View Full Version : My beginner videos...
BoneDigger
Dec-30-2007, 8:21am
Fire away guys! SnapCut got me interested in posting these. I've been playing now for all of three weeks, so bear with me here. I'm a newby! I haven't started lessons yet; these are from a MelBay book (with some improvising).
Cripple Creek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjde5g7XsAo)
Worried Man Blues (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaNM5fWithA&feature=user)
Tips? Recommendations? Criticism? I'm open to anything you have to say, but be nice!
Todd
Andrew DeMarco
Dec-30-2007, 8:27am
Great job BoneDigger!
SnapCut
Dec-30-2007, 9:10am
Way-to-go Todd! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I wonder what we'll think a year or so from now when we watch these videos http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
We were all there at one time. Nice job. One nit to (ahem) pick: on the B part of CC, you modulate to D. The tune is in A chord. Just play that pattern on the A string and you'l be "Gowin, Gowin, Gawwwwnnnnne" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
BoneDigger
Dec-31-2007, 9:45am
Thanks guys! I'm just starting out and I hope to be much better once I get some lessons behind me!
Thanks for the tip on the Cripple creek issue. I'm going to check that out this evening. Maybe I'll make a new video!
Todd
2mcgrath
Dec-31-2007, 10:30pm
great job thanks
earthsave
Jan-01-2008, 9:40am
Keep learning those melodies and fiddle tunes. Hum or sing along when you pick em, it's supposed to help make an aural finger connection in the brain.
In terms of tips and things to focus upon: On the left hand, try and control the fingers by keeping them closer to the fretboard and strings. That comes with time, but if you are aware of flying fingers syndrome, it's best to catch it early. Economy of motion.
On the right, hold the pick a little less with the finger tips. THere are many good posts on holding the pick. I like what Mike Compton teaches, which is Monroe-like. Lay/balance pick on first knuckle of index finger. Lay first knuckle-bend of thumb on top of pick. Dont squeeze pick too hard. Then make sure your pick is parallel to strings and practice pushing the pick past the both strings and stopping before you hit the next course of strings. Curl the other fingers under in a very loose fist. The motion is in your wrist versus wiggling the finger motion or stiff arming it like some will do.
Relax and keep on pickin.
BoneDigger
Jan-01-2008, 4:21pm
EarthSave,
Thanks for the excellent information. That's exactly what I have been looking for. I have been accused of flying fingers syndrom on the banjo as well, so it doesn't surprise me that I am doing it on the mandolin too. maybe by fixing one, it'll help with the other! Do you know of a link ton a picture that shows the proper way to hold the pick?
Todd
earthsave
Jan-02-2008, 9:11am
I'll do a search for pics. I recall seeing some a while back. Not sure if they were here or linked up.
earthsave
Jan-02-2008, 9:27am
Here is a pic from a compton workshop that shows the grip from the front.
http://www.mikecompton.net/Photos/btonworkshop/mikescott.jpg
There are a lot of pics of mike and david long here to browse through..
Mike Compton photos (http://www.mikecompton.net/index.php?page=Photos)
earthsave
Jan-02-2008, 9:36am
Here are some guitar pick grips that are close..http://www.marshallamps.com/images/resources/lessons_online/lesson_01/pick.jpg
Closer
http://www.guitarlessonworld.com/lessons/images/l8_f1.jpg
BoneDigger
Jan-02-2008, 11:10am
Thanks! That certainly helps. I'm going to give it a try and see what happens!
Todd
earthsave
Jan-02-2008, 3:21pm
It might feel weird at first, but keep at it and it really allows you to economize motion, relax your hand, and speed up your picking. Also, can get a powerful chop with just a flick of the wrist.
Practice on single strings sets, then double string sets, then going through 3 sets, and finally all 4 sets cleanly and work you way back. Dont worry about fretting. It'll get you spatially oriented and let you figure out your hand position.
Try not to rely on the bridge too much to support the heel of your hand.
BoneDigger
Jan-02-2008, 8:32pm
Hmmm, that's interesting. So, should you not rest your hand on the bridge? I was told that you should.
Todd
earthsave
Jan-03-2008, 10:51am
You can rest it there but dont rely on it if that makes sense. Some say it dampens the top vibrations, which sounds about right to me. However, that was the way Monroe did it when picking. But when you chop, your hand is probably not resting on the bridge, only on the faster picking.
Mess with using your forearm on the body edge to control the position of your hand. I think it frees up the wrist. That would be my goal. But I still find myself resting on the bridge and occassionally brushing my ring finger on the top and sometimes even posting it there.
Monroe rested his on or just behind the bridge, Roland White does this as well as many others. However, you do not want to press down on the bridge in order to stabilize your hand, but use it more as a pivot point.
Like everything else, everyone is different and there are no absolutes. Just give it a decent shot and see how it goes and mess around with it.
BoneDigger
Jan-03-2008, 6:19pm
You have been very helpful and I appreciate ALL of your input. I am going to try some of this stuff out and I'll keep you posted!
Todd
Bernie Daniel
Jan-04-2008, 5:30am
easrthsave: Monroe rested his on or just behind the bridge, Roland White does this as well as many others. However, you do not want to press down on the bridge in order to stabilize your hand, but use it more as a pivot point.
I got to watch Roland close up at a workshop and can confirm that is exactly what he does. Lightly resting though.
I started doing this after the workshop and for a while I would have deep string indentations on side of my palm when I was done playing -- this would be an example of too much pressure http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Now I can play for a couple of hours with only light string marks - it is a matter of learning.
I also agree on the Monroe style pick grip taught by Compton -- following Mike's advice on holding the pick improved my playing more than any other single bit of advice. It seemed awkward for a week or two and I could not find the right strings at first -- but like was mentioned stick with it you will be glad you did.
Your picking is smooth and even. Very good start in my opinion.
Back to Cripple Creek, I was listening to Monroe's version of this number on his Kentucky Bluegrass LP (MCA 136). He messes with the format, plays the A part twice, then the B part twice, something like that. Then does a C natural freak-out thing at the end. Very cool.
BoneDigger
Jan-04-2008, 9:40am
Thanks for the nice words and the tips. I have noticed that changing the way I hold the pick does indeed help. I am also trying not to have too much flying fingers and working on my left AND right hand positions. Hopefully I can get going with the mandolin without starting with bad habits.
My lessons start on Tuesday and I'm really excited about it! Right now I'm working on John Hardy and 8th of January. I fixed the issue with Cripple Creek! I just picked up some Dawg picks and I like those much more than playing with a guitar pick!
Todd
cooper4205
Jan-04-2008, 9:43am
Back to Cripple Creek, I was listening to Monroe's version of this number on his Kentucky Bluegrass LP (MCA 136). He messes with the format, plays the A part twice, then the B part twice, something like that. Then does a C natural freak-out thing at the end. Very cool.
the Monroe version is fun to play, especially when you can let loose there at the end!