Newman: "Right Hand Alpha" - 3/3

[Frank Freniere]

"All Hands Down"



Here's the chord progression for "All Hands Down:"

Chord (beats)

E (8)

A (8)

E (8)

A (8)

A7 (8)

D (4)

B (4)

E (8)

A (8)

[Tommy Detamore]

Thank you for doing these Frank! I visit “Alpha” from time to time when I feel my hand getting wonky. These are very helpful!

[Frank Freniere]

Hard to believe your right hand would ever get away from you, TD.!

[Tommy Detamore]

Ha if you only knew!

Truth be known, i experiment a lot, to the point that I think my wires get crossed. So sometimes I feel the need to go back to basics. The Alpha method is pretty similar I guess to what Buddy Charleton taught me in the very early going. So it’s kinda like a reboot of sorts.

Thanks again Frank!

[Dean Richard Varga]

I met Jeff Newman back in early 1978. I attended 2 all day seminars in one weekend.

Jeff was an amazing individual.
A list player
Super instructor.
super cool guy!

Now ,if it works for you, great, however the "Right Hand Alpha is "Not" for everybody. Few players adhere to the hand position suggested, in fact I think Right Hand Alpha has been the cause of many new players giving up on Pedal Steel. I was determined to adopt the technique taught by Jeff. I committed my self more than once to an exercise regiment to make the transition but in the end was unable to play and use the hand position Right Hand Alpha required.
The angle and elevation was not possible with my shape and size of hand. There, I said it! Please, don't get me wrong,
I have so much respect for Jeff and what he brought to the Pedal Steel world however, for me I needed to change my hand position from moment to moment and song to song. My hand is in a different position when I play fast single note verses chords.

I support and endorse everything Jeff Newman taught except Right Hand Position in Right Hand Alpha- It is just not practical for all people in all situations.

This is just my experience and observation.

I hope I don't offend anyone with my input. I know I'm stompin' on sacred ground.

I'm sure there are others that struggled with it as well.

Again, just my opinion but maybe this may help some folks that were told there is only one way to play.

respectfully

dean

[Bernie Watruba]

Tommy, I don't know any robots that play as smooth as you do! I do know that sometimes you have to go back and brush up on technique. Hang in there my friend, someday you might make it. HA HA You are one great steel player! I love your playing.
God Bless, Bernie Watruba

[Frank Freniere]

Together again?