Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Changing Picking hand styles

#1

Hey ya’ll. Hope Ya’ll had a pleasant weekend!

I need some help… I’ve been trying to play faster on my flatpicking, (And Rhythm) But right now I’m trying to get better on my flatpicking. So I changed my pick hand style a few months ago, sorta like Bryan Sutton. “SORTA” :laughing: I’ve been accidently planting my fingers while picking… and I think that’s what been causing tension! But, anytime I put my fingers down I plant (Its because I’m Predominately a banjo player). So I feel like my only option is to do a “free floating style” like Jake Workman.

Ya’ll got any advice? i would appreciate some help! :grin:

God Bless,
Chicken Wing. :chicken::upside_down_face:

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#2

I went through this experience about 5 years ago where I realized that my “Bryan Sutton right hand attempt” (I really wasn’t even mimicking him well at all, but my draping/planting fingers were causing me a lot of tension) was hindering me from ever getting faster and more fluid. Through some lessons with Jake I learned to totally redo my pick hold and right hand position. It was really uncomfortable for a little while and felt like starting over. But I’m so glad I committed to switching to the free floating right hand style. I can’t recommend it highly enough as a solid, tension-free technique that won’t ever limit your playing. My best advice to you is grab a Zoom lesson with Jake. He can show you a lot in just a half hour and his way of explaining this is way better than mine!

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#3

Thank you so much! I’ll check it out!

I’m going to try the floating hand technique!
I’ll post about my progress later on. :wink:
God Bless,
Chicken Wing.:chicken:

#4

One more quick question: Is more in the wrist, or the arm? I’ve actually have the floating technique already down just very choppy and slow LOL.

#5

I started that technique Prob around…July? Can’t really remember :smile: Just never really got serious about it.

#6

It’s a combination of both, but I would say Jake’s motion is more reliant on the wrist. It’s partially blocked by mics here, but compare his wrist motion to Michael Daves’ (far right) when they solo:

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#7

A fine mix of both; you have to have larger arm motion to get the power of your attack, and wrist motion to get accuracy. When I was first learning the position Jake worked with me on wrist rotation a lot but he also kept telling me to use more arm. I would practice in front of a mirror (still do sometimes) so I could make sure my arm was moving enough.

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#8

Will do! Thank you for all your help. :grin: