Archive for right hand

Alternating Movements

by Joe
August 28th, 2011

Part of my 32 movements are those of the alternating category. Once you learn to use your thumb, index and middle as separate digits, then you can start to use them against each other. The most basic move is a single one so we now apply to singles to create an alternating move. Our first to study is the thumb against the index finger. The thumb picks the string and then the index finger picks a string. For instance, if you have thumb, index and middle on strings 4, 5 & 6 then with your thumb pick the sixth string. Now when you do that the other fingers should remain on the strings ready to go. At the same time you get ready to pick with your index finger the thumb should return to the string.

This process should alternate between each one over and over. When you are repeating the move you really are blocking when you pick it the next time. If you’re having trouble with this then you should slow way down and do the following:

  • Pick with your Thumb
  • Set it back down
  • Pick with your index
  • Set it back down
  • Repeat

The reason for slowing things down is to gain control over the exact movement you want to execute. Then when that is in place you can start to speed up the correct moves. The same exact movements are taking place but at a faster tempo. This makes your tone and execution improve by doing perfect practice.

I’ve got lots of technique exercises in the free teaching pages area of the website. A good drill is located at: Alternating Exercise

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Hand Position

by Joe
February 1st, 2010

There are two ways to look at your hand position. We can look at how picks go towards the strings. I call this the angle of attack. We also can look at where are palm or side of hand is located across the strings. One way is to have the hand laying next to the strings. This is what I call a traditional method. We can see how this would allow for utilizing the side of the hand as a block or damper to control the strings. This places your hand at in a position that has your first knuckle higher than the rest. To describe it as a 45 degree angle is appropriate.

Another method that is used I call the modern. This is with the top of your hand in a flat position. This places your picks on the strings with all of the pick in play. The traditional rotates the hand and puts the edge of the pick on the strings.

The thumb angle is different with both because of the rotation. With the hand in the traditional position then you have the thumb pick attacking the strings at a slight angle. In the modern method the thumb pick is placed flat across the string. A good way to see is how well your thumb pick looks. A chewed thumb pick usually comes from the angled attack created by the rotation of the right hand.

All of this also relates to the position of the rest of the arm. We will break it all down in later posts. But for the most part this video will get you started on your way. I talk about the different ways that you can hold your hand. The WebVideo is dated December, 19 2009. It also has a section on scales using Excel and recording the screen on my computer.

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The Right Hand

by joeblog
December 13th, 2009

When it comes to playing a pedal steel guitar, the Right Hand is where it is at. No matter what you want to learn on your guitar, the right hand will ultimately be involved. Want to learn a scale? Right Hand. Want to play a harmonic? Right Hand. The list can go on and on but each of the different parts that combine to play the steel, such as, bar hand, pedals, knee levers and volume pedal are all dependent. The key to a pedal steel guitar is getting the string to vibrate, then you can change the pitch by using the bar as a slide.

The fact that the tuning demands exact string groups when you are playing makes it even more important to learn. I believe the best way to learn to advance your right hand is to take a training approach. Dedicated drills that are derived from the moves you’ll need to know is the easiest and most efficient method.

The right hand can be exercised with small movements that will eventually be combined to play more advanced licks. You learn to look at the Thumb as an individual digit, then the first finger and the same is applied to the second finger. After you learn to play them individually then you start to study groups of 2 and 3. When you do repetitions of the various drills you will start to not only know the move but you will be exact and be conditioned. Hands that in playing condition definitely get better tone. Hours of work at practice and on the job are the only way to get to the next level in your musical journey.

Work on your hands and everything else will be better. Picking the string(s) that you want, when you want is the key. After all why slide the bar if you can’t pick the strings? It will always come back to what can your right hand do for you now.

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Right Hand Technique

by Joe
August 26th, 2009

Hello All,

Want to talk about the right hand and how it makes  the pedal steel happen. I’ve recorded numerous videos on this subject and they are located at the website cart.

My latest video Webcast shows you how to divide your right hand into 7 Magic Moves. These moves should be mastered one at a time. The key is being able to play each one and then in any combination.

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