Dobro® Website Map • Return to Lessons Section • Return to Homepage

First and foremost is the medium you are utilizing:

1. Make sure your Dobro is set up properly...Be sure that there's no rattle and that all 6 strings are intact. If it hasn't been played in quite awhile, try rubbing a product called Fast Fret across the strings to take out the rust and add lubrication. This is a great product that can be used periodically for facilitating your Dobro practice and performance. If you have a roundneck Dobro, you will need an extension nut to be able to play it similar to a traditional Dobro (on the lap) with a steel. Both the Fast Fret and the Extension Nut can be found at most any music store. You may also enquire with us if you cannot find these products.

2. Make sure you feel comfortable holding your Dobro, especially, if you're determined to practice long hours...It can become discouraging to adhere to a practice schedule if you do not feel comfortable holding and playing your Dobro. My recommendation is to first learn to play while sitting down...be sure to hold the Dobro by laying it in your lap at an even level. To assist you in doing this, try a footstool.

3. Fingerpicks and a thumbpick are essential to learning to play the Dobro...you may purchase them through us or through your local music store. Try different brands out for size to find the ones that feel the most comfortable. I, myself, use the Dunlop brand metal fingerpicks and a National plastic thumbpick. For a steel, there are also many varieties available. I recommend the Stevens steel for comfort and playability.

4. Find your inspiration...rediscover the reasons you're inspired to learn the Dobro. Categorize all of your Dobro CDs that bring you pleasure. Be sure to also get your library of instructional videos and books together...read through all of them and become familiar with the road that's ahead. And, then sit down with your most basic lessons, whether video or book, and methodically go through every detail of preparation.

Dobro® Website Map • Return to Lessons Section • Return to Homepage