Got my first pedal steel and learned my first couple licks

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Stone Preston
Posts: 23
Joined: 18 May 2017 8:03 pm
Location: Lubbock, Texas

Got my first pedal steel and learned my first couple licks

Post by Stone Preston »

I picked up my stage one on Thursday and Ive been goin at it for 3 days or so. Decided to try and learn this song called Whole Damn Town by Turnpike Troubadours. My pick blocking isn't too great yet, but it doesnt sound half bad.

Here is a video of me playing the licks. Critiques welcome (and wanted).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISXDRzZEvCY

I thankfully found a tab for the first lick here
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=281518

The second lick I had to figure out by ear. The last part of the second lick might not be quite correct but its pretty close. If I have time tomorrow Ill tab it out and post it as a reply to the first tab. Do you guys use any special software to make tabs?
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Dan Kimpel
Posts: 99
Joined: 10 Mar 2017 12:47 pm
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Post by Dan Kimpel »

Sounds great for just getting a steel! My suggestion would be to learn to use your foot over both a and b pedals and use the side of your footto press each one so you don't have to shift your whole position. For the luck you did its not necessary but still a good thing to practice and get a handle on.
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Matthew Begay
Posts: 40
Joined: 30 May 2016 7:57 pm
Location: Quantico, VA, USA

Sounds Freaking Great Man!

Post by Matthew Begay »

I started out on a BMI a year ago at age 18 and man, us young dudes picking up the steel guitar is a good thing. I'm no where near good, but I've been able to score many gigs here and there through persistence with the instrument. I've had the pleasure of meeting many people through this instrument such as Marty Broussard who plays with Tracy Byrd, Mickey Adams who is an awesome teacher and knows a TON about the instrument and I hope to make it my partial career aside from being a pharmacy technician. This is a fantastic venture into the music world and I hope you stay on it brotha. If I have any recommendations for beginning, I started out with these songs.

-Time Marches On by Tracy Lawrence (you'll learn to use swells and it's a simple song)
-Chech Yes Or No by George Strait (there's a redeeming feeling when you figure out the first lick going up the fret board)
-You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone by Brooks & Dunn
-That Summer by Garth Brooks
-Pure Love (if you're feeling confident) by Ronnie Milsap
BMI S-10 3 X 3, ZB Custom 4 X 8, MSA SuperSustain II, Peavey Nashville 1000, Hilton Pro VP, Boss RV-3
Stone Preston
Posts: 23
Joined: 18 May 2017 8:03 pm
Location: Lubbock, Texas

Post by Stone Preston »

Thanks for the tips guys! I appreciate it
Chris Sattler
Posts: 390
Joined: 21 Sep 2011 7:23 am
Location: Hunter Valley, Australia

Post by Chris Sattler »

Hi Stone. You should be aware that the third note you play (The one with the C pedal) is also found on the first string with no pedals. I know the tab says otherwise but you should learn that there are many ways to find notes and I would suggest you at least try it both ways and decide which you like. Personally I think most steelers would use the first string. It is a very common pattern.

I echo Dan's suggestion about the left foot. Most important. Learn good techniques early.

Have a good journey learning steel. I think you have done very very well for just a few days.
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