Just bought a used 2011 (might be 2010) Strat HSS Deluxe. My first Strat, which is now going to be my primary guitar. Have been playing a Tele last two years. Feels to me that the right-hand technique for a Strat is different than for a Tele. For example, there is no middle pickup on a Tele. I often trip over the middle pickup on the Strat. I feel kind of clumsy on the Strat. Just wondering if others have had to adapt their right-hand technique when switching to a Strat.

It's a common issue. Especially for people who also play twin humbucker guitars - they're used to all that space between the p/ups. I still trip over the middle pickup on my strats occasionally.

If you play regulalrly on the strat, you hand position will adjust automatically over time. However, you can make the adjustment process easier. Try lowering the middle p/up a little with the screws either side of it. Obviously it will have an effect on the sound of that pickup, and the sound of the positions that also use it - 2,3 and 4 on your selector switch in fact. So you may have to compromise a little - experiment and see. You can also look to strike the strings in slightly different positions than you would on your telecaster. Either side of the middle pickup instead of right over it.

Don't sweat it. Your hand and fingers will adjust..

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

And players of Teles and Les Pauls who have grown used to anchoring their hand quite hard on a fixed bridge for palm muting often find they are getting all sorts of pitch warbling when they try and play the same way on a Strat-type vibrato bridge. A lighter touch or a different playing position are sometimes called for.

halldavidr, as far as hitting the middle pickup is concerned, I find that if I have my palm in the right position to mute the strings (should I wish) as they come off the saddles that puts my picking somewhere between neck and middle pickups, which seems suitable for many reasons. Of course, you can then move your hand to different positions for different sounds, but as a starting position perhaps it is something to think about?

Good luck - C

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