Split strings

[John Bertotti]

Been playing for a couple of months now. I'm still having problems fretting the G string with my pinky. I keep splitting the string pair. Is this a sign of bad technique or just more practice needed? Thanks All John

[thistle3585]

I used an excercise from Roland white that really helped strengthen my pinky. Actually, I saw immediate results. Play 0-3-5-7 four times on the E string and then repeat as you move up each string and then back down again. The key is to leave all your fingers down while you play it. So, when your pinky hits the 7 your ring finger should still be on 5 and your middle finger on 3. Don't use your index. Hope it helps.

[Jasper]

Don't know what kind of mando you are playing, but I had a Martin Backpacker and had the same problem because the strings were farther apart than my F-style. If that isn't it, maybe you can try using more of the pad of your pinky instead of just the tip of your pinky. The exercise above sounds like a good stretcher as well.

Hang in there! It'll come.

[Tom C]

I wish I can do that on purpose. The open G and flatted 3rd (or 3rd) sound great on the same string.

[Keith Wallen]

I wish I can do that on purpose. The open G and flatted 3rd (or 3rd) sound great on the same string.
No doubt Tom. I couldn't get a clear sound out of that until I got the Bush model with the wider string spacing.

[John Flynn]

Intentional string splitting is a pretty advanced technique. Jesse McReynolds, the cross-picking master, was also a pioneer in split strings, mostly on the treble strings. Jody Strecher, the mando player for Perfect Strangers, showed me some split bass string stuff in a workshop, but I just couldn't do it.

[John Bertotti]

I wish it were that easy. I happen to fret the g and half the time both strings slip to either side of my pinky making both muted and awful sounding. I'll have to post a question in the builders section on the minimum string spacings as I approach finishing my own mando projects. Hopefully my pinky will thiken up a bit over time as calluses form thicker. Thanks all John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mandodebbie]

Mandodebbie's teeny-tiny fingers (especially my very, very weak baby digit) sometimes just slips right between those G s, and the D s. Believe me, much muting and ringing and a few naughty words have been heard during my practices. There must be aerobics classes for hands and fingers somewhere. I'll try the techniques you experts have already mentioned, anyway. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[John Bertotti]

thistle3585, I tried your exercise. I may have small hands but they are strong and I tell you what after several runs through my hands cramp up. No lasting pain but a definite work out. Thanks. Is it acceptable to tilt the mando forward a bit. It does make it easier to hit the g string with my pinky without muting any others? Of course this makes it impossible to glance at the fret board but hey I figure I shouldn't be watching that anyway. The other question is what do you all do to keep from muting the E string with the inside of your index finger when playing an F or G? mandodebbie keep practicing I've only been at it for a couple months but some things are coming easier.Thanks all John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Tom C]

I remember Ronnie McCoury telling a story about how Bill Monroe came about split strings. After a set he said how he was getting a strange tone and didn't know what he was doing. It happened to be that the outside "E" string was slipping over the edge of the fretboard.

[pickinpox]

I know this thread started about how NOT to split the strings but.......one intentional split I really like creates a C6 chord. I play the regular 2 finger C chord (0230) and extend my index finger to catch the ajacent G string at the second fret (A). It gives a cool jazz ending when playing in C. I'm sure Mandohack would approve http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[thistle3585]

reesaber,
Yes, I remeber the hand cramps. Finger stretches helped out a lot with that. Good luck.

[John Bertotti]

Tom C I was doing that for a bit till I realized what was happening. thistle3585 Haven't cramped up in a couple days but I still can't leave every finger were it should be. My middle finger slides up a bit when I put the pinky in place. I don't know if that will ever stretch out but I'm certainly working at it. It is helping. Thanks John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif