken for granted. A good example of vitality can be observed by watching DAVID HARTLEY snap the fingers of his bar hand, while trying to recall a song title; better known as: "Save The Last Dance For Me". Indeed, many other relevancies supporting such notions are pending further studies.

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