Where does a newbie start??

Greg McKenzie · Post by **Greg McKenzie** » 12 Jan 2011 10:37 am

I have been playing guitar for years and for some deluded resaoan I have decided to try the pedal steel.

So I bought a Sho-Bud Maverick, and need to know some of the ins and outs of tuning adjusting etc. Before I can even think about trying to learn to play this thing..... which BTW is rather intimidating at this point, I don't even know where to get strings at and I have oogled and there seems to be no one around here (the Panhandle of Florida,i.e. pensacola etc.) that does anyting with pedal steel guitars. GREAAT !!! So any help/assistance/schooling..is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 12 Jan 2011 12:24 pm

Greg,This might help http://www.floridasteelguitarclub.com/
I don't know if this is lose to where you live?

Brian McGaughey · Post by **Brian McGaughey** » 12 Jan 2011 12:30 pm

Greg,

I always buy my strings from b0b http://steelguitarmusic.com/strings.html
It helps support this forum. He'd due in a big shipment of Jagwire strings very soon.

James Sission · Post by **James Sission** » 12 Jan 2011 1:35 pm

Watch this video, it should help. It sure helped me move from guitar to steel..

http://www.steelguitar.com/resource/vid ... tring.html

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 12 Jan 2011 2:26 pm

You first mistake was buying a Maverick. Zum Stage One.

Greg McKenzie · Post by **Greg McKenzie** » 12 Jan 2011 3:03 pm

Kevin, I think I have figured that out, but it was a seemingly good deal, so I figure I can learn on this then look for something better.

Greg McKenzie · Post by **Greg McKenzie** » 12 Jan 2011 3:11 pm

But I do have some basic question, like;

1. Do you use a special tuner to tune a steel.
2. What is the tuning for E9. I had a guy tell me what he thought was the proper tuning.
3. I think the pedals need little adjustment, is that something I can do or should I look for someone to do that?....I have not found anyone around here who professes to be able to do setups on a pedal steel, my local luthier "very quickly" told me he does not touch them.

I know your probably shaking your head saying ..."oh no not another green horn!"

But my band plays classic country and I think this would really be a great asset if I can figure it out at least enough to throw a lick or two in from time to time.

Thanks
Greg

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 12 Jan 2011 3:47 pm

You need to get rid of the Maverick. Get a decent steel to learn on with at least 2 knee levers, preferably 4. Call the Emmons guitar company and buy the 1st and 2nd videos by Steve Palousek that they sell. They are cumulative learning videos. It will take you 1-2 years of constant practice to get by the first 2 videos. They are outstanding and will tell you everything (most)that you need to know as a beginner. Get a Nashville 112 steel amp, or a Nashville 400. Intyonation and tuning are most difficult for a beginner. Also hand technique. You need to learn the Nashville number system and some harmony and interval theory if you don't already know it.

Ron Davis · Post by **Ron Davis** » 12 Jan 2011 5:03 pm

Hi, Greg...
I'm a newbie, too.
Don't be too intimidated. If you really wanna learn this thang, just set your mind to it. It'll start coming together bit by bit. You've got some basics to learn, & you'll feel like a spaz for a while. (I still do. lol)
But, it's very rewarding when you start hitting some "hi spots" & almost sound like ya know what you're doing.

Ya have a few "humps" to get over till ya start feeling like it's even doable, (at least I did), but it's SO much fun to move along as ya learn.

I got a couple beginner's basic type books & dvd's, which helped a lot. Watch guys play on You Tube, videos, etc. Several guys from this forum make free learning aid videos & such & post 'em on You Tube, as well as on right here on the forum. Mickey Adams, Joe Barcus & others. Watching these have helped me a lot.
The folks here are SUPER cool with support for us greenhorns, too.

I never had a Maverick, but I did learn real soon that I wanted more than one knee lever & that I wanted a higher end guitar than the one I first got.

A good, solid guitar you can grow into is worth it, IMO. I'm a tone freak & get inspired by the awesome tone comin' outta my old Emmons. At least if I can't play great, I can get great tone on what I CAN play.

Anyway, hang in there & take the basic steps you need to follow to get a handle on it & you'll love every step... Unless you don't like to practice. In that case forget it.

rd

Karen Sarkisian · Post by **Karen Sarkisian** » 12 Jan 2011 5:36 pm

I found Bruce Bouton's dvd very helpful

Arthur Manning · Post by **Arthur Manning** » 12 Jan 2011 8:54 pm

Greg, There is a music store in Pensacola that had a teacher for Pedal steel guitar. I don't remember the name. It should be listed in you phone book. I am in the middle of the panhandle and it is true that there is no teachers in this area. Just a suggestion on DVDS and books that will give you the basics to understand all the questions you have about the PSG.--- Book: PEDAL STEEL GUITAR by Winnie Winston and Bill Keith, then call Fran at Jeffran College 1-615-470-5224 for PEDAL STEEL GUITAR TECHNIQUES and THE RIGHT HAND ALPHA with DVDS. Get there catalog and you can go from there. Hope this helps you get up to speed. Art M.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 12 Jan 2011 9:25 pm

Greg, Get a good steel if you can afford it, you won't regret it. Learn how it works, what does what and so on. Get a Bruce Bouton DVD, he teaches so you can understand it.
Good luck in this awesome adventure.

Rick Schacter · Post by **Rick Schacter** » 12 Jan 2011 9:51 pm

Hi Greg,
I agree with Arthur Manning about getting a copy of Winnie Winston's book and Jeff Newman's Right Hand Alpha.

The Winnie Winston book uses 3 pedals and 1 knee lever, just like your Maverick.
There's a lot of music in that book.

Here's a link to a video that might also help you with the basics of an E9 neck.
This video, along with the Winnie Winston book and Right Hand Alpha helped me a lot when I first started.

http://www.steelguitar.com/resource/vid ... tring.html

When it's possible for you to get a guitar with 3 pedals and 4 knee levers, look in the Instruments For Sale section of this forum.
Some pretty good deals can be found there.

Hope this helps and have fun.

Rick

Clete Ritta · Post by **Clete Ritta** » 12 Jan 2011 10:51 pm

Karen Sarkisian wrote:I found Bruce Bouton's dvd very helpful

+1
I did too.

First thing on the DVD is tuning, which is a great place to start!
He then shows how the pedals and levers are used.
This DVD will get you on your way in short order.

Clete

Terry Winter · Post by **Terry Winter** » 13 Jan 2011 7:46 am

Greg, You already have a good start as being a musician you have music theory. It is extremely hard to learn when you know nothing about music. When I started there was very little learning material out there and there were no steel players close to me. Now it is quite different. (in the instructional material anyway) As mentioned above Bruce's DVD is excellent and try to find a fellow Steel player who will share some tips and time. Just a note....when you get comfortably along in the learning curve, share your knowledge with someone else who wants to learn.
Terry

Greg McKenzie · Post by **Greg McKenzie** » 13 Jan 2011 6:31 pm

Okaay! Well its pretty obvious that the Maverick is not a favorite amoung the steel players.

So if I was to get another one (steel guitar) tomorrow what would be recommended, one that is not going to break the bank, I can learn on and grow into, and can be used on stage as well.

Thanks for all the info guys, I have been spending my time watching videos and reading so your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Greg

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 13 Jan 2011 7:37 pm

Greg, The Stage One by Zum is a good guitar and Doug Earnest is a good guy to work with. Some pros are using these. I think Mickey Douchette plays one in the studio.There are two GFI Ultra's and a Carpsteel for sale here on the forum all would make a good guitar.