New To Forum and PSG - Introduction

[Kyle Matthews]

Hello Everyone!

I am new to this forum and to the PSG. I recently purchased a GFI Ultra SD10 with 3 pedals and 4 levers. This is running out of a Kemper Profiler and out of my Tannoy Studio Monitors.

I am loving this instrument, though it is quite challenging. I played Guitar for 14 years early in life, then switched to Bass about 6 years ago. As a Bass player I played mostly Country in a Covers/Corporate Band and even took up the Double Bass for the traditional songs. We had a PSG player in our band but I never really payed attention to the physicality of the instrument.

I look forward to learning from all of you for years to come!

[Ken Metcalf]

[Jim Cooley]

Kyle - welcome to the madness.

[Don Mogle]

Welcome Kyle!

There are many experienced steel players here on the Forum from which to learn. Let me know if you need any assistance with the journey. I'm not the absolute expert, but will be glad to share my 40-year history with the instrument.

A good place to start would be picking up a copy of Winnie Winston's book. Do a Google search for locations where it can be purchased.

Don

[Richard Alderson]

You are off to a good start, you have a GFI. Great choice there. Just be patient and play to satisfy yourself. If anyone else wants to listen to you someday, that’ll be a bonus.

[Dan Robinson]

Kyle, welcome aboard. It's "a nice little hobby."

[Dick Wood]

Welcome Kyle. If you don't already have a teacher,go get one. Your progress will come soo much quicker.

Have Fun!

[Ken Metcalf]

Ditto on this!

Welcome Kyle. If you don't already have a teacher go get one.
Your progress will come so much quicker.

Have Fun!

[Kevin Fix]

Being that you already know music theory PSG will come a little easier knowing this. The easiest way to explain it is that it is mechanical and no matter where your Bar hand is the pedals and knee levers are all related to the fret you are on. Teach your right hand all the string groupings where you can change from one position to another without any hesitation between the moves. Once you get this down the rest will sort of follow. Rhythm tracks and you tube is a great place. Their was no teachers when I started. I played along with vinyl. NO MATTER WHAT YOU HEAR, USE A GOOD PLASTIC THUMB PIC AND A PAIR OF GOOD METAL FINGER PIC'S. The finger pic's I use are a thick gauge metal pic where the tip of the pic follows the tip of my finger. Newman Diamond finger pic's to me were the best, if you can find them. Amp EQ settings are way different than guitar. You want a sweet spot. No muddy or whoopy bass strings and no tinny sound from the small strings. 80% Low settings, Highs maybe half to start, Mids 20%. Use some Reverb. It will make a PSG come alive. Good Luck to you Kyle.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Welcome to the Forum and Steel Guitar. Hang on for the ride.
Sounds like you have a good music and theory background, This will help you a lot in this venture.(Steel Guitar).
If you get a Mel-Bay E9th chord chart will help you, Transpose the keys from a 6 string to the steel guitar really helps. 1st, 4th, 5th chords, and minors will make it easy to transfer your knowledge to the steel.
A good instructor will help a lot in getting you started on steel.
Good Luck and Happy Steelin.

[Kyle Matthews]

Thanks everyone for the input and well wishes!

[Stu Schulman]

Welcome Kyle and good luck.