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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.mandohangout.com/archive/38101
Victoria - Posted - 06/23/2014: 14:36:18
Hey guys, I was watching some Adam Steffy and Sierra Hull yesterday, and I noticed that they were both anchoring there pinkys and fourth fingers on the pick guard, sort of like banjo players do. Anybody know what why Adam and Sierra do this? I tried it, but it's extra hard cuz I'm double jointed, LOL!! (:
mandoteacher - Posted - 06/24/2014: 04:59:35
Sam Bush used to do that also Barry Mitterhoff (skyline, hot tuna) as seen in this video youtube.com/watch?v=kWrG739tWl0
It's one way to get a strong attack with more control. Some classical players use the technique also.
Edited by - mandoteacher on 06/24/2014 05:00:06
milliondollarmandolin - Posted - 06/25/2014: 05:33:27
There was a survey of a bunch of pros a few years ago, and about 1/2 rest their palm on the bridge, and about 1/2 anchor.
TI_USER - Posted - 06/25/2014: 19:20:04
It works for some and not for others. Do what is most comfortable for you and allows you to play as fluently as you can. I never analyzed my own playing until recently, but when I did I realized that I actually float the first knuckle of my pinky on the mandolin top when I play leads. I don't really "plant" it, but it rests on the top non-the-less. And along with that, I also rest the palm of my hand on the back of the bridge. Both of those are things that many "experienced" players say you shouldn't do, but I've been doing it that way for 35 years and it works well for me. Just do what works for you and don't spend so much time copying others. One of Adam Steffey's mandolin hero's was Dempsey Young, but you don't see Adam's technique resembling Dempsey's in any way. That's because he learned his own technique and perfected it.
TSSN - Posted - 07/03/2014: 04:23:07
Very true. I always liked Baldassasri's style of play/teachings, and he seemed to have his hand open and fingers out a lot. Pinky seemed to go down a lot for tremolo too.
Even so, my fingers don't open up as much, into a slightly open hand and no pinky tremolo. My anchor is the heel of my palm resting lightly on the bridge.
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