Learning Pedal Steel... DON'T GIVE UP!

Scott Duckworth · From: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies

This is a thread I hope newbies will find that are contemplating giving up on pedal steel.

I'm a "beginner". Well, sort of. I have played guitar and bass for over 30 years, can read music, and can even pick out some tunes on piano. Chords on a piano come naturally for me (no formal lessons on piano). I played drums in high school. And, I even tried pedal steel 30 years ago. And I was terrible at it, and gave up after 6 months. Why?

Well, some of it was not enough knowledge of music in general, especially chords and progressions. But, another major cause was not enough readily available good study material. My local music store had only one book available, and there were only a couple more he could order, and they were written pretty much the same.

What's different 30 years later (today)? Sure, I understand chords better. But that has not been the big reason I am now seeing success and enjoyment out of playing pedal steel (after only 5 months). Sure, I am in NO way a pro. In fact, pros would send me packing off a stage. But, why is it different?

The availability of not only good, but great teaching material! The stuff written, videoed, etc. today is taught in a correct way for the player in mind. Sure, there is remedial stuff, such as grips, positions, etc. but it is all important. And, there are great chord charts based on the pedal steel neck, positions, pedals, and knees that will add to the learning experience.

So, what do I recommend for a beginner? Number 1, DO NOT GIVE UP! If you get frustrated, walk away for a while and then come back. (not a week, but a few minutes!) Leave your guitar set up, ready to play. If you put in back in the case, you WILL get tired of taking it out, and quit. Don't put a dust cover on it, play it enough every day.... did I say EVERY DAY! to keep the dust off it.

Spend a little money getting some good study material, and, search on the Internet for free charts, instruction, theory, and videos. You can get literally hundreds of dollars of study material free of charge off the Internet. Buy some of the stuff off this very forum's store!

And, join this forum. Use it's search engines to find out answers to your question. And if you can't find it, ask. Sure, you'll get an occasional "rough" answer, but it will probably still be good info. For the most part, you will get very good advice. And sure, everyone will have an opinion. You weight them all, and use them to become the player you will be. You don't have to be Buddy Emmons, Herby Wallace, Speedy West, or even b0b Very Happy

, you just have to be yourself.

As you start to learn some stuff, play with other music (CDs, radio), or even other musicians, in an informal jam. It will help you.

There are so many advantages to learning pedal steel. You will eventually do stuff that amaze yourself and those around you. And, you'll never get callouses on you fingers!

So beginner, newbie, etc., my advice to you is DO NOT QUIT!
_________________
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it

I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus!

Calvin Walley · From: colorado city colorado, USA

i was sitting here thinking about what was the single biggest thing that helped me then I remembered what Jeff Newman said on one of his tapes that really made a difference with me and that was to " pick with authority" (can't spell that lol)
what he was saying was to not be afraid of the strings, pick em hard . that helped me more than any one thing I can think of
_________________
proud parent of a sailor

Mullen SD-10 /nashville 400
gotta love a Mullen!!!

Guitars that i have owned in order are :
Mullen SD-10,Simmons SD-10,Mullen SD-10,Zum stage one,Carter starter,
Sho-Bud Mavrick

Daniel Policarpo · From: Kansas City

I agree Calvin, Learning new material its important to mean it. We're not only trying to memorize and integrate all the information, we are informing our motor memory. So if you start picking like a wuss more than a "man/woman of steel", your body is going to remember that. I'm all for learning stuff that expands my skills, but if I have to dummy something down a little, I'd rather do that and serve the song or phrase, and play it with as much soul as I can muster, rather than play it all weak and out of time, etc. Scales and exercises really help build your chops.

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

Being a pedal steel guitarist for thirteen years, I've gotta say that this instrument we play, know, and love called the pedal steel guitar is very rewarding for a lot of reasons. When you first sit down behind a steel, you are so ready to get started playing. As steel players, we all make mistakes, but getting frustrated and saying "I give up" is not an option. Those mistakes can lead to a more wonderful experience. Jeff Peterson, Clint Black's former steel guitarist told me before I started, he said, "Practice hard with the steel" and I still hear that advice. Playing along with records can help you learn intros, melodies, turnarounds, solos, fills, and endings on steel. That's how I learned the songs I play today. Practicing scales, chords, chimes, and bar movement can also help you in your steel playing experience. And, play with feeling, from the heart!

Don R Brown · From: Rochester, New York, USA

Scott, I'm a year and a half into the journey and you are so right about the wealth of information available. Personally I find it helps to vary what I do. I practice every day without fail but one day I will try to focus on the mechanics - making sure my hands are where they should be, trying to pick notes cleanly, etc. Another day I may try to focus on vibrato ( one of my many weak points Laughing

) and the next I'll dig in on scales.

Playing along with youtube or CD's is a big help as you noted, so I try a lot of that. And sometimes it's helpful to just sit at the steel and mess around. No set agenda, just make noises, try stupid things, and get more familiar with what it (and you) can do.

Only once in that time (so far) have I had that "brick wall" feeling, and a few good folks on here talked me through and in a couple days my desire came right back again. So you're right about DON'T QUIT.

In fact Scott the only thing I disagree with you on is I DID spring for a nice cover for my steel. There are several good sources out there, mine happens to be from Sharp Covers Nashville and I use it faithfully each time I'm done at the steel. Looks and fits great and keeps the dust off the steel. Although even an old bath towel would probably work.

The most important rule is "have fun".

Forum Index > Pedal Steel		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: