Christmas Medley - 1st Video Post

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 27 Nov 2009 5:44 pm

I got my daughter to help me post a video on you tube. Played a couple of Christmas tunes on my Williams. One false start, other wise OK. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Larry J. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts2qLVY9Nq8

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 28 Nov 2009 1:50 am

Larry,
Constructive Criticism Time

Try not to back the volume pedal off every time that you pick, as it makes for a very 'choppy' sound.

It seems to me that you're picking just an instant before the volume pedal is backed off, and then pressed again.

Respectfully,
Richard

Don Brown, Sr. · Post by **Don Brown, Sr.** » 29 Nov 2009 9:35 am

Hi Larry,

Thanks for the Christmas tunes. The little Red steel, seems to have real nice sustain.

Now, if I may, (without offending you) simply suggest that you try doing the same tunes, while focusing on "Not" using the volume pedal to cut off the notes. Instead, (when needed) simply allow your right palm, to momentarily do that job for you. I think you'll see a big difference in the smoothness.

Maybe Richard could do a video portion of those tunes, so you can see and hear what it is, he's referring to. I believe that would be of help in that area.

Other than that, I enjoyed giving you a listen. I think it's simply a bad habit you may have gotten into, and, (not to imply any of us could do a better job) but if everyone simply said, "Great Job Larry" it wouldn't be of help to you. Many times, we can't here our own playing to critique it, nearly as well as others hearing it can. That's because whether a good habit or a bad one, it's gets embedded within us, until someone comes along, to point it out. And, that's regardless of who that person happens to be, or how long they've been playing.

Speaking openly and honestly is nothing to be upset over, or discouraged. Especially, when it's meant to be constructive, and said with good intentions that can be of help to the player.

Thanks again for the listen, and, Merry Christmas back, to you and yours..........

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 29 Nov 2009 7:01 pm

Hi Larry, I agree with Richard and Don said about the volume pedal.
Other than that, everything else you've got nailed and it sounds good.
I've been learning to play all over again, since an accident in 2007,
that destroyed my brain cells, so I'm relearning from the very beginning.
I can't play anywhere as good as I used to, or as good as my friends do,
but I want others to tell me what I need help with, to improve my playing.
Friends tell me they love how pretty I can play, but I just wish I could
play as good as they do. Just remember, our forum friends like to help us.
I enjoyed your playing, and look forward to hearing more, as time goes by.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 29 Nov 2009 8:02 pm

Larry, I am a little different than some of the guys. You never asked for constructive criticism so I will not offer any. It takes time to get the volume pedal like it needs to be. I do not know how long you have been playing but I encourage you to keep it going. The guys only were offering advice to help you which shows they care about other steel players. I hope you put out some more videos and even with some rhythm tracks.

Larry Jamieson · Post by **Larry Jamieson** » 1 Dec 2009 5:05 am

Well.. Until I watched this video, I wasn't aware how much I was using the volume pedal. I'll work on that.
I am mostly a self taught player, had a semester of lessons way back in 1975, then played with bands, then quit for a long time while I raised 3 children. In recent years, I picked it up again, bought some new guitars with more knee levers (my 1st only had one), and have learned to play more melody instead of just fills.
Larry J.