Squareneck Dobro: On Learning to Play

Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2004 16:38:11 -0400
Subject: Dobro lessons

I am trying to learn how to play dobro by reading music instead of relying on looking at the tablature. Do you have any helpful suggestions as to how to go about it? any help would be appreciated. thank you

Greetings,

Yes, this is a great idea...and will ensure that you're a well-rounded dobroist...for starters, my suggestions would be:

1. Buy a few general music theory books...these books should build your foundation in understanding music symbols, timing and accents.

2. Look for some good beginner dobro books that offer standard notation along with tablature...the tablature is still a good cross-reference to the standard notation...

3. Be sure to check out our Dobro lessons which include many scale exercises written out in standard notation...go to:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 17:51:02 EST
Subject: Dobro

I am looking for instructional material for lap style Dobro. Are any of the videos available
in Canada? I am a complete beginner with no musical background at all. Also,
can you tell me if an electronic tuner for Dobro is the same as for any
guitar? Thanks for your help, Lynn

Greetings Lynn,

We offer a comprehensive course in a two-part video series titled:
"Intro to Dobro Part I & II" that covers squareneck dobro from beginning to intermediate with some advanced material...
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page645.htm

Shipping to Canada via USPS: 15.00

Yes, the Korg electronic guitar/bass tuner will work well for squareneck dobro tuned to the standard open G tuning:

G - B - D - G - B - D

Let me know how else I can assist...Mickey

Subject: Re: Fwd: Tablature for the songs on your first dobro video
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 09:44:09 -0700

Mickey,

Thanks for replying! I'll look forward to being able to access the tabs in the future. Any suggestions for getting the notes of the songs down in lieu?

Thanks!

Damon

Greetings Damon, It would be a great opportunity to start developing ear training. Now, ear training is something you've already been doing subconsciously...just by learning to tune your Dobro and learning your first melody (Oh Susannah). The ear training I'd like you to focus on now would be with a conscious effort; one where you're completely aware that you're trying to distinguish one note from another. This can take time...even so, the reward can be immense.

Ear Development Lesson 1
1. Close your eyes as you play each note open on your Dobro...listen carefully to the different pitches (this of course is after you've tuned your Dobro to concert pitch).
2. After you've carefully listened to each string played open, now name each note being played...again with your eyes closed.
3. Now, have a friend, or family member, play each string randomly...you'll have to be turned away from the Dobro, or have your eyes closed...can you now name the strings being played with full confidence? If so, you're on your way to developing your ear to differentiate pitches. This is the most important step in learning to find melody notes.

If you'd like to continue these lessons, that is after you've accomplished the first one, I'll be more than happy to further develop your lesson plans...e-mail me on your progress.

Mickey

Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 07:10:46 -0700
Subject: Regal RD-45 w/McIntyre Dobro Pickup

Hi Mickey,
Love the website, and particularly the awesome pictures. Most people
won't buy things they can't look at, but your pictures are so good, it's
like being there. Great Job!

What books and/or videos do you recommend for a beginner on Dobro, but a long
time guitar player? Is their a package deal (I am ordering the Dobro,
Pickup, Capo, Strap, Arched HS Case, 2 steels, etc.). Thanks, Jan
Moulds - Washington State

I emphatically recommend books/videos that focus on methodology as opposed to songs being taught by rote. It's critical that the student gain both the dexterity and music fundamentals before tackling complete pieces. Most instructional media seem to concentrate on teaching one song after another which places a burden on the student who, at the beginning stage, may not have a solid foundation...this contributes to major frustrations and the likelihood of the student tossing the endeavor completely aside. Whereas, if the student is taken by the hand from A to Z through exercises and music fundamentals, in as painless an approach as possible, by the time the student does attempt to tackle a complete piece, he/she will be amply prepared...with this process, the student will find it inspiring to practice instead feeling inadequate about taking up the instrument.

Hope this helps, Mickey

Subject: questions about the tab symbols
Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2002 22:28:34 -0500

Mickey, Your website is very nice. It's informative ane helpful. I have not purchased a dobro or resophonic guitar from you, but am in the process to see if I can play one. Right now, I am making one and have a friend's borrowed to do a little exploring and practicing. I have played banjo a little, but there is something in the sample lesson that baffles me. First, what is the little symbol that sort of looks like a seven that you sometimes see? Can't figure it out. Also, there is the case of when it is like two circles that are joined together by a little swag-can't figure out what to do there. If this is going to be very difficult, I won't be able to do two things at once. Glad for the sample lessons, that way I can tell if it is something that is possible for me to learn. Any help you can give me is appreciated. Roger Cain

Greetings Roger,

Glad to assist if I can:

The "7" you're referring to is a quarter-note rest...it means that no note is played for the duration of 1 beat in a 4/4 timed piece.

On the two circles, I believe you're referring to the "0" which means that the string is played open, without barring, for 2 beats...if the small arched line underneath the notes join the two notes, this means that the note is held for the duration of the two notes...in this case two beats.

Dobro is a fun and easy instrument to learn...there's no fretting involved as you would find on other string instruments. You only need to learn how to apply the steel bar...the most difficult aspect may be in the right hand...how to properly fingerpick and build the mechanics necessary to play patterns (arpeggios) would be the biggest challenge. Be sure to check into purchasing an instructional video...this would be the quickest and most efficient approach to learning to play dobro without an instructor.

Hope the above helps...Mickey