Learn the Washboard #4: Country Music and the Train Beat

[@iandpg]

please show a close up on how you attach the stap & accessories. What sounds they make, how you attached the pieces ie what types of glue? Thanks a ton. I'm loving learning with you

[@unklraynutter8928]

Another great video my friend

[@meetthecreepah1932]

I just bought a washboard the other week. Your videos have been a life saver. I've been listening to a lot of Tejon Street Corner Thieves, and Piss Poor Players as inspiration as well.

[@learnthewashboard5223]

that's awesome! thanks for watching!

[@nahuelhandpan]

They say that teacher is who has something to show. and you are a great teacher. your method is so simple to understand!

[@learnthewashboard5223]

Oh wow, thanks, that means alot.

[@fleebin2794]

I like the extra accent on the left hand. Very nicely done! And great break down.

[@任思奇]

Love your videos! I will receive a washboard as birthday present in a couple of days, and your videos really help! Thank you with a lot of love ❤ ！

[@learnthewashboard5223]

Happy birthday!

[@digitalwasabi2]

Thanks! I've been a drummer for years but just started playing washboard about 2 months ago, thanks for the lessons!

[@任思奇]

BTW I wonder how do people settle the spare parts on their boards? Do you have any good ideas to share? Thank you and looking forward to your update ;)

[@learnthewashboard5223]

Great question, that's really up to you. I say experiment as much as possible, pans, bells, wood blocks. Try anything you can find. Have fun and be creative! : )

[@learnthewashboard5223]

To answer your question better I will make a video about building a washboard and adding accessories. Stay tuned. . .

[@kanewilliams1653]

That's a great sounding washboard. I just got mine and it is stainless steel is sounds a bit tinny. Is yours galvanized steel? Or what makes that sound?

[@learnthewashboard5223]

Zinc, zinc, zinc. that's why you want. zinc board and zinc thimbles. The Zinc King 701 washboard is the one preferred by most pros. you can find great old ones cheap on eBay or at flea markets. the more beat up they are, the cheaper, and the better they sound : )

[@kanewilliams1653]

@@learnthewashboard5223 Great suggestion.. will have a look.. wish someone told me before I spent the money on this steel one. Thanks

[@lamedvav]

The best metal is zinc. But I can't find zinc thimbles.

[@justinletson9736]

When you say a hand is up or down on a certain beat do you mean that that hand should scrape the board or are you just saying up or down regarding accenting a beat? Love your page btw.

[@learnthewashboard5223]

Both actually. On lots of patterns i scrape down on the down beat, and up on the up beat. However, I think the thing that takes the longest to develop, for me at least, is having a very very soft touch. I pressed way too hard for a loooong time; your wrist moves fast, but your fingers stay light and loose. I think Washboard Chaz has the best touch of anyone I've ever seen live. Check out his band, the washboard chaz trio on youtube.