DC Area Universal 12 Lessons?

[Aaron Morgan]

Hi all,

I recently moved to Washington DC (in Dupont Circle area) and I'm seeking pedal steel lessons for a Universal 12 (S12, 8/5 Fessenden).
This is a guitar that I inherited from my father (David Morgan, also on this forum) and I'm eager to get started. I'm a guitarist, bassist, songwriter, but haven't had steel experience until now.

Thanks for any pointers in the right direction!

[Jon Voth]

You may not, but let me know if you do. I've been playing almost 5 years and wish I had a regular teacher in the area when I had started the instrument (I work at Ft. Myer).

You might get a starter lesson from Billy Cooper in Orange VA.

[Jim Palenscar]

Hi Aaron- great to see you here! You don't need a universal teacher- just a C6 teacher as lowering the 4 and 8 strings w the knee lever puts you in B6 tuning- 1 fret below the std C6.

[Dave Van Allen]

I play often in DC area; I live north of Philly, But aam originally from DC, with deep musical roots there…and I play Universal
I will let you know my schedule and perhaps we can meet…

there are several fine players in DC but I don’t know who teaches around there anymore. I am open to Zoom conference.

I agree with Jim Palenscar, understanding 6th tuning will help, in relating the Uni to steel guitar performances of the past.

but I suggest if you are just starting, try to play it as one big a$$ tuning, instead of thinking of it as the ‘E9 “side” / B6 “side”. ‘

I also agree a trip to Billy Cooper's in Orange VA is in order.

My 2 cents

[John Sims]

Look for Jeff Newman's videos and lessons on the U12. They're awesome!

[Bob Hoffnar]

There is tons of work to do just getting started. Your tuning is secondary. Learn the basics from somebody who plays at a professional level and who can help you with fundamental technique. Then you can apply that information to whatever tuning you use. Susan Alcorn up in Baltimore plays a 12 string tuning. She is an amazing player.