The Steel Guitar Forum

I have noticed that many steel players alternate primarily between their middle finger and thumb. I mostly do index and thumb and was wondering why people do it a particular way. Are there advantages to the middle finger and thumb that I am losing out on?

Alternating thumb and middle for single line picking puts your hand in a better position for traditional palm blocking (more rotated), but it's really just a question of what is most comfortable for the individual player. Buddy Emmons favored his middle finger, which suited his rotated hand position. Watch Sarah Jory, she an excellent palm blocker but plays with a flatter hand position than Buddy, she favors her index finger for single line picking and can play blazing fast staccato runs that way. Paul Franklin uses both fingers without seeming to favor either.

Also, the tone matches closer with middle and thumb.

In the end, personal ergonomics will decide the issue.

Whatever feels more comfortable for your hand is the right way to go. You're the only one that can figure out what works best for you.

So... you'll be fine if you favor the index, and if you ever find yourself in a situation where it would work better to use the middle, you can start working that in. It's not a life sentence either/or situation.

“ Paul Franklin uses both fingers without seeming to favor either.”

Paul mentions in his course that his weakest finger was his middle finger and that he works on that finger to strengthen it

Here is Paul 52 years ago on Hee Haw, good close up of his right hand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYXoJsRq0m8&t=103s