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Dear all,

How is the brief double-stopped section in Spring Is Nearly Here played? On what positions on the fretboard? Does Hank pluck upward? I can’t match the way he played the section.

I watched several covers on YouTube and find that most play the part differently from the way Hank played in the original recording. There are two that are close, with some differences, but I can’t see clearly how they played the part.

Hank is very expressive in that original recording, too. He played the tune, especially that section, with much feeling. Once I get the tabs right, I will have to work on trying to achieve that.

With many thanks in advance, and regards from Manila,

Andy

If it's any help, I play it on the top two strings from the third fret. Doesn't sound quite as smooth as Hank but I'm satisfied!

Better if played on the second and third strings - down strokes. If it is played with up strokes there is too much emphasis on the high note. I don't think that Hank was using his pick and finger technique at the time.

Yes - E and B strings from the third fret.

This is a tune which also benefits a lot from use of the expressive powers of the DeArmond 610 pedal (as Hank performed it in Japan in 1967).

Many thanks Jim, Terry, Jim. I will keep trying (I was trying last night). I have tended to play the section as this guitarist does. (I think he is Japanese. Nice Gibson J200 in the back, by the way).

https://youtu.be/sFK4UcZl2Qc

Andy

Here is another cover, played I think on the same positions as in the previous vidro. Listening to the tone of the original recording was what led me to play the part here, but I am not sure which notes should be picked - above or below the main melody. It is a simple tune, but the part has always eluded me.

https://youtu.be/wMNgEqq7X6A

Andy

By playing that section on the second and third strings the tone is more mellow that it is from first and second and more in keeping with the original.

Thank you, Terry. I keep practicing. Hank is so fluid in his playing.

Best regards from Manila (recovered from the ashfall from the volcanic eruption last month, and now bracing for the Wuhan corona virus (once reported case so far, a tourist from China).

Andy

I can't find my copy of the sheet music but I seem to remember the double stops parts were written wrong (?) with the harmony added above the main melody note:

| E/G, F/A, G/B, F/A, E/G, --- | D/F, E/G, F/A, E/G, D/F---|

rather than below:

| E/C, F/D, G/E, F/D, E/C, --- | D/B, E/C, F/D, E/C, D/B, ---|

the melody being:

| E, F, G, F, E --- | D, E, F, E, D, --- |

Let me see if I can make that out. Thanks, Roger.

Andy