Stand-up Playing Techniques

Randy Pettit · Post by **Randy Pettit** » 4 May 2000 4:35 am

I've always played Dobro sitting down (with a strap), but would like to be able to play more while standing. The problem I have when playing stand-up style is the bouncy neck when doing hammer-on/pull-offs, i.e., not having my knee right up under the neck for support. Any good advice or techniques for creating more stability, or do I just need to compensate for the bouncy neck and practice, practice, practice?
Randy

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 4 May 2000 11:08 am

Do you have your strap wrapped around your right arm? That usually provides enough stability to prevent the neck bouncing as you describe. Put the strap over and behind your shoulder, then stick your arm back through the strap from the back.

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Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 4 May 2000 12:58 pm

Brad sez: Do you have your strap wrapped around your right arm?

What Brad said _and_ make sure you are using a dobro strap...not a guitar strap.

hp

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Randy Pettit · Post by **Randy Pettit** » 4 May 2000 2:40 pm

Guys - Thanks for the responses. Yes, I'm using a real Dobro strap, and putting my right arm back through as Brad suggests. I guess coming from a pedal steel background, I'm used to having a totally rigid playing surface. Looks like I'll just have to adapt. BTW, I've noticed that the Dobro has a little bit more "ring" and sustain when suspended as opposed to lap-style playing.
Thanks again,
Randy

Mike D · Post by **Mike D** » 4 May 2000 7:15 pm

Re. the extra resonance remark, boy that's the truth. I recently played aroung with my Weissenborn/tricone, playing it on my lap but with my legs in different positions. If it weren't so uncomfortable the best sound by far was with one knee at the very end of the lower bout and the other under the headstock. It really lets the back do it's job. I gotta get a strap. Or a stand.

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 5 May 2000 5:28 am

It's the downward pressure with the left hand that stabilizes the neck. Try not to over react with the right hand or you'll see the neck constantly moving up-down-up, etc.

You can do this....It's the bluegrass way!!

hp

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Jim Mathis · Post by **Jim Mathis** » 5 May 2000 6:45 am

Randy,
I think it is just a matter of getting used to it. I played sitting down for a long time, and standing was real awkward. I decided to just grin and bear it. Now sitting down seems odd. It was the angles that were different. I wrap my right arm around the strap. Jim