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Resonator Guitar Lovers Online


Apr 21, 2024 - 1:54:57 PM
736 posts since 11/28/2012

Anyone else arch/bend the index finger on the bar hand? (see photo). I’ve found I get better spatial orientation and precision this way…literally your bar edge goes to where you are pointing.

I see many players (great ones at that…) almost smothering the bar with the hand. I can do that, but I lose some sense of where the bar edge is.

I haven’t figured out yet whether I’m faster one way or the other. It feels like a toss up.

Curious if anyone else employs the arched index finger.  Why or why not?


Edited by - JC Dobro on 04/21/2024 13:58:24

Apr 22, 2024 - 5:49:22 AM

Tom Jr.

USA

606 posts since 7/28/2008

My middle finger lays down in the top groove in the bar. The first finger is pointed a bit but I've never thought about it pointing to where the bar tip is. Interesting concept.

Apr 22, 2024 - 10:15:37 AM
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1234 posts since 9/29/2009

I use a lot of slants and arch the index finger in the process.

Apr 22, 2024 - 10:51:18 AM

736 posts since 11/28/2012

quote:
Originally posted by SamCy

I use a lot of slants and arch the index finger in the process.


That's a very good point.  I do a ton of slants as well, and the arched index finger has me in the "ready" position based on my preferred slant technique (bar pivot using thumb and index).  

Apr 23, 2024 - 3:17:29 PM

4900 posts since 7/27/2008

quote:
Originally posted by Tom Jr.

My middle finger lays down in the top groove in the bar. The first finger is pointed a bit but I've never thought about it pointing to where the bar tip is. Interesting concept.


I can't say that I have seen a player put the middle finger on the groove. I'm not sure what I would do with the index finger if I did. Some pedal steel players with beefy bullet bars sort of hold the bar in between the middle and ring finger. 

Apr 24, 2024 - 12:47:34 PM
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1057 posts since 1/10/2009

I use the ring finger tip on the string behind the bar tip to feel exactly where I am and also prevent the bar tip from touching the string in front. The tip of the bar and my finger tip are both resting on the string when I’m playing a single string, giving me positive feedback.

Apr 24, 2024 - 3:08:28 PM

736 posts since 11/28/2012

quote:
Originally posted by AK Slider

I use the ring finger tip on the string behind the bar tip to feel exactly where I am and also prevent the bar tip from touching the string in front. The tip of the bar and my finger tip are both resting on the string when I’m playing a single string, giving me positive feedback.


Interesting Greg, thanks for that insight!  

May 1, 2024 - 6:47:06 AM

joebee

USA

25 posts since 12/14/2022

I play with my first finger flat in the bar and only raise it for slants. What matters is accuracy so whatever works best for you it what is right!

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