Steel Guitar Strings
Strings & instruction for lap steel, Hawaiian & pedal steel guitars
http://SteelGuitarShopper.com
Ray Price Shuffles
Classic country shuffle styles for Band-in-a-Box, by BIAB guru Jim Baron.
http://steelguitarmusic.com

This Forum is CLOSED.
Go to bb.steelguitarforum.com to read and post new messages.


  The Steel Guitar Forum
  Pedal Steel
  Problem with 2nd finger pick

Post New Topic  
your profile | join | preferences | help | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Problem with 2nd finger pick
Joe Blount
Member

From: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

posted 03 May 2006 07:34 PM     profile     
I some how have developed a problem with getting my pick on the 2nd finger or middle finger from missing the correct string and my finger nail will catch the string below and cauise a sour tone on some cords.

I have bent my pick in every direction there is trying to correct this, but with no sucess. I have bent it so that it rest against the end of my finger and hopefully cover my nail, but it still finds a way to catch under my nail, and pluck the string below the one I intend to pick.
Have any of you had a problem with this? or any Suggestions on how to correct it.

A. J. Schobert
Member

From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???

posted 03 May 2006 07:56 PM     profile     
Joe I feel your pain I had trouble with stricking the 2nd string and accidently hitting the 1st string, what kind of picks do you use? I used dunlops and found the "ring" around the pick was giving me trouble (I thought it was my finger nail)and awhile ago I switched over to jeff newmans picks wishing I done it sooner, they seem to be the ticket for me, you may have to experiment with different brands,
Jerry Roller
Member

From: Van Buren, Arkansas USA

posted 03 May 2006 09:20 PM     profile     
Joe, you might try positioning your right hand in its normal position then try twisting your wrist slightly lowering the thumb and raising the pinky and see if that don't bring your picks into better position. If that don't help try twisting the wrist slightly in the opposite direction. You might have crept into a subtle change in hand position without realizing it.
Jerry
Leila Tuttle
Member

From: Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA

posted 03 May 2006 09:43 PM     profile     
Joe,

You don't have those picks on backwards do you? I know, silly question but....that's how I put them on in the beginning. If your fingernail is catching on the string 'below' I don't see how that can happen if your picks are curved upwards covering the fingernails. I guess it 'could' happen but....

Chris Brooks
Member

From: Providence, Rhode Island

posted 04 May 2006 05:40 AM     profile     
This might help:

With snips, I cut each end of the "ring" off where the last hole is. Then I round and file those edges.

There is enough left to grip the finger but the "ring" doesn't catch on the string.

Now you can twist and turn the "blade" to suit your finger angle and style of attack.

Chris

------------------
Carter SD-12 Extended E-9 with 5 & 6; Peavey N 112; Small Stone, Hughes & Kettner Rotosphere.

Nic du Toit
Member

From: Milnerton, Cape, South Africa

posted 04 May 2006 05:45 AM     profile     
This sounds a lot like incorrect right-hand technique. A few years ago I had the same trouble.......worked on a 'more correct' placement of the right hand.....hey presto!

------------------
Nic du Toit
1970 P/P Emmons D10 Fatback 8x5
Peavey Session 500 unmodfied

Click on the images to go to the CD's
Click here for Nic's other projects
Click here to E-mail us.

Joe Blount
Member

From: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

posted 04 May 2006 06:18 AM     profile     
No, Leila, I don't think I put them on wrong. Of, Course. Maybe I better check it again. Ha
A.J , Jerry, and Nic That is something I need to check on about the Hand Position, I think I do hold my hand too straight up. I need to try rolling it a little more to the right. and pick with the side of my picks. Which, will help me with racking the
strings on the C 6th neck. I think the biggest problem is that my middle finger is going to deep, and may be causing the nail to hit the next string. What do you think???
Steve Knight
Member

From: Arlington, Virginia, USA

posted 04 May 2006 06:46 AM     profile     
Joe,

I just noticed the same problem with my right hand about a week ago. Either it's a new problem for me, or I'm just listening more closely now. I did notice it about the time I started working on my tone. The "ring" on my 2nd fingerpick is catching the 1st string whenever I play the 2nd string. It looks like I'm going in too deep with my 2nd pick, but maybe it's just a bad hand position.

Jerry, I'll try your advice & see if that helps. Chris, I may use your advice, too.

SK

Bob Hoffnar
Member

From: Brooklyn, NY

posted 04 May 2006 07:11 AM     profile     
Steve,
Right down the road you have one of the greatest steel players and teachers that ever lived. Rather than tinker or waste your time fumbling around alone get on down to
www.billycoopersmusic.com/

and spent some time with Buddy Charleton !
You are lucky to live so close. I need to drive near 600 miles rt to get my lessons with him.

------------------
Bob
upcoming gigs
My Website

A. J. Schobert
Member

From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???

posted 04 May 2006 07:36 AM     profile     
Bob thank you for you comments I am planning a trip in Aug, for lesson's from buddy as well.
Steve Knight
Member

From: Arlington, Virginia, USA

posted 04 May 2006 07:41 AM     profile     
Bob,

I have two lessons scheduled with Buddy tomorrow! I'm definitely going to ask him about my right hand, heck, both hands!

SK

A. J. Schobert
Member

From: Cincinnati OHIO WHO DEY???

posted 04 May 2006 07:50 AM     profile     
Joe what kind of picks are you useing? Getting a proffesional teacher to help really does help, I don't know how long you have been at it, they can show you alot of secrets that might take alot longer to master, call wanda they are the nicest peaple around! I can not use national picks.
Adrienne Clasky
Member

From: Florida, USA

posted 04 May 2006 08:59 AM     profile     
I had that same problem. Now, I cut my fingernails below the pad every three days or so. It worked for me! (Of course, nail polish is out now, but we have to make sacrifices!)
David Wren
Member

From: Placerville, California, USA

posted 04 May 2006 09:01 AM     profile     
Hmmmm, it's only 3,000 miles, and I could use a lesson or two....

Hey JD....

------------------
Dave Wren
'96 Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Twin Session 500s; Hilton Pedal; Black Box
www.ameechapman.com

Gene Jones
Member

From: Oklahoma City, OK USA

posted 04 May 2006 09:06 AM     profile     
Joe I occasionally have the same problem when my finger-nail begins to accidently catch the string above the one I'm playing.

When that happens I find that
trimming the nail on that finger solves the problem!

gene www.genejones.com

Joe Blount
Member

From: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

posted 04 May 2006 03:20 PM     profile     
A J, I do use the National picks at times, and I have also used Jeff Newmans, and it does the same with both, I don't think it is the picks, I have bent them at a 33 degree, and as much as a 45 degree and it will still seem to catch the other string and will sometime make you catch the wrong string with the 2nd finger, Instead of the one you want to pick.
Nic and Jerry I have about come to the conclusion that it is in the hand position.
I used to not have this problem, but as old age set in, it will change lot's of things. Ha, Ha.
And i have tried the nail cutting also,and have let the nail grow long and
touch the pick, and durn if it will some how find it way to get under my nail. Oh, Well. I don't know.
Leila Tuttle
Member

From: Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA

posted 04 May 2006 10:09 PM     profile     
Joe,

Okay I bombed the first time so let me try again. haha How 'bout this: are you playing with your hand real relaxed? I noticed in the beginning I really attacked those strings and got caught up in them all the time. Now that I'm an old pro (HA!) I don't do that any more.

Ron
Member

From: Hermiston, Oregon

posted 05 May 2006 06:35 AM     profile     
I am not a steel player but I think Norm uses Artic picks and they are long and streight And he holds his fingers streight instead of like a claw.

Robro Ron

Joe Blount
Member

From: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

posted 05 May 2006 08:34 AM     profile     
Leila, You may be on to something, I may attack the strings to hard, and maybe a little frigidy on top of that. maybe I need to try and relax more. But on songs I'm not used to, when they are throwed to you in a gig, I might get to excited, You think so?
Leila Tuttle
Member

From: Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA

posted 05 May 2006 05:42 PM     profile     

Joe,

I think when we get tense we can't do anything as well as when we're relaxed, especially something that requires a little dexterity in the hand and fingertips. We just lose control as we gain tension, and that's normal.

If you're doing gigs then of course you're more tense. At home, try playing something with half the attack you usually give it, just play softly and see what happens. I've noticed that my teacher, who is a pro and plays beautifully, barely picks the strings at all. Watching his right hand is like watching grace in action ....delicate movement and a real light touch, and yet its beautiful, and the volume is there. I don't know how he does it, but I keep watching to grab any little hint I can. Its that 'touch' he's got, he's just graceful. Maybe we just need to practice 'remembering' to calm down and be more at peace when we're playing. Its funny how many little things I forget, as I forge ahead to conquer!

Ken Williams
Member

From: Arkansas

posted 05 May 2006 08:29 PM     profile     
Never had a problem with the 2nd finger pick. But, I have had a slight problem a time or two with the ring finger fingernail.
I curl that finger under and occaisionally I've had the fingernail catch one of the strings, especially if I'm nervous. I try to trim that fingernail back a little more than the others.


Ken

Don Barnhardt
Member

From: North Carolina, USA

posted 06 May 2006 09:24 PM     profile     
Gene Jones gave the correct solution.

All times are Pacific (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Pedal Steel Pages

Note: Messages not explicitly copyrighted are in the Public Domain.

Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46

Our mailing address is:
The Steel Guitar Forum
148 South Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Support the Forum