Right Hand Technique Suggestions for this Winnie Winston lick?

[Chris Graig]

Hello,
Beginner here continuing to work on my right-hand technique, I've moved to a predominantly palm blocking approach. I've been struggling with cleanliness and speed with the Winnie Winston exercise on page 50 which they call the "blocking exercise in the key of C" from the associated recording. Is it possible to do this lick with *just* palm blocking and get high speed? I feel like I have to bounce my right hand quite a bit to get speed up and be able to block. I'm tempted to pick block the 5th string, but not sure if I should go that route? How do you experienced players manage to get this lick quick and clean? Hopefully the snippet comes through...

Thanks in advance!!

Chris G.

[Tucker Jackson]

Hi, Chris.

FYI, it's not billed a such, but the recording is at tempo more suited to an intermediate-and-above player, not a beginner. This speed is something you'll work up to, so don't get frustrated.

And yes, I palm block all of that. The hand comes down and touches the strings as part of digging in to pick the next note. That 5th string rings as you release the pedal, but it get's blocked when the hand comes down to pick String 8 again.

So... it's a lot of fast up and down bouncing on the strings. Maybe take it at half speed and work on getting it perfect. Once it feels comfortable with your hand not feeling too tense - and that could take a long time-- you'll naturally be able to play it faster.

[Chris Graig]

Thank you, Tucker! Good to know the tempo on the recording is intermediate+ and also for confirming palm blocking can be done. I find I mute the 8th string too much when I try to block the 5th string so it just doesn't sound clean. I will take it slow and steady and build up, appreciate the response!

Thanks,
Chris G.

[Jerry Overstreet]

What Tucker said. It's just time in the seat Craig. The more you practice it, the quicker it will come to you.

I don't know if there's anything about playing the pedal steel that
feels natural and everything takes acclimation so patience is in order.

I would encourage you to stick with this right hand method and not be jumping around trying other methods which can just slow you down from your objective. Trust me, everything can be played at speed with palm blocking. There is evidence to support that statement.

Best of luck, welcome to the forum and the steel guitar. Happy Pickin'!