I sometimes--much of the time--struggle to find the melody on a steel and I'm wondering if I might be better off if I downloaded a (partial) keyboard app on my iPad to make it easier. Does anyone else use another instrument to figure out the melody because it's easier than on the steel?
(I should mention, I am not a piano/keyboard player, but I can find the Middle C so I think from there I can figure out the melody)
Using other instruments to find melodies
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- Rick Myrland
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Using other instruments to find melodies
Last edited by Rick Myrland on 11 Apr 2013 10:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
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I've composed a couple of tunes on regular 6 string guitar that I later turned into PSG instrumentals. I really didn't set out to do that. I've been playing regular guitar longer and often will just noodle and a noodle turns into a tune. I've figured out many more melodies using the PSG, however.
You keep at it long enough and it will come.
You keep at it long enough and it will come.
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Since I'm a pro pianist, in addition to a steeler, I do a lot of tune figuring out on the piano. I also have written and learned chord progressions for songs on standard guitar. I'm not sure that a piano app will give you the range required for many songs, since most apps are limited to one octave. - Jack
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D8 & T8 Stringmaster
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3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8
If I'm sitting at my computer, it's easier to grab the uke than anything else. If I have the tune on CD, iPod or in the cloud, I'll figure it out on pedal steel.
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Not knowing the intervals in open positions or with pedals/levers engaged is the reason for the struggle. Learning that simply takes a lot of seat time. This instrument is played primarily by ear, and that's both the fun and the challenge of it.Rick Myrland wrote:I ...struggle to find the melody on a steel
If you can sing the melody you can play it, perhaps only on one string at first. Lousy singers like me are uncomfortable singing, but it is of utmost importance.
Lastly, when you work the melody out with pedals and other strings keep those chromatic strings in mind. They are eminently useful. Using chromatic strings you'll find that a lot of melodies will just fall under your hand.