Flatpicking electric guitar
Posted on October 14th, 2009 by Stephen B.
Dear Steve: I love your books and I'm practicing real hard, but due to hand injuries and carpal tunnel, I have to play everything on an electric guitar. It's much easier on the hands. Is there going to be a place for me playing bluegrass in public when I get good enough?
Sincerely, Steve B.
I have been amplifying my
I have been amplifying my acoustic a lot lately, and I find that it is very different when plugged in as opposed to not. I find myself constantly struggling to have just the right touch so things don't sound uneven or crashy. A softer pick has helped some but it is a bit of a learning curve for me.
Howie
Uneven Volume
You'd find a compressor would help a lot in leveling out your volume.
Secondly, you are probably getting too much volume on the guitar amp - turn the amp down and make your hands work for it a bit more. It's much easier to level the volume out when your playing harder and not diddling around and backing off because you're afraid you're getting too loud because you're amplified. It's a common issue with students who turn up their amp too much and then back off their attack.
Try the compressor pedal as well - borrow one to see how you get along (everyone has one in the back of the cupboard when they thought they needed - but got a cheap one - then if it works for you, get a decent one and expect to pay at least $200. Cheap ones will add a very strange sort of pop to the attack of each note - you'll know it when you start using compression (and be trying to avoid it forever afterwards).
Flatpicking electric guitar
Maybe not in a traditional Bluegrass band but there is room out there for everyone. You may need to create your own environment. Maybe add an electric mandolin etcto the band as well.
Or maybe use ultra lights on an acoustic and plug it in so the look is still there.
Or start to slowly add in heavier strings until you get to lights or medium lights then mediums.
Unless you have major hand trouble. You and your guitar should be able to handle the medium strings.
That's a first time question - I tell ya!
Have fun.
Steve K