Flatpicker Hangout - Playing Advice Forum Feed

Newbie question. Learning resources etc.

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:21:08 CST

Hi all. I am a clawhammer banjo player with basically no guitar experience and I am interested in learning what I think is "flatpicking guitar".

Here are a couple of examples of what I'm interested in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJMMbqjzRps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByhvD4HTGNo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baz7rHAcfII

Basically I'm looking into learning a style which is suited to playing songs solo while singing. I'm not really interested in the more melodic bluegrass stuff of playing the fiddle tunes blazingly fast while someone else plays rhythm etc. Does anyone have any suggestions of books etc that would help me learn how to play the type of stuff I've linked to above.

I have one more question. Closer to home, I am a big fan of the guitar playing of Paul Brady on his traditional songs. I bought his teaching dvd but it assumes that the student is quite advanced before starting.

Here's one of his more famous songs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8RVexRUoQ

And the clip for the homespun dvd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGa-Hn_Dyws

I know he works from open tunings and uses hybrid picking, but in terms of the picking aspects, would starting with american flatpicking be an ok method of working towards playing that type of stuff? It looks sort of similar to me but then again, I don't really know.

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rhythm play along

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:29:31 CST

Hello everyone. I've been wanting to improve on my rhythm playing and was wanting to know if there are some "play along" CD's/Books out there of the more common jam session tunes and songs that have the melody and leads, but not the rhythm guitar parts. I know most of the play along material on the market is the other way around - the rhythm tracks are there and you play the melody / lead - but I am hoping that there are some of the other. I am wanting to explore more into my rhythm playing and get more creative with the bass runs and fills and I believe that some play alongs would be great. Thanks.

Blue wheelies

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:15 CST

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb122/rhnstn/th_Picture.jpg

Hope the link works.

The pic is of an endangered species of pick.

They are translucent blue, coming to a rather sharp point with tread and a spoked wheel shaped design across the grip

They were one of several similar designs in different colors.

Does anyone know of a source for these?

Free tab software?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:40:08 CST

I could probably get away w/ using Word or something but is there anything better that is free?

or maybe really close to free.. .:)

Playing with a bass player

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:10:56 CST

I have always played in small groups where there was no bass player - usually a couple guitars, a mando, at times a harmonica player, but no bass player. As much as I love to play melody and lead lines, I always volunteer to be the rhythm player - only because I know the other guitar player much prefers to play lead so I just give it to him :) Because there has never been a bass player, I would always play a bit heavily on the bass runs to "hold down the fort". So now, there will be a bass player coming to our little get together sessions and I am looking for advice and tips from those that have played with bass players. My concern is that I don't walk on his playing, and vice versa. Tips?...

Telecaster string gauge?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:28:39 CST

This might be a little off topic in a flatpicking forum but this question is for you who play both electric and acoustic guitars. I used to play the Telecaster playing country many years ago but turned towards the acoustic playing bluegrass and acoustic country. I haven´t touched the Tele for at least 5 years. Now I am about to buy a new Tele and doin som Twanging again. The strings I used on the Tele was .010 and when I switched to the acoustic I settled for .013 medium gauge. I am thinking about what stringgauge I should ask them to put on the Tele at the musicstore when they do a setup. I am thinking .011 would be a good choice since I am used to playing heavy strings nowadays and have a harder attack. .010 would feel to soft for me. I don´t have any problems with bending elevens a whole step but tens would definatly be smoother. What´s your opinion on this topic? The step between 10 and 13, switching back and forth between the acoustic and the electric seems to big for me.

Flat tuning anyone?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:59:36 CST

I've been playing for about thirty years and have always tuned my electric down a half-step just because that,s the way Jimi and Edward did it....I will continue to do so because I'm used to it now. However, until around six months ago, I had always tuned my flat-tops and mandolin to standard pitch...partly to avoid tuning conflicts with various fiddle, bass and banjo players, and because I was paranoid about acoustic instruments being sensitive to anything outside of their original design parameters. Like i said, about six months ago, I tuned my D-16 down a half-step on a lark to better fit my voice on a particular tune, and then capoed up to standard on the next tune. I've found that i REALLY like the resulting feel, both open and with the capo, as well as the easing of the wear and tear on my voice. Does anyone else do this on their acoustic? Can anyone think of a reason why I shouldn't?

Electric,cutaway guitars vs non cutaway acoustic guitars

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:16:13 CST

Hi, I feel that non cutaway acoustic guitars seem to have more " soul" in them than cutaway acoustics and electric guitars. Non cutaway acoustic guitar ( of course not all of them) seem to have fuller, richer and complex sound to them. Any opinion?.

BC Rich Acoustica

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:07:18 CST

Does anyone have any information about BC Rich Acoustic guitars

not electrics

Online Jamming Workshop TONIGHT

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:03:06 CST

Howdy folks!

The Hangout's are joining together to present a Jamming workshop by the Nashville Music Workshop. Ned Luberecki, Megan Lynch and Stephen Mougin will guide folks on a 90 minute adventure in jamming. Cost is $20 and there is no special software required. We will do some instruction and some question response.

Function of a Jam, Jam Etiquette, Your role in the Jam, Tactics for improvising on songs you don't know, Preparing a couple of tunes to jam with AND MUCH MORE!

Join us at 5pm PST/ 7pm CST here on the hangout. Click on http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/lessons/workshops/ for more information!

-Mojo

www.stephenmougin.com

www.darkshadowrecording.com

www.nashvillemusicworkshop.com

Brush technique !:D

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:27:23 CST

Okey, i got a tips from Fpey that i rest my wrist on the bridge to much. So i been working on the brush technique he taught me. And for about 1 hour ago i started to learn a new song (Texas gales) and i could play it "superfast" and with clean tone. Thats the fastest i played ever, and it acctually sounds good! I also watched my dvd i got with Bryan Sutton, and learned a better way to hold the pick aswell.

So thanks for that advice :D!

ROUTE66

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:25:50 CST

Hey guys!

Does someone know Mike (username Route66) in person? Can't get in touch with him: Yahoo says that e-mail address is not valid.

http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/classified/3730

Thanks in advance!

Francesco

New Ebook Ready

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 09:07:40 CST

I have just finished volume 1 of my new ebook. This concentrates solely on the pick hand and is meant to develop pick hand strength and most importantly timing.Volume 2 will continue with similar exercises and volume 3 I think will start working on building timing and strength with in your fret hand. Although the e book is free a donation would be greatly appreciated. I have a lot of time and effort in this to make sure the exercises will actually do what they were meant for and they will if you stick with a regular routine. So if you are interested in the e book or a donation let me know by pm. All I will need is an email. And if you do get a free copy I WANT FEEDBACK!!!!

Thanks!

Few acoustic guitar questions

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 18:35:13 CST

Hi, I have few acoustic guitar questions and I am wondering if anyone answers for the following questions:

1- can one play fingerpicking on dreadnaught and sound good and full.

2- is there volume and sound quality difference between cutaway and non-cutaway guitars.

3- how long does it take for an acoustic guitar to " break-in" and open up to its full potential, and is there anyway to speed up the break-in process. Thanks.

hello people just wanted to tell you about a web seminar that coming up

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 03:56:07 CST

Hello people a great flamenco seminar is about to begin all the details are at

www.anymeeting.com/jayberguitar

hope to see you there.

DDU picking

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 7 Jan 2012 15:39:14 CST

The "Jamey Pittman Video" thread renewed my interest in working on DDU picking (thanks DaddyJ!). I've always picked strict DUDU and never put any real effort into DDU picking, but I decided it was time to give it a real try.

Anyways, around the middle of December I started spending about 30 min. per day playing DDU rolls, VERY slowly at first. It felt very awkward initially, as I had to really fight the ingrained pattern of hitting an upstroke after that initial downstroke, but after only 2 weeks, I was playing basic rolls at decent speed and the consecutive downstrokes started feeling natural. It's been 3-1/2 weeks now, and I've gotten pretty fast, and although I occasionally slip back into DUDU at the end of a roll, I've been really surprised at how quickly I've picked it up.

I've started trying to work some DDU rolls into some of my regular tunes like "Bury Me" and can play it at near my full speed. It's still a bit dicey making the transition to and from the DDU rolls because I'm playing the rest of the tune in strict DUDU, but my ability to keep it fluid seems to be getting better quickly.

I'm not really looking for any advice, although any is appreciated, but I did want to pass these observations.

Sing and crosspicking at the same time??

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 2 Jan 2012 07:21:47 CST

Hello guys! Im thinking about record when i sing and crosspicking, BUT i really cant do it at the same time! Its impossible.. If i strum the chords i can do it, any tips on how to learn this? When i try to crosspick and sing at the same time, i play to fast/slow etc.. Not sounding very good. Any good tune to start practice this to?

Hope you dont think this is a stupid question :P

Patrik

Need Advice: New to bluegrass/not new to guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 1 Jan 2012 06:33:22 CST

Hey guys! Cool forum here!

I've been playing guitar for many years in as professional wedding/rock/r&b type group.

I got in to bluegrass after a trip to Merlefest a few years ago. Now I would love to learn some bluegrass guitar. I was wondering if there are any dvd's, books, or online lessons that you guys would recommend?

The Bryan Sutton Academy thing looks very cool, but still trying to figure out if I can spend that much money right now.

Any ideas? THANKS!

-Hunter

www.thejuiceband.com

www.huntingforhealth.com

I Pad app

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:13:29 CST

Anyone know of a I Pad App that will allow you to play each note on the fretboard for guitar of Mandolin?

how long to play normal speed?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:14:06 CST

Hi there, how long does it take for you guys to play a new song you never played, and then get it up to normal speed. Lets say Blackberry blossom. i can play it pretty good in 200bpm but 240 is just impossible to get 100% clean tone. Been playing this song for about 1 month or so.

New Group

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:42:22 CST

This may be in the wrong section, but I'm going to be starting a new bluegrass group in the Fayetteville, NC area. I am looking for some good musicians in the area to get started. All instruments needed (lead guitar, banjo, mando, bass, dobro). Also, looking for tenor singers. If your interested in getting together for a little jam to try things out, send me an email to: scottiebeardsley@gmail.com.

Scale patterns for short fingers , need help!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:44:16 CST

I got got stubby fingers and limited reach. I usually use major scales in open position , but lately I've been bored and wanting to learn something more. I have looked at other patterns, but I guess I have been in the open position so long they aren't comfortable. I would really appreciate some patterns that y'all suggest, I'd rather get them from the musicians that know. Any and all comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Playing Lead?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:11:29 CST

Hey, I have played banjo and guitar for about 4 years or so, And I have mainly focused on the banjo. And just played rhythm bluegrass, country, and other genres on the guitar. Well, Listening to some bluegrass lead stuff on guitar has got me wanting to learn to play lead on the guitar. Here's the problem.... I don't know where to start, I know how to build a solo around a melody on the banjo but not the guitar. So any suggestions on learning lead guitar would help. Thank You.

A little help getting started

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 14:21:03 CST

I've had a guitar for a couple of years or so and recently got a new desire to learn again.I like bluegrass and was curious as to who is held in high regard as far as their instructional material goes. I have Murphy Method for the banjo and like it real well but I don't know about the guitar instruction since I haven't heard much of it. Also could someone please point me to any web sites other than this one for good beginner bluegrass info. Thanks

Here's a tune

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:26:51 CST

Hey guys,

Here is a tune that I wrote and recorded. Somebody from the Academy of Bluegrass was nice and added some mando.

I'm interested in criticism, or more appropriately... advice... on my guitar break. It starts at about 1:15. I am really starting to realize how much of a beginner I really am... though, I feel like I spend and inordinate amount of time practicing (scales, chords, etc.).

It's a murder ballad... Your Sister was a Callin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4YCl06zE_Q

Thanks in advance for your advice and criticism...

Playing chords

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 3 Dec 2011 19:51:45 CST

I meet a person today and ask what genre of music they play and they said they "just play chords". What exactly does that mean? Thanks.

More Backing Tracks

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:24:17 CST

If you're interested in backing tracks, there's a great resource over on the BHO. Mark from the UK has a thread full of backing tracks, about 50 or more by now. He adds songs almost daily. All of his backing tracks are for free download, so no one is without a jam session. Almost all of his songs are in recorded in 3 different speeds, tailored to fit your level. All you have to do is right click and download. They are all done in Bluegrass style.

http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/218356/1

Mark's thread is a GREAT resource, and it's free. Combine Mark's thread with the Flatpicker Apprentice website, and you probably have all of the backing tracks you could ever need, except for very rare, obscure tunes. And you spent no money. Let me know if you have a problem downloading from Mark's thread.

Are chords the best way to dominate the fretboard?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:15:32 CST

Hi, it seems to me that jazz guitar players seem to be masters of fretboard. Is that because they are chord masters. Some say jazz guitar is the most sophisticated guitar playing there is, and I am wondering if the reason is because they spent a lot of time practicing chords.

Seeking double stop advice

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:40:43 CST

I’m an intermediate flatpicker but haven’t spent much time on double stops. I find the upswing difficult; I usually hit only one of the two strings. The downswing is much easier. Though I’d guess the solution is practice-practice-practice, I figure it can’t hurt to invite any wisdom on right-hand technique for double stops. Thanks.

John

Working back up the arm

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:42:55 CST

Would love to hear from teachers and students on this:

As a guitar teacher I have noticed that teaching beginners usually involves working backwards, up the arm.

First lessons involve the fingers: fingertips, curved knuckles, placement in the frets, how to hold the pick, etc.

Then things usually progress to the hand: loose curved hand shape, no awkward squeezing, keep your RH floating, etc.

From that, sometimes on to the wrist (keep it loose) and arm (power comes from arm, finesse comes from fingers, etc.) and even the shoulders (don't twist, don't drop or lift your shoulder when you play.)

Personally, when I'm playing it feels like the power impulse comes from deeper inside, from in the chest, not the fingers, in the same way that talking comes from the lungs and diaphragm, not the mouth, or a car is powered from the engine, not the wheels. Maybe many players feel the power coming from deep inside, yet I'm not aware of any guitar teacher--or any instrument teacher for that matter--who addresses this. Frankly I'm not entirely sure whether I'm just imagining it.

Any thoughts?

Tom

custom tab transcriptions

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:47:40 CST

Not sure if this is an appropriate posting here, but here goes...

We have a little community music school in Urbana, Illinois, with a number of very skilled guitar and banjo players and teachers on staff. We have all been transcribing music for many years, and we are now trying to get an online custom transcription biz off the ground.

I know there is plenty of guitar tab available on the web, but if you want something you can't Google, something unusual and arcane, or you would like an individualized transcription with instructor notes, try us out.

Links are on my FHO homepage: http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/my/tfaux

twang,

Tom

more crosspicking!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:46 CST

Hi all. I want to let you know about two resources I just worked on regarding crosspicking:

1. In the "Back to Basics" issue of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine I show how to combine a pattern with your right hand with the melody in your left... resulting in crosspicking without TAB!

2. I'm featured in the January 2012 (out already!) issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine (more crosspicking). Online stuff here: http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=25695

Christmas Present

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:06:04 CST

How-do all, I'm looking to get my 19 yr old daughter a guitar for Christmas. She has never played... will she messes around with her boy friends bass guitar... But never played a guitar for her self.. I know you get what you pay for... But I'm also not going to drop big money on a interment that she may or may not play.

So here is what I looking at...

something used in good shape

less then $300.

has a good playable action

Basically something that will not be hard for her to play... I know some knock offs look great for the price.. but are hard to play and the only way to get a good tune out of the is to use a chain saw on them... LOL!

So throw out your ideas... Thanks

Hello

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:17:14 CST

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting here. I have been a member of the fiddle hangout for 2 years as fiddle is my main instrument right now. I've wanted to learn guitar for a while and be able to play some bluegrass and strum some classic country.

I did some research and ended up buying a Recording King RD-10. I was wondering what folks think about this as a starter guitar. I was told it was a good starter because it is all solid wood.

Also, any recommendations of who on youtube might give some decent instruction? I'm looking to strum chords along with tunes to start with.

Thanks

anyone have a link

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:28:07 CST

To a good place to get a cowboy song tabbed ?

thanks

Looking for Chord Progression Chart ?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 4 Nov 2011 14:33:56 CST

Hello,

I was browsing through the " Hang Out " sites and came upon a link for a You Tube Video,

the video showed how different chords lead to another.

It showed a chart like this :

I ( Any )

iii

IV ( V, I )

V ( I , IV )

something like this , it showed that if you played one chord, say a I chord , you can play any chord after that,

say you played a V chord, your choice would be a I or a IV.

I know this is not set in stone, but it was a pretty interesting concept.

I have tried to find the video and the thread but no go.

I was wondering if any one remembers the thread, or is familiar with this concept.

I wish I could give more information, but I just don't remember,

Thanks for any help you can give.

John

How important are chords learning the guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:27:31 CST

Hi, bluegrass music doesn't seem to have too many chords ( eg.comparing to jazz), but how important are chords in learning the guitar. Jazz players seem masters of chords, and Ted Greene has a book called chord chemistry,which can take a long time to master it. Thanks.

Chord name with Capo

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:21:51 CST

Hi -

So, let's say I'm playing in the key of D, and I have the capo on the 2nd fret. I'm playing a D chord using the "C form" (third finger on the fith string form).

That's a D chord, but...do I call it a D chord? Do I call it C? I'm thinking it's obvious I would call it D, but I have heard others call it "C with a capo".

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Scotty.

Rhythm problems

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:13:47 CST

I do have trouble with rhythm at a higher pace, after 200 beats I tend to lose it some what . Is there a magic bullet other than half time ???

Is there such as fingerpicked fiddle tunes?.

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:34:12 CST

Hi, is there such thing as fingerpicked fiddle tunes?, if there is ,how do they sound. Thanks.

Are there other website similar to flatpickinghangout

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:29:51 CST

Hi, this form is good, but traffic seem too slow , are there other website similar in content to this one that one can intereact with others. Thanks.

Chops and the Multi-instrumentalist

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:59:47 CST

Not that I have any musical chops, mind you, but have any of you ever noticed how difficult it is to get back in the groove with the guitar compared to the banjo, or mandolin?

I can stay away from the banjo altogether for a week or more, and after a couple of hours practice, I'm back in the groove, more or less, (cue jokes), but my guitar will flat out punish me for a week or longer if I stay away more than a day.

The guitar is a harsh mistress.

Flatpicking in 9/8 time?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:09:52 CST

Hey folks,

I don't know much about jigs or reels... or whatever :) I'd like to flatpick this tune:

http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/irish-guitar-tab/kid_on_the_mountain.htm

However, the time signature doesn't lend itself well to up down picking... I'd love to know how you would generally tackle this issue.

Gorilla Tips?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:31:33 CST

Hi Guys & Gals,
I'm just starting out and have been practicing for a few weeks. I'm having a problem with my left fingers, lots of pain. Not on the skin, but deep inside the fingers. After a few minutes of playing I have to stop.
I found these finger protectors on-line called Gorilla Tips. Seems like a good idea. Has anyone here tried them?

Thanks for any info,
George

Best guitar to learn fingerpicking

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:43:28 CST

What is the best guitar to learn fingerpicking, classical, or dreadnaught.. Thanks.

Fiddle Tunes on Kompoz

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:25:23 CST

Hey fellow jammers,
I started playing around with Kompoz last night... it's a fun website where you can use the free program Audacity (or any other multi track software) to collaborate music with.

I found a couple of old timey fiddle tunes that I wanted to learn (from fgm, Adam Grangers column), and put them up as projects...
You can hear them here, and join the project, and add tracks! I left places open for other breaks
Would be great to hear some other instruments... bass, banjo (claw or bg), mando, a guitar, and seeing how they are fiddle tunes, maybe a fiddle! Really, i'd take anything, just think it might be fun.
Anyway, I put them up, if you have the time/technology/desire... let's do a little jamming.

These are really slow... 150 bmp... but, I didn't spend any time actually 'learning' them either
http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=152597&projectId=27405
http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=152472&projectId=27390

This one has my cigar box guitar (built this weekend) taking a little break:

http://www.kompoz.com/compose-collaborate/home.track.project?trackId=153059&projectId=27473

The links above are to a mixed track, but if you poke around, you'll find all of the individual tracks.

I hope some or all of you participate!

Benefits of fingerpicking

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 9 Oct 2011 10:24:25 CST

Hi, I like the crisp sound of flatpicking, but I am sure there are benefits of learning fingerpicking. Any benefits?. Thanks.

A new lick

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 3 Oct 2011 18:28:15 CST

Messing around with the guitar early this morning (late last night for me actually) I stumbled on a lick. I've done it similarly for a while, but this particular incarnation of it was new for me. Anyway, I thought it was a pretty neat lick, and could be used in a lot of arrangements. So I made a video breaking it down for anybody that might be interested in playing it. Posted it on youtube, the link is http://youtu.be/fBFQ3ANmys8

What does it take to " play what you feel"

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:20:02 CST

Hi, this may be a difficult question, but what does it take to play what you feel. There could be many answers. Thanks.

Question for Allen Shadd – holding the guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:52:38 CST

Hey Allen – I saw the video you posted in the coated string thread and it made me think of something my son and I are currently struggling with.

He just started experimenting with putting the guitar on his left leg like you do (without any prompting from me). I felt like it improved his playing (especially lead), but he complains that it eventually gets uncomfortable, and if he’s not comfortable that will eventually transfer into his playing. He dabbled in classical for a few months earlier this year so it’s not the first time he’s held the guitar that way, but it was a classical guitar and he was playing fingerstyle.

I was wondering if you would tell us your thoughts on this method of holding the guitar – what led you to adopt this style, why you prefer it, why you don’t see more flatpickers doing it, rhythm vs. lead, etc.

By the way, if you have any thoughts on the subject but have the misfortune not to be named Allen Shadd...you may post as well.

Thanks!