Things You'll Need:
- Steel slide
- Metal finger picks
- Plastic thumb pick
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Step 1
Decide whether a square-necked or round-necked Dobro interests you. Both types can be played in the usual way, but those interested in bluegrass may prefer a square-necked Dobro lap-style guitar. Resonator guitars work similar to steel slide guitars.
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Step 2
Tune the guitar or have it tuned. Guitarists tune Dobros with an open tuning instead of standard tuning. For example, an open G tuning would be D, B, G, D, B, G. Guitarists with previous guitar experience do best on Dobros.
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Step 3
Invest in accessories for your Dobro. Although finger picking is acceptable, resonator guitars shine with steel slides and fingerpicks.
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Step 4
Locate Dobro tablature. Better known as tabs, this type of sheet music shows notes and finger placement. Many guitarists use tabs as a visual way to read music.
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Step 5
Practice tab exercises and scales daily. As you adjust to the different playing style, you'll appreciate your Dobro more.
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Step 6
Start with one style of music, such as blues. After you accomplish one style, move on to others. Mixing the styles when beginning to play a Dobro often leads to frustration.
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Step 7
Spend some time with an experienced Dobro player or invest in some instructional videos so you can see instructions in practice.
