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Dumb newbie question - open strings?
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Author:  bholder [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:19 am ]
Post subject:  Dumb newbie question - open strings?

New to stick playing, sorry for the dumb question but is it atypical to play on the open strings at all? I'm trying to arrange something and my hands keep running into each other, have to move the left hand up a string and down towards the nut, leaving choices of either playing an open string or a big position jump. Seems to work, using a pull-off, but there is a tonal difference of course. Is using open strings frowned upon?

Author:  Boaz [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

not common since they are dumped

Author:  greg [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

what tuning are you using? do you often use the highest melody string string?

If not, then the Baritone Melody tuning might solve all of your woes..

Author:  bholder [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

Standard 10 string classic tuning for now, just getting started. Will explore alternate tunings after I get some basics down with this.

Author:  Jzzb8ovn [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

Could you not use a capo? I think I've seen bob Culbertson using a capo for some open notes?

Author:  The_Afro_Circus [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

I use my lower 3 bass side strings open sometimes if the note I want is just right there. I use the lowest open B all the time when I'm covering more bass-centric rolls. I don't really like the sound of anything higher than the 3rd bass string open though. That's just me, if you like the sound then there's an appropriate place for it somewhere.

Author:  bholder [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

And pretty sure my woes are due to being new and not particularly talented. :) I haven't been using the high melody string much, but that's primarily because I haven't been able to get decent volume out of it. Is that typical? Probably just need more practice. :lol:

Author:  greg [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

bholder wrote:
And pretty sure my woes are due to being new and not particularly talented. :) I haven't been using the high melody string much, but that's primarily because I haven't been able to get decent volume out of it. Is that typical? Probably just need more practice. :lol:
Different instruments have different issues. It could be a setup issue, an amplification issue. I couldn't say. I know on The Stick, it's easy to get a good balance between the strings, especially with the Stickup, because there is an adjustable pole piece under each string. As far as why this is the case on your instrument, I have no idea.

If you find you don't want to use the high string much, then the Baritone Melody tuning, which is a 4th lower, allows you to play generally higher on the board, so your left hand and right hand rarely get in each other's way.

Author:  bholder [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

greg wrote:
bholder wrote:
And pretty sure my woes are due to being new and not particularly talented. :) I haven't been using the high melody string much, but that's primarily because I haven't been able to get decent volume out of it. Is that typical? Probably just need more practice. :lol:
Different instruments have different issues. It could be a setup issue, an amplification issue. I couldn't say. I know on The Stick, it's easy to get a good balance between the strings, especially with the Stickup, because there is an adjustable pole piece under each string. As far as why this is the case on your instrument, I have no idea.

If you find you don't want to use the high string much, then the Baritone Melody tuning, which is a 4th lower, allows you to play generally higher on the board, so your left hand and right hand rarely get in each other's way.

Thanks Greg! Sounds worth investigating that tuning further. I wish it was a real Stick, maybe someday.

Author:  sagehalo [ Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Dumb newbie question - open strings?

bholder wrote:
Thanks Greg! Sounds worth investigating that tuning further. I wish it was a real Stick, maybe someday.


Whoa! What instrument are you playing? Not all instruments setup equally well. The Stick has a lot of patented tech on it designed to make it a precision tapping instrument. Other instruments range in quality and intent of design.

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