Palm muting

david moon

Attempting the Blues
I have enjoyed Piedmont Blues, since 1946, when I was four years old. Another person known for Piedmont Blues was Josh White. He had a television bit which was 15 minutes, once a week, in the early 1950's, shown on the East and West Coast, but not allowed to be shown in the Mid West, or Southern portion of the United States.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hnuJZt7Mvk


Etta Baker is well known for her song, "Freight Train". Her guitar style is her own, and she was a most delightful person.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJTBRkLhttQ

I still enjoy playing Piedmont Blues, and it is but one of the many styles available, but not too popular. I just like good music, and good people! :)





Tom
Tom- thanks for all your knowlegable posts here.

In that video she plays "normal" right hand guitar "upside down" and left handed, playing the melody with her thumb and the alternating bass with the index finger.

Also that video was Elizabeth Cotton.

Here's Stefan Grossman with his take. He makes it look effortless, but he's been doing it for a long time.
 

CJLaMere

Blues Newbie
I have enjoyed Piedmont Blues, since 1946, when I was four years old. Another person known for Piedmont Blues was Josh White. He had a television bit which was 15 minutes, once a week, in the early 1950's, shown on the East and West Coast, but not allowed to be shown in the Mid West, or Southern portion of the United States.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hnuJZt7Mvk


Etta Baker is well known for her song, "Freight Train". Her guitar style is her own, and she was a most delightful person.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJTBRkLhttQ

I still enjoy playing Piedmont Blues, and it is but one of the many styles available, but not too popular. I just like good music, and good people! :)





Tom
etta can play that thang, upside down even. I have trouble playing it the way it came from the store, maybe that's the problem
 

Big Ed

Blues Newbie
A quick note on thumb picks from my banjo experience. I have found several thumbpicks that work great for different styles and tones.
BUT, I have never yet found one that works right out of the box. They all need to be shaped to your likings. I use Dunlops, Nationals, and Fred Kellys. Especially like the Fred Kelly speed pick for Acoustic guitar picking, but not strumming.
The first thing you need is to adjust the shape of the pick. Cut easily with a pair of nail clippers, file with a fingernail file and smooth with 1200 grit paper. Buy a dozen and reshape until you find what works for you. Then resize to fit snuggly on your thumb, most can be shaped by soaking in hot water then bending. The last thing I do is rough sand the inside so it doesn't slip around my thumb. Seems like a lot of work, but they last for years.
 
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