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Post subject: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:54 am
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Question for those of you who have experience playing strats with floating bridges...

I just recently got a strat and it is setup with a floating bridge. I am having some challenges with positioning the right hand for picking on the bridge and pushing the bridge down unintentionally, and doing so the string gets pulled and I get the wrong notes. I used to play Les Pauls, so I am trying to get used to the strat tremolo, but I wanted to make sure I start the right way from beginning.


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Post subject: Re: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2017 1:20 am
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ive never really thought about it because it comes naturally to most people but for me when I'm not strumming my palm rests above the middle pickup and "rolls" or moves back and forth to reach different strings. When I play the lower bass strings my wrist bends upwards and I pick closer to the neck. With the higher treble strings my palm moves over and rests on the bass strings and I pick further away from the fretboard. My palm kinda stays in the same positon while my hand pivots to reach different strings, therefor I pick further away from the neck on the treble strings because my wrist pivots my fingers away from the neck. its hard to explain but I think basically just rest your palm above the middle pickup and most of this should come naturally. Hope this helps, let me know how it goes!


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Post subject: Re: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2017 1:25 am
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You can also stop the tremolo from moving by doing a few different things, all of which involve adjusting the bridge screws and tremolo claws. Doing this will affect how you use the whammy bar though. I have my bridge flush against the body so that I can tune down or up easier and quicker.


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Post subject: Re: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2017 10:50 am
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There is no 'one and only right way'... :wink:
If you check out the real good Strat players on e.g. youtube, they have very personal pick hand habits.

But in general, and as a what-to-focus-on-when practicing advice: the more you rest (any part of) your hand (anywhere) on the guitar, the more it restricts its movements.


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Post subject: Re: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2017 3:33 pm
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The Strat taught me early to rest my palm closer to the strings and to do so lightly.
It allows me to palm-mute by moving very little when I want that chug-chug thing.
Moving closer to the strings, even if it's just 1/16" reduces the mechanical advantage your palm pressure has on on pivoting the bridge.
Still, you'll likely want to get used to using less pressure.

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Post subject: Re: Right hand technique for strat with floating bridge
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:48 pm
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I agree with everyone here in saying there is no one way. It is important to have a setup that you are comfortable with.

Do you want to lift the bar, push the bar, or both? Do you want it to be easy, or do you want to make a little or a lot of effort. Do you want to block it so it has no effect? Would you be happy with Fender's recommended setup specs? Has a string change (such as gauge) altered your setup? These are some of the options that can have an effect based on your style, technique, and needs.

For the inexperienced it can indeed be a little challenging, but these answers will come to you as you become comfortable with it.

I think others here have some valid points. One thing is sure. You'll find your own comfort as you discover how your sound is affected on a trial basis. I had my setup changed a couple of times until it finally met my approval for my style and needs. Tuning stability goes without saying. In the end my tremelo movement is a touch stiffer than originally preferred; however, the tradeoff is that it works better in returning to pitch.

I personally take comfort in using similar effects on the same song both with and without the bar. Palming (using the heel of your palm on the tremelo bridge) is a great way to learn control, and it also allows you to mute strings. When you feel comfortable with this technique you may feel the bar is an extension of that technique. As others here have said, knowing how and where to rest your picking hand can be beneficial. Some use the whammy bar like a stick shift, but that's a whole other story for the dragsters. I don't keep my hand on the bar most times, depending on the songs, but others feel better holding it for extended periods. Again, no right or wrong.

Don't fret :lol: The light will go on, and soon you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. :D
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