So I have a Railboard, and have just started trying to work with it a bit after deciding to get a Lap Dawg - I found that my belly got in the way of playing anything in the right hand, so the belt hook was a no-go for me. The Lap Dawg helps a lot, although maybe it leans back a bit further towards my shoulder I can access the fretboard.
Initially I did have one lesson with Greg, and I got his DVD. I'm having a real hard time, though, just playing notes - simple interval movements, trying to get the hand movement that Greg teaches down. Being a guitar player for over 35 years, it takes some getting used to.
One thing is that I've found the RB's thin profile feels hard to get my hand on correctly. I feel like if I put my thumbs on the back of the board I'm pinching the fretboard and I can't really move positions well, but when I try to relax I end up just floating without my thumb on the neck at all, which gives pretty inconsistent results.
Also, I find holding my left arm up to be painful after a very short time. Granted, this is a new thing to do but I'm concerned about pushing it.
After just running through some exercises this evening I seem to have a lot of pain in my left hand and wrist. I feel like I'm maybe hitting the strings too hard, but it seems to take a fair bit of force to get a note out, even driving the note with the hand. (I'm actually a bit more comfortable with my fingers - after all these years they're very strong.)
Does any of this sound familliar? I'm wondering if the RB is the best instrument for me, as opposed to a wooden one that may feel more natural...but I know that won't address deficiencies in my approach.
Any tips for getting started without ending up hurting oneself would be appreciated. (I tried to search the forum, but frankly the search feature leaves a lot to be desired when so many words are considered too common.)
Author:
Jayesskerr [ Wed Mar 01, 2017 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
Ahhh Let me begin by saying that if you are a guitar player, you are indeed one of God's children, and it's gonna be okay!
If the notes are hard to articulate (Should be easy) perhaps the action is a bit high? Y'all tapping notes in the sweet spot? What kind of amp are you plugged into? Volume helps. So does compression and a smidge of delay or some reverb... String Guage perhaps? Oh yeah, don't be afraid to simplify. Simplify, simplify, simplify...
I know I went through a good two and a half years of immense frustration... Being good at other instruments might not mean that that ability immediately translates, and in some respects it may mean that you have to start at the beginning, become a beginner. Took me a while to realize it, but I did. (Fought it the whole way, kicking and screaming)
The Free Hands book is really helpful, even if you can't play the stuff, lots of supremely handy ideas... (It's the source, really) And there's a bajillion Skype teachers teaching the Tapping thing... Greg oughtta be able to help. Steve Adelson too...
So yeah, I hope that helps dude! Good luck, man!
Author:
The_Afro_Circus [ Wed Mar 01, 2017 11:19 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
I came from guitar myself, and found that my habits from guitar technique were not helpful until much later on, after I'd learned Stick-specific habits. One of the biggest things I had to train out was my tendency to pressure the frets as though they were going to be plucked by my other hand. That is to say, I would depress the strings to the fretboard with the tip of my finger rather than use the tip of each finger like a ball pine hammer to tap the string down. The difference is small, but critical when it comes to playing the Stick. The proper technique is surprisingly gentle, and once you can consistently get the notes coming out clearly, try messing around with various volumes.
As for the pain, I recommend experimenting with different arm and wrist positions until you find one that is comfortable for you. Each body is different and your technique and positioning will be informed by this.
You might find this video helpful. Please keep us posted on your progress!
As for learning how to play, slow everything down and sound out your notes. You must get a feel for where your hands are and try not to look. You will know when the note sounds right. Look only if you have to. Learning to play without looking will pay off in the long term.
Seconding being able to nail your notes without looking.
Author:
Jayesskerr [ Wed Mar 01, 2017 11:53 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
I have to second the over-articulation; I still do it... I Am heavy handed, though... Also gonna re-second the "Learn the Stick as it's own instrument" comment. You will leverage your guitar experience in a different way, "later on" that's what I found... "Thirding" playing without looking. Sightreading forces me to do this, and it helps a ton...
Also, getting used to holding the Stick took me quite a while, seated or with a Belthook... it felt/feels quite alien... bending over to adjust a pedal or your amp with the Stick strapped on just ain't gonna happen... Try to find a way to get comfortable, seated or standing...
I get it, dude, I am a hardcore guitar player myself; it's hard to let go of some of those things, but the Stick is a new thing... and don't worry, you won't lose anything, it's all gains working on the Stick (Even when frustrated) maybe post a video of some playing?
Good luck, man!
Author:
AnDroiD [ Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:14 am ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
Easy Does It...relax...I come from electric and upright bass, talk about trying to strangle the instrument. Bring the Stick to you. Don't force your body to the Stick.
Author:
willowhaus [ Thu Mar 02, 2017 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
Thanks, appreciate the encouragement. I wonder about tweaking the setup a bit - it's set up as recommended from SE, with (iirc) medium strings in RMR tuning (which makes it a bit strange trying to follow the Free Hands book since everything is in the wrong key...).
I probably should do something about the setup, I guess. At the moment I'm just playing through my interface, using the active setting. The only other option I have at the moment is through a single channel amp, so it's harder to balance the two sides.
Author:
StickBam [ Thu Mar 02, 2017 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
Is the right hand kinda doing ok? If so - you could test an alternate "angle of twist" by loosening the belt and rotating the belt hook (and the railboard) with your right hand where it is "flat" parallel to your belly. Now play with the left hand and see if the position is improved. I obtained from Stick Enterprises a "shaved pedestal" that is at zero degrees twist - then cut my original at 7.5 degrees of twist. For me 0 degrees is too flat and the stock pedestal at 15 degrees is a little too much - 7.5 is just right!! I don't think wood versus aluminum will make much difference. I have been "part time" for two years and left arm aches a little when I play higher up frets.
Author:
greg [ Thu Mar 02, 2017 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:
Re: n00b - what am I doing wrong?
willowhaus wrote:
So I have a Railboard, and have just started trying to work with it a bit after deciding to get a Lap Dawg - I found that my belly got in the way of playing anything in the right hand, so the belt hook was a no-go for me. The Lap Dawg helps a lot, although maybe it leans back a bit further towards my shoulder I can access the fretboard.
Initially I did have one lesson with Greg, and I got his DVD. I'm having a real hard time, though, just playing notes - simple interval movements, trying to get the hand movement that Greg teaches down. Being a guitar player for over 35 years, it takes some getting used to.
One thing is that I've found the RB's thin profile feels hard to get my hand on correctly. I feel like if I put my thumbs on the back of the board I'm pinching the fretboard and I can't really move positions well, but when I try to relax I end up just floating without my thumb on the neck at all, which gives pretty inconsistent results.
Also, I find holding my left arm up to be painful after a very short time. Granted, this is a new thing to do but I'm concerned about pushing it.
After just running through some exercises this evening I seem to have a lot of pain in my left hand and wrist. I feel like I'm maybe hitting the strings too hard, but it seems to take a fair bit of force to get a note out, even driving the note with the hand. (I'm actually a bit more comfortable with my fingers - after all these years they're very strong.)
Does any of this sound familliar? I'm wondering if the RB is the best instrument for me, as opposed to a wooden one that may feel more natural...but I know that won't address deficiencies in my approach.
Any tips for getting started without ending up hurting oneself would be appreciated. (I tried to search the forum, but frankly the search feature leaves a lot to be desired when so many words are considered too common.)
Well, only one lesson usually raises more questions than it answers
A couple of things that might help. First, the instrument should not be resting on your shoulder, but balanced so that you only need the slightest contact to keep it in position. Your left arm should only be up some of the time, down some of the time, depending on what you're doing. as in this video:
The hand movement concept i a little harder for guitarists to grasp, but those who do end up being glad they did..
If you loosen your grip and let the arms do the work, I find that to be a helpful strategy. Happy to do a follow-up whenever you are ready.
I wonder about tweaking the setup a bit - it's set up as recommended from SE, with (iirc) medium strings in RMR tuning (which makes it a bit strange trying to follow the Free Hands book since everything is in the wrong key...). 