Hi,
An alternative that works for me is to grow a healthy thumb-nail. Then pinch
thumb and index together, like as if holding a plectrum and use the nail as
a plectrum. You can file down the nail to suit your preference of sound, as
well as strike the course (string) from different angles, and optionally
press the little finger against the soundboard. Or not.
This method allows for very rapid up-and-down playing and is a more accurate
alternative to "dedillo" IMO.
It also uses the mechanics of the hand in a "plectrum" way with a more
direct contact with the string.
Of course it goes against all that is "lute" correctness! :) (I have mainly
used it on single strings).
Any other players who have tried this way out?
G.
----- Original Message -----
From: "WALSH STUART" <s.wa...@ntlworld.com>
To: "Braig, Eugene" <brai...@osu.edu>; "lutelist Net"
<Lute@cs.dartmouth.edu>
Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2014 11:06 AM
Subject: [LUTE] Re: 15th century duo (left-handers playing right-handedly)
On 06/06/2014 23:06, Braig, Eugene wrote:
Groovy! What plectrum did you use here? I use several incarnations of
plectrum depending on era of music and instrument at hand. . . . And, in
spite of my sinistral tendencies, my plectrum, punteado, and occasional
rasgueado efforts are always executed with the right hand.
Eugene I had forgotten that you are left-handed but play (in your
preferred usage) standard instruments. Is there also a Worshipful Company
of Left-Handed Standard Lute Players (i.e. playing right-handedly), I
wonder?
For a plectrum I'm using a length of guitar string with a bit of masking
tape. I gleaned this from a discussion on this list some time. I've tried
many kinds of plectrum but me the main issue is plectrum playing itself,
rather than the plectrum. How do you get on with playing with a plectrum
in your right hand when you are left handed? You have noted that both
hands equally are involved in complex tasks in playing a plucked
instrument. But....
Usually in music, if I have realistic goals, I can fairly well come to be
able to play things (e.g. quite difficult passages) with careful, slow
practice. But this doesn't happen ever with plectrum issues. I can
practice a troublesome passage countless times over a period of time, pick
up the instrument and plectrum and I'll be just as likely to bungle it...
or get it right. It's fascinating in an annoying way, really.
Stuart
While Jean-Paul certainly plays it faster, the effect is no more
entertaining. Cheers!
Best,
Eugene
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