• Registered: 2007-03-10
  • Posts: 22

Topic: If you'd be so kind, Joe, to give some insight into your technique

I came across a comment on a forum, or youtube, about a fan who had asked to see your hands, Joe. An odd request, but I'm sure you've heard stranger. He said you did not appear to have calluses on your left hand. This seems amazing, given how much time you must spend playing steel string guitars. I've heard that the best players tend to use a light touch. Coming from a person who has a bad tendency to apply far too much force on the guitar neck, what did you do to develop this trait, or is it just something you've never had to think about?

Also, would you mind going into some detail regarding your right hand technique? Especially the fingerstyle method. You seem to still get pretty good attack with just fingers, and you don't seem to use a classical approach.

Any information would be appreciated.

Happy Holidays!

  • Registered: 2008-11-20
  • Posts: 21

Re: If you'd be so kind, Joe, to give some insight into your technique

I think Joe's finger style usually involves thumb, 2nd and 3rd finger.
He uses his first finger to tuck the plectrum out of the way near his palm.

3 Reply by Sparky (edited by Sparky 2008-12-14 20:21:06)

  • Registered: 2007-03-10
  • Posts: 22

Re: If you'd be so kind, Joe, to give some insight into your technique

yeah, I guess the pick has to be tucked somewhere. i was watching some video of Mark Knopfler and he uses just the thumb and the first two fingers. He was anchoring his ring finger on the pickup ring. Wonder why he doesn't bother to involve the ring finger most of the time.

I'm really wondering if Joe has no calluses and if so, how does he manage to play with such a bold sound with a really light touch?