Squareneck Dobro: On Learning to Play

Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:27:39 -0700
Subject: Re: Questions

Hi Mickey,
I bet by now you are probably getting tired of my unusual questions. By the way, received the 6 string banjo (banjitar) dvd but haven't received the Tyler Mountain 6 stringer yet.

Hey Jack ... I'm at your disposal on all and any questions you might have. It may assist someone else in your same position.

My questions:
1. I am not sure how you are holding the slide for moving up and down the neck. I use it index finger on top in the groove, thumb on right groove and long finger ready to drop down and quiet a string on single string playing and when using the entire slide, my left side of hand drops down and mutes strings behind slide to prevent harmonics. Still having trouble with the slide slipping when doing single string playing using the long middle finger to silence the harmonics and the string once played. Should I use something on the top of the slide to keep it from being so slippery, say rosin?

You're holding the slide correctly. Index on top, middle finger directly behind ... and/or remaining fingers behind the bar to assist in muting the strings ... and thumb in front.

The slide will slip somewhat when first starting out. It becomes easier to manage over time. Not sure if the rosin would help you ... but it doesn't hurt to try.

2. I am still not sure I am placing the strap on the slotted head stock properly. I take the strap loose with the loop and run it around the center part of the slotted head stock and then through the loop on the strap and then into the buckle on the strap to proper length for comfortable playing while standing and sometimes even sitting.

I install mine directly under the strings behind the nut. This seems to give me the best leverage and doesn't interfere with the tuning machines. Sounds like you're doing everything else right ... wish I could be there to assist you personally with this ... maybe if we move to Branson I can come by and help. Who knows.

I am probably taxing your patient but I also appreciate your verbal descriptions.

Not a problem whatsoever ...

Oh, the slide is the Steven standard slide. Wish it had some cross hatching or something like that on the top to keep it from slipping when my hands get sweaty after a couple hours practicing.

This is the standard slide to use ... and is easier to grip than most any other I've tried. Would you be using sandpaper on rosin to spread the rosin dust on the Steel itself? Sounds like it might work.

Jack M.
Your friend and happy dobro student.

Thanks Jack ... I'm at your disposal ... and I hope that weather lets up in your part of the country.

Mickey

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:30:12 -0700
Subject: Re: Merry Christmas!

Hi Mickey and family,

I hope you guys are preparing for the best Christmas you've ever had.

Well ... it will be a count our blessings Christmas at the least.

I had a question Mickey,
Not being able to see you holding the unit on your lap when playing it, do you have just the back of the body on your lap or do you have the neck resting on your left leg and the body on the right?

I understand your dilemma and am at your disposal on these questions. In fact, I'd like to publish your correspondence on my site for others that may have the very same questions (if that's OK with you).

Yes, I rest the back of the body on my right leg and the neck on the left while sitting down with the squareneck.

2. Also, I am struggling with a method to hit the right fret each time with the slide. Not a problem on playing my Martin or even the Mandolin. I have been giving some thought to perhaps placing something at the most commonly needed frets and I could then feel it with one of my fingers lapping over the strings behind the slide. Any thoughts or suggestions?

There are a few ways to approach sliding into the note (so to speak) ...

1. It's very important to practice scales in order to become adept at hitting the right note with the steel. This can be repetitive but the dividends are invaluable. This is also good for ear training.

2. There may also be a way to determine the position of your steel by using a Boss Chromatic Tuner ... these tuners will beep when you're on pitch. Although, it might be limited to particular notes within a major scale, it's still helpful since you'll have an external reference.

3. The thumb can ride on the top side of the neck ... and it would be possible to use small strips of tape to determine your bar position. The drawback would be that the thumb would no longer be directly in front of the steel which assists in proper balancing of the steel.

3. I bought a cheap Golden Gate square neck Kapo and after some puzzling like a cub monkey with a new football, got it figured out and it seems to work OK. What is your opinion and thoughts about Kapos and their use?

I use capos all the time. Since the squareneck Dobro is tuned to open G, this opens up many other keys and allows for more verstaility. So, yes, I highly recommend using a Dobro capo. You might learn a pattern in the open G position for "Old Joe Clark" ... and if repeated up the neck, this pattern can remain the same with a capo ... and yet, you'll be able to play the same pattern for all keys. Truly indispensable in jam sessions.

I talked with the folks at Elderly.com today and my Recording King metal body shipped out today via Fed Ex and shows delivery on Saturday. Shipping was free so I took what I could get.

Sounds great! Elderly also sells all of my DVD's and books by the way. Very nice people to work with!

I also ordered a Steven style standard steel slide today as I am having some trouble after playing a while with my old round bullet shaped lap steel slide.

Yes, these are also essential on a squareneck. Especially for pull-offs and hammer-ons ...

I am having fun trying to work out a tune to practice with, I am presently calling it "rollin out". I may try to record it after I get some kinks worked out and send it to you in mp3 as an attachment.

Very cool! Can't wait to hear it ... so please send it on. I've discovered many melodies on the Dobro simply by doodling with the steel and fingerpicking patterns. The possibilities are endless.

All my best, Mickey

Subject: I am flattered!
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:08:24 -0600

Rather than reply to the previous message and create a monster to read, I am sending this new one. Yes, please share with anyone who may be struggling with the same issues whether they are sighted or blind, sometimes the most unexpected answers come from people you wouldn't think about.
I just ordered a Rick Shubb Capo as I felt it would perhaps be of better construction.
After the first of the year, I am ordering your Mandolin DVD and my day will truly be split up. (grin)
God bless and Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Your friend and happy student.
Jack M.
(also if anyone contacts you and wants to contact me via email or phone directly please encourage them to do so)

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