Learning the PSG is a JOY!

[Marty Lutes]

Hello all! Please forgive my excitement as I am a complete beginner on the PSG, but I couldn't help but share with you the Joy I've experience from 4 months of playing. Been slowly going thru Jeff Newman stuff and have just recently begun to understand why many of the "real steelers" recomend learning the neck of your instrument. Wish I would have somehow done that when learning the six string. Been playing it for years, but the never began learning it the way JN shows learning the PSG neck. Sorry to ramble, but I have so much fun playing this instrument, because it takes me back to "real country" like my family listened to growing up. I appreciate all the info you folks take the time to post (Drama and all ). Keep pickin folks, we beginners need your inspiration!

Later ML

[Mike Perlowin]

Welcome to the club Marty. Back when I started I felt that same joy you're feeling now. I think all did.

[Ron Davis]

[Jerry Overstreet]

Welcome Marty and may I say your enthusiasm is inspiring.
Best of luck.

[C Dixon]

What the rest said,

c.

[Dave Hopping]

One of the particular joys of playing pedal is that there is always some slick little demented lick or technique to learn,and becoming a better player is something you can work(and make progress) at for the rest of your life.
One of the particular joys of this forum is that a good many iconic players hang out here and we NON-iconic players can make like we're hob-nobbing with our brother wizards.

[Robert Fleming]

I totally agree with this posting about what a joy this instrument is. I have always loved it since I was a kid and only wish I had bought one way back when. I too have been using some of Jeff Newmans videos particuarlly Up From The Top the A and B pedals. have looked at several other videos but Jeffs seem to work well for me. After I do some practicing with it I always doodle for a while and seem to come up with new stuff on my own every day.

[Tony Davis]

Marty !!
You just signed up for an Adventure of a lifetime......
And this is the Train that will take you there!!!

Cheers............Tony

[Marty Lutes]

One of the particular joys of this forum is that a good many iconic players hang out here and we NON-iconic players can make like we're hob-nobbing with our brother wizards.

Yeah Dave, this is really cool! And when they speak, I'm all ears

After I do some practicing with it I always doodle for a while and seem to come up with new stuff on my own every day.

That's exactly what I do Robert. Turn the practice tracks on and just experiment.

Thanks all

[Dave Hopping]

Thanks for the kind words,Marty...One of the pieces of learning enhancement I wish I'd learned sooner was recording backing tracks and then recording steel over them-a very instructive,but somewhat humbling process,to say the least.
Another slightly more cheering learning tool is the use of a Guitar Trainer(no connection).The"slowdown" and looping features allow one to have virtual lessons from some of those iconic guys that hang out here.Learning what one of them did on a solo that millions have heard is a special treat for a steeler.I'm tempted to mention names,but they(and we)know who they are.

[HowardR]

Marty.....your post is refreshing.....makes many of us old grumps revisit the excitement that we've tucked away in the back of our minds.....forge ahead.....

[Clete Ritta]

Marty,

I wish I knew of this forum when I started!
Ive been playing E9 for around 5 years now, and just starting on C6 now.
It is an amazing and inspiring instrument. A lifelong obsession maybe.
Every time we learn anything new it is indeed a blessing.

About learning the neck, I have found that much of the material for lapsteel C6 tuning without pedals is valuable for starting on the C6 neck as well.
Cheers!

Clete

[Chris Schlotzhauer]

I have actually been thinking about digging out all of my old stuff and go back through it all. This would be a monumental task, because I have evrything from Winnie's course, Newman, Emmons, Jernnegan, to Franklin, Mannes (I know Im spelling the names wrong)
So many forgotten licks in that material.
Who knows, I might get "that" feeling again.
Anyway, I either need to do that or sell it all.

[Dana Blodgett]

Chris,If I were you I wouldn't sell everything 'cause if you do you'll probably be kickin yourself!You're never too old to learn something new.Go back over your material and I am sure you'll find something to get inspired from. Sometimes you just need a "break" from your instrument.Try a new instrument such as a banjo or mandolin as a diversion.I used to get burn't out on the guitar at times so I would park it in it's case for as long as necessary and usually came back to it later with a renewed energy for the instrument!
Years ago I got frustrated with my progress and sold my steel and hated myself for doin' that. It took me 21 years to get into a position to buy another!Now I know I'll never get rid of the one I own now.

[Billy Tonnesen]

IMHO, the real Joy of playing any type of Steel Guitar is when you can play and contribute in a Band or Small Group. When you play something that contributes to the Song and Band, and get a knowing nod from the other Guys, you will really feel good about yourself.

[C Dixon]

IMHO, the real Joy of playing any type of Steel Guitar is when you can play and contribute in a Band or Small Group. When you play something that contributes to the Song and Band, and get a knowing nod from the other Guys, you will really feel good about yourself.

Well stated Billy. I could only add,

"Whenever you sit behind a guitar and it brings JOY that ONLY heaven can provide, and it says, [Let's me and you make music], grab her and hug her, and NEVAH EVAH let go of her! And pet her gently and kindly all tha days of Yo lives!! "

(Note: ya might even consider calling "Lloyds of London", cuz ya jes may NEVAH find anudurn lack her! )

c.

[Barry Hyman]

Don't believe any of these guys, Marty. Learning the pedal steel guitar leads to a lifetime of suffering, frustration, and misery. It starts out impossible and gets steadily worse. It is like surfing big waves and juggling and doing rocket science simultaneously. (And you're supposed to be able to wink at the women in the audience at the same time!) Don't believe any of these guys -- none of us are having any fun at all -- we're just pretending. Sell the thing and practice whipping yourself with a bullwhip covered with razor blades instead.

Just kidding! I'm off to a gig where I will have four hours of nonstop ecstasy, if the Muse is willing. Good luck -- this really is the most exciting musical experience a human can have!

[Brett Day]

Marty, let me tell you, When I started on steel ten years ago, it was a really wonderful experience for me and it still is today. Playin' pedal steel is a wonderful thing because it's a wonderful instrument. I've got cerebral palsy in my left hand, but I still play steel. Don't ever stop playin' because the more you play, the more you'll love it! Practice hard and don't worry about mistakes, and always play from the heart. Welcome to the wonderful world of steel guitar!

Brett

[Bernie Gonyea]

Marty : I agree with most of these kind remarks from all the steel guitar pickers here reading your post; I, too , must extend a hearty welcome to you on joining our group. We are definitely the brotherhood of Steel Guiarists and fond fans of this fabulous instrument; You will enjoy watching and reading news from all over the world. If you have any questions about this instument; don't be afraid to holler loud and clear; there are approximately 10,000 folks here on the forum whom are ready; willing and able to come to your assistance. Don't be bashful, my friend. Jeff Newman was also one of my mentors. The only official teacher I had the pleasure of knowing. God Bless him and all our steel guitar forum members, including you..Cheers..Bernie

[Marty Lutes]

Thank ya folks!