Tommy White's Tone

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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Walter ONeal
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Tommy White's Tone

Post by Walter ONeal »

Walt here,
I just had a blip and lost my Post,
So long story short. I know Technique of Tommy is nothing short of Wizardry to me, But how does He get that sound often that sounds almost like whistle in His playing. Sounds so good me.
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Dave Campbell
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Post by Dave Campbell »

do you mean when he plays 'chimes'?
Walter ONeal
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Post by Walter ONeal »

Hey Dave, Good to know you Brother. No it’s of on chimes, on The girl that wait s on tables near the center of the 1st verse he gets a unique sound. I can’t crack it. I have enjoyed figuring out some of his work but this sound he comes. Up with is unreal I have. Never heard it before Even playing for 30 years. listen to everything u can’t get a n find of Tommy . You will pick up on it. Fascinating!! You will hear it let me know
Bobby Boggs
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Post by Bobby Boggs »

Man I'd hate to follow Tommy in a jam. After he play's, there's just nothing left to play. :\

Here's a link to the song. Tell us from what time count to time count in the song that intrigues you the most. I'm just curious what you're trying to convey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzBRmonoalo
Rick Abbott
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Post by Rick Abbott »

I'm guessing he is talking about the very bright picking as the first verse section is entering the chorus section. Crisp and treble, great picking!
RICK ABBOTT
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Bobby Boggs
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Post by Bobby Boggs »

Perhaps. But he wrote
The girl that wait s on tables near the center of the 1st verse he gets a unique sound.
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Jerry Horch
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Location: Alva, Florida, USA

Tone

Post by Jerry Horch »

I think Tommy's tone,as well as all the greats...comes from the whole package....not really keying in on certian things to get it, but the sum of all parts = one.He is fantastic..
Franklin D10 /Walker Sterio Steel JBL's /DigiTech Quad4/ Korg Toneworks/ Dobro DM 1000 / Santa Cruz Guitar VA
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John Spaulding
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Post by John Spaulding »

For those looking for more insights into Tommy's sound, Tommy covers his picking and blocking technique and talks about tone with Paul Franklin in their new course:

"Contemporary Pedal Steel Guitar Vol. 1"

INSIGHTS & INSTRUCTION

12 videos, over 90 minutes of exclusive instruction.
  • PICKING

    PALM BLOCKING

    PICK & FINGERTIP BLOCKING

    3-ELEMENT BLOCKING

    THE PF4 PEDAL

    THE TOMMY WHITE SPLIT

    SPEED LICKS

    HAMMER ONS

    C6 & E9 CHORD EXAMPLES

    IMPROVING TONE
Here's a link to a sample video: Contemporary Pedal Steel Guitar Highlights

Paul's interview with Tommy:

Part 1
Part 2
Walter ONeal
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Post by Walter ONeal »

If you are like patting your foot to the music, around beat 42 in that area
Kevin Fix
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Post by Kevin Fix »

He is such a massive player!!!! I hear a little bit of Lloyd in his playing.
Ronald Ballister
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Post by Ronald Ballister »

What is Tommy's current instrument of choice?
Bobby Boggs
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Post by Bobby Boggs »

Acoustic guitar is my guess. But he still dabbles with pedal steel guitar. Or so I've heard.

b.
Ronald Ballister
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Post by Ronald Ballister »

Hah! What brand? did he settle on the Mullen?
John Sluszny
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Post by John Sluszny »

Bobby Boggs wrote:
Here's a link to the song. Tell us from what time count to time count in the song that intrigues you the most. I'm just curious what you're trying to convey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzBRmonoalo
In minutes and seconds please ! Thanks.
John Sluszny
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Post by John Sluszny »

Bobby Boggs wrote:
Here's a link to the song. Tell us from what time count to time count in the song that intrigues you the most. I'm just curious what you're trying to convey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzBRmonoalo
In minute and seconds please ! Thanks.
Desmond Johnson
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Post by Desmond Johnson »

He may be referring to the 5th string whole tone lower?
Desmond Johnson
Walter ONeal
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Tommy’s Tones

Post by Walter ONeal »

The girl that waits on tables: from the first
Note..second 23 and again on second 57..Walk through this world with me.
From the first note..second 8 and again on second 30
Let know what you figure Gents
Walter ONeal
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Post by Walter ONeal »

Hey Bobby, as far as following Tommy. Like like you. Me..I would run out in traffic
Desmond Johnson
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Location: Goose Creek, SC 29445

Post by Desmond Johnson »

Want to play Tommy? Better bring a cot and meal plan! I bought Tommy's black Carter in early 2000. He graciously invited me over to play the guitar. He played first. Patented Tommy. I watched and listened intently. Then it was my turn. His rig his sound. I did not sound like him. His body and mind are unique to him. GOOD LUCK!
Desmond Johnson
Walter ONeal
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Re: Tommy

Post by Walter ONeal »

Practice Practice Practice. What
a Wealth of Knowledge to learn
from....The Best....
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