The Steel Guitar Forum

Dick Sexton · From: Greenville, Ohio, USA

Beginners Notes #17

Lets look at something you may not of thought about, a simple technique, until you realize it can and is being done. I think I started doing this without even realizing it, then took a good look at it in some of the songs I was listening to.

It comes off almost like snapping your fingers and can make your sound seem fatter to the listener then it actually is, by adding notes where they don’t have to be to communicate the musical expression.

First play Phrase 1, I use my thumb and middle finger. Now play Phrase 2.

……………..Phrase 1……………………………Phrase 2………………..
2____________________|__________________________________
3___3___3B___5B___8__|______3_______3B_______5B_______8_
4____________________|__________________________________
5___3___3A___5A___8__|__3______3A_______5A_______8_____
6____________________|__________________________________

Now, play Phrase 2 with a very slight delay between the first and second notes of the phrase. Think of it as snapping your fingers. I’ve tried to write it in the tab of Phrase 3, but it is difficult.

………………………………Phrase 3……………………….
2_______________________________________________________
3____3____3B____5B____8________________________________
4_______________________________________________________
5___3____3A____5A____8_________________________________
6_______________________________________________________

Note the subtle difference in sound between playing Phrase 1 and 3. To me it sounds just a little bit fatter. This is only one example of what I have a feeling, the top players have in their technique bags that contribute to them being exceptional. Maybe a couple will post a few other examples.

Chuck Thompson · From: Illinois, USA

Dick, simple subtle and great effect - thank you very very much!!