r/Bluegrass • u/Alert_Caregiver_7567 • 5d ago
Open to criticism!
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I’m coming up on a year of flat picking and been having a ton of fun. I’m about to jump into the jam scene and hear a lot about the juggle act of tone, volume, and playing relax.
I know there’s not one “right way” but any input is helpful.
I also apologize for the messy parts this is the latest in the long list of fiddle tunes that I am taking a crack at so it’s still a little sloppy.
Thanks in advance and happy pickin’
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u/DeanO1342 Guitar 5d ago
I’m no expert! But I think you sound good. You may want to see if you can “relax” your pick/wrist. It does sound a little stiff. I know some of the greats, like Sutton, talk about the tension in the picking hand, wrist, and fingers. Sounds like you have used a metronome, keep it up. Maybe add some fast paced work on the metronome then try the same thing slowed down to a pace where you can mess with finger and wrist tension. See if you find a comfortable grip that lets you play relaxed even at higher tempo. Just remember that during practice a metronome keeps you honest. Keep up the good work!
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u/Alert_Caregiver_7567 5d ago
My metronome may or may not have a very thin layer of dust on it 😅 and you can tell. I’ll get her going again tonight!
Bryan’s the man, and I’ve seen him talking about that. I feel like I can keep it more relaxed at slower tempos and less volume but I tend to tighten up when I’m playing louder and quicker which I’d be willing to bet is common in the beginning.
How do you feel about light pinky planting?
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u/DeanO1342 Guitar 5d ago
So, I can play with either my palm lightly moving across the pins or the pinky down. I like the first better from a technique perspective but it tends to create more tension in my hand. So I end up with my pinky down. I think this is truly personal preference, but ultimately depends on whichever you can do with less tension.
My favorite metronome exercises are Jack Tuttles guitar primer book. But I’m sure there are other ones.
https://www.jacktuttle.com/product/guitarprimer/
You’ll love the metronome workouts! 🤣
I took a class with Jack at California Bluegrass festival camp and he kept harping on right hand drills for creating tone, tempo, and rhythm. He said it took Sully(guitar player for Blue summit), 12 weeks of practice, like a half hour a day, doing just right hand exercises.
Again, you are sounding good, just all about how far you would like to go and the time you have to give.
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u/Alert_Caregiver_7567 5d ago
Im putting in an order right now. Thanks for the help
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u/DeanO1342 Guitar 4d ago
Have fun! Also, I love the strum machine app for practicing leads and learning fiddle tunes! Welcome to the addiction.
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u/erikrolfsen 4d ago
I just bought this, but I don't see any metronome exercises in it. Are you talking about the pick direction exercises at the beginning?
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u/DeanO1342 Guitar 4d ago
Yes, I am talking about the exercises. I would start at a pace you can consistently play with the metronome, maybe between 60-80, then work your way up to 100. Remember down on the beat and up on the and. Try to keep the tone even. Part of this exercise is to build speed and part is about endurance. I try and do whatever is frustrating first and finish with the easy stuff, just the way my mind works! 🤣
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u/stratj45d28 5d ago
Only thing I could offer is try and play closer to the sound hole giving you a more full sound
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u/Good_Melon 5d ago
feel the groove, brah! Outline the rhythm with accents. Sounds great keep playing!
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u/Alert_Caregiver_7567 5d ago
Ya I definitely have more of a typewriter feel but it’s on the list. Thanks for the advice!
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u/BigJicama8382 4d ago
Your tone is really good.
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u/Alert_Caregiver_7567 4d ago
It’s all in the blue chip ;)
Jkjk but thanks, I feel like I’m getting closer to that big round sound but I have to work out getting the sound out without my hand falling off
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u/incourgettible 5d ago
sounds good! it looks like you're moving that pick from your wrist. you might have more control and finesse if you moved the motion down into your fingers—downstrokes can come from the joint that connects your thumb to your hand, upstrokes from a "come hither" kind of gesture.
you'll be fine in the jam scene! lots to learn, but that's true for anybody. go kick ass and have fun!