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Topic: Eliminating harmonics when pick blocking |
Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 7 Dec 2011 4:17 pm |
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I am baffled and being driven nuts by the harmonics I am creating.
I am practicing a simple Joe Wright exercise.
No bar is used.
I start on strings 10-Thumb, 9-Index and 8-Middle.
I pick string 8 and then move all three fingers up one string (9,8,7).
Now I pick string 7.
At this point, if I understand correctly, the Index, now on string 8, is blocking/muting the string I just finished picking.
I continue this sequence.
By the time I pick string 5 I've got harmonics galore screaming in the background.
I was under the impression that pick blocking would mute the previously picked string.
Palm blocking does stop the annoying harmonic ringing.
Trouble is, Joe is doing this on the DVD and I hear no crazy harmonics.
What do I do to stop the screaming harmonics?
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At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 7 Dec 2011 5:10 pm
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Pick blocking is hard and tricky.
Try moving your hand a bit, in case you put your pics in a harmonic spot.
Try pressing a bit more firmly when you block, but not so firmly that letting go of the strings excites them.
I've not developed my pick blocking to the point I feel comfortable letting others hear it. I can't stifle the noise. I hate hearing picks.
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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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Hans Penner
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 7 Dec 2011 8:31 pm
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Thanx, Lane
For verifying that Joe is demonstrating pick blocking. Now if I could just get someone to tell me how to stop these screeching harmonics. They do stop when I palm block.
_________________
At long last, July 14, 2011 and I have a musical instrument I CAN play.
Stage One, Nashville 112, Hilton pedal, Black Box |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 7 Dec 2011 9:03 pm
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Then palm block more til you get the hang of the other
_________________
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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Benjamin Jayne
From:
Orange County California, USA
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Posted 7 Dec 2011 9:10 pm
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try the exercise with the bar in playing position. Open notes are most prone to harmonic resonance. fanning your left hand fingers out over the strings behind the bar typically blocks most of these natural overtones, but with open strings, there is nothing to stop them, and they are compounding in nature. At least this way you can practice the right hand technique without driving your ears insane!
I would also double check that the harmonic is coming from the string you are blocking and not the one you are plucking with your middle finger. is it possible that you are slightly touching the "top" string with the back of your index finger or pick as you pick block the "middle" string and happen to be touching it at a strong harmonic spot on the neck?
Try blocking without plucking the top note to rule this out. I also second Lane's suggestion to move your right hand up and down the neck a fret's distance or two to see if you can avoid sensitive spots.
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Lamar S-10, Goodrich L10K VP, Carvin Vintage 16 all-tube amp, John Pearse Cryogenic steel tone bar, John Pearse strings. |
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Roger Francis
From:
kokomo,Indiana, USA
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Posted 8 Dec 2011 6:47 am
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| It can be a hard technique to master if it don't come natural like it does for some people. i spent 25 yrs palm blocking and switched to pick blocking about 8 or 9 yrs ago, that was a trip, couldn't do it either way for a while. I don't know how long you've been playing but if you stay with the exercises Joe gives you you'll be fine. it takes time and what Benjamin said about playing with the bar is good advise. Try not to bounce your right hand up and down while pick blocking, just let your fingers do the work. A lot of practice is the key to getting there and these little harmonic things will eventualy go away if you practice practice practice, OH and did i mention PRACTICE? Good luck Hans you will get there |
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