Breaking of a bad habit

[Jeffers]

Thought this might be of interest to anybody else who was thinking of trying to break a long-standing bad habit:

I used to rest the heel of my right hand on the strings behind the bridge. #I have done this since I took up mando 2 plus years ago. #I don't know if this is "wrong" exactly, but discussions on the site here and a desire to play further from the bridge awakened me to the fact that this habit could be limiting my playing style. #I also noticed that the pros seem to have no need of doing this. #At first I just tried to spend some of my practice time each day without resting my hand on the strings, but I just wasn't making much progress. #It soon became apparent that this was going to have to be an all or nothing venture - no resting of the hand on the strings allowed at all!

So - it was back to square one, or at least pretty close. #My speed was right down to zilch and crosspicking etc was exceedingly tricky. #Progress has been slow, but actually reasonably steady. #It's been three months now and I am almost, but not quite, able to play at the speed I was before. #It's been both a rewarding and frustrating time. #If I was playing in a band or something I think I would have had to take some time off, because I just wasn't able to play the stuff I could before.

However - The tone and sound I am getting out of the instrument is FAR superior. #Yes, I'm still working on the speed, but if things keep going the way they are, that will come in time. #Other than that my actual playing is better and more versatile than it's ever been (if I do say so myself http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif ).

I would urge anyone with a bothersome habit to take the plunge and drop it - it can be done! #And you'll reap the benifits ... eventually! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

PS - anyone else have a similar story?

[Moose]

Jeffers: Congratulations - thanks for sharing - keep pickin' & best wishes to ya'- Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ironlionzion]

Jeffers,
i just read your post and realized that do they exact same thing, i am also at about 2 years or so. i want to thank you cause i will now do nothing but play with my hand off the bridge and strings. one thing i noticed is that my mando is jumping around alot now that my hand is no longer pressing it my body. any suggestions?? i want to thank you again!
~Steve

[muldoon]

Yes, very similar. #Didn't want to give up that rest on the bridge, but I think I finally can do without it.

You are correct tone and volume is FAR superior with the free hand approach.

I dont know what king of pick you are using but I finally tried one if the Dunlop Ultex picks. #Great pick. #Give one a try if you havent tried and let us know what you think.


Steve

[neal]

Steve, you might try just controling it with your forearm. I am a big fan of the no pinky/palm rule. Been at it since July. Just keep it up and it'll become second nature. The only time I'm using my pinky is when I'm practicing cross-picking.

[mikeyes]

One thought, you might consider using an armrest which will give you an edge for your arm to rest on and to be a point of reference for your arm instead of your hand. In addition your mandolin can become even louder.

I use armrests on all my mandolins now after putting one on to protect the finish. They raise my hand a little and keep them off the strings while keeping a natural position.

[Jeffers]

Steve (Bob Marley fan (I'm guessing)) - yes, the mandolin's held against my body by my forearm resting on the edge just above the nut - I figure this is "allowed"!

Steve (muldoon) - I usually use the Fender/Gibson triangular picks. I think these are like the Golden Gate ones I've heard about. Used to be mostly the hard pick I used but I'm finding that playing further from the bridge, you can get a real nice sound from the medium ones. They give a nice mellow chop which is easier on the ears for listeners if you don't have the rest of a band to back you up. Will keep an eye out for the Dunlop Ultex ones!

Thanks for the support and replies, y'all!

[AlanN]

There are, certainly, different ways different folks do it. Some very accomplished players rest the hand heel behind the bridge. The goal is to minimize anything touching the top of the mandolin, and if you do rest the heel, there should be no pressure there at all. The jumping around of the mandolin is also a concern. Monroe's mandolin would jump around some, I seem to recall. But for me, I see on the best players that the mandolin doesn't move at all when they pick.