Using other instruments to find melodies

Rick Myrland · Post by **Rick Myrland** » 11 Apr 2013 8:58 am

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)

Jim Pitman · Post by **Jim Pitman** » 11 Apr 2013 9:05 am

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.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 11 Apr 2013 9:17 am

Yes, I do it all the time. Read the sheet music and play the melody on the piano. Easier for me to find some things that way. I'm using it right now trying to work out Lenny Breau's Bourée

The download should work fine for you or you can buy a little cheap 49 key unit.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 11 Apr 2013 9:34 am

Yes I do, Rick. I find a keyboard very helpful when I'm trying to figure out a chord chart - seems to be a lot easier to start with a basic chord on a keyboard and then add/subtract notes (minor, 6ths, 7ths etc). Then I'll go back to the steel and see how it lays out...

Jack Aldrich · Post by **Jack Aldrich** » 11 Apr 2013 11:33 am

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

admin · Post by **b0b** » 11 Apr 2013 2:48 pm

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.

Robert Murphy · Post by **Robert Murphy** » 11 Apr 2013 5:12 pm

My melody machine is the accordion. That's right I said accordion.

Joseph Meditz · Post by **Joseph Meditz** » 11 Apr 2013 6:59 pm

Rick Myrland wrote:I ...struggle to find the melody on a steel

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.

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.