Quote:
Originally Posted by madformac
I never really used a pick either. In fact I wish I could use one at times because there are things I want to do that are not as easy with your fingers (pinched harmonics etc..).
I've always played with my fingers and strummed with my nails so I don't know any different. I do mute the strings above the ones I'm picking with my thumb and palm muting too of course. But I never learned this stuff, just subconsciously fell into it probably. I never took any lessons or anything so my technique is not exactly orthodox and as Brandon said, I'm "sloppy". A guitar teacher would cringe at my finger positions but them I guess pros like Lindsey or people like us would all get the same reaction.. But it works for me. After you have been playing a few years you fall into your own techniques and bad habits, if you will. Its a bit like driving. If I had to keep both hands on the wheel now I'd go nuts!
"I'm So Afraid" and "The Chain" are very rewarding songs to fingerpick when you hit them just right. But it takes a degree of time to get it right. No overnight successes.
As for the Model 1. Its utterly useless for those who like to hang around on the dusty end of the fingerboard (I'm one of those hence I play Strats and stuff mostly). The upper fret access is appalling for an electric but its impossible for it to be any other way given the design.. But look at classical players, upper fret access is crap on a classical guitar but they adapt technique and make it work. The Model 1 is basically a very aggressive Les Paul packaged into a classical shape with the strings placed perfectly for fingerpickers. Like an acoustic that's overdone the steroids..
Its unique in the guitar world and with that come its eccentricities. You have to say "okay, so how do I work around this?" and then you get used to it..
Its not an easy guitar to play and it makes you a better player by making sure you treat it in a disciplined way. You can't get away with sloppy chords playing on a clean setting with this guitar. But play it the right way and it rewards a hell of a lot.
I think its best suited to power chords and heavier stuff personally. Makes a great rock rhythm guitar (only problem is its so damn loud it drowns the lead player!!)
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J,
THe guitar has been sent back...Rick is indeed working on a new one for me. He said he "realized" very quickly that it was not built to my spec as I had previously requested. The neck wasnt a tapered neck at all...he apologised for that. So he told me to tell him...line for line, word for word exactly what I want and he'd "get it right"...He said he'd have it done for me within 3-4 weeks.
~B~