Obsessing about technique

[Cary Fagan]

I seem to obsess about such matters as pick grip, strap length etc. I'll shorten my strap, play that way for a couple of weeks, decide my right arm is crammed, move it down, decide it might be better half way...

Am I the only one who does this?

[jmcgann]

Hi Cary- it's good to try different things to see what works best, going for relaxation (and of course, great tone, time, etc.) in the long run. Technique really is an evolving state IMHO and the more a player is aware of the possibility for improvement, the more improvements can be made.

[mandomadman]

Don't sweat it Cary. I've been at it for 5 years now and I still pay attention to the issue. I've learned technique is not just the Physical but also the mental. When I first started playing mando, after 25 years of playing guitar, mainly electric semi-pro, I would grip the pick like a guitar player and would get horrible pain in my right arm and left wrist. The way I picked the notes just was'nt right, and I started wondering if I was cut out to play this amazing sounding,versital instrument( I call it the little instrument that could) so I came to the realization I had to find out what the pros did. I learned to use a thick rounded pick,not to grip it to tight,keep my right wrist and arm loose and not plant my pinky on the top(pretty much the complete opposite of lead guitar playing for me) I learned to keep my thumb on the back of the fretboard and my pinky at the ready closer to the strings. Now that I have gone through the learning curve and made the adjustments I now sound like a mando player and not like a guitar player picking a mando,and don't have the pain, whether I'm pickin Monroe,Thile or my own stuff. But I do drift sometimes and do become aware now to catch myself when I stray. The other type of technique is getting into the head space to mimic different styles. Trying to master different styles and the techniques of playing that go with it. Aggressive Monroe style, McReynolds crosspicking,Grismans minor keys, Thiles arpeggios. These are all different styles using different techniques that I have to work on to understand, to play their stuff and sound like it too. I've advanced quite well over the years because I got the physical techniqe questions taken care of early, now I concentrate on the mental techniques. Man I love/hate no no Love this instrument and all the other mando nut jobs on this site.