Chalk

[cyberwaste]

Hi all.
This is my first post on this site.
I play in an iron maiden tribute show in Australia and have no real problem playing Steve harris although at times I feel a lot of friction on my fingers during faster songs. We have an upcoming show that's going to include rime of the ancient mariner an somewhere in time amongst other fast tracks. The show will be nearly 2 hours.
Anyway my question is have any of you used chalk on your fingers or anything else such as talc powder. If so does it work and what kind of chalk as all I know is the blue pool cue kind.
Cheers
Tony

 

[Skitch it!]

I did read here that Steve Harris uses chalk, that would be to take the moisture (sweat) from the callouses to stop them softening too much and keep them dry and harder for attack. The same reason rock climbers use it really, to keep the hands dry.

That's what you are looking for I'd say, powdered climbers chalk.

 

[cyberwaste]

thanks mate.
i went to the local rock climbing centre and got some chalk.
chalk doesnt work very well but i did end up using baby talc and that worked a treat.
cheers
tony

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Iron-Madness-Iron-Maiden-Tribute-Show/145602018802949

 

[SBassman]

If you were looking to reduce friction, then not chalk, but talc, as you found.

I use talc occasionally to reduce sticking to the strings.

 

[cyberwaste]

certainly got rid of any fatigue.
i have heard steve harris using chalk but perhaps pool chalk is different to rock climbing chalk.