Any thoughts on the Paul Franklin Method?

Rick Tschantz · Post by **Rick Tschantz** » 16 Feb 2023 6:18 pm

I'm a beginner wanting to learn the pedal steel guitar. I signed up for on-line lessons offered by Paul Franklin. Any thoughts on whether this is a good course? Is it a good way to start off as a beginner? Any other alternatives to learning to play? I have no musical background but really want to play this instrament.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 16 Feb 2023 9:17 pm

Paul's course is great. I joined when I first started playing recently. There are a number of excellent free sources if you just want to get started without a huge money commitment at first.

1. Steel Picking is excellent https://www.youtube.com/@SteelPicking

2. Here is an index to Mickey Adams lessons. https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=182789

Tom Spaulding · Post by **Tom Spaulding** » 17 Feb 2023 6:10 am

Welcome , Rick!

You’ll definitely be challenged by choosing the pedal steel as your first instrument, but it can be done with focused studying. “Seat Time” is the key, meaning spend as much time as you can at the instrument. There’s plenty for beginners to learn away from it as well. We recommend you spend some time early on in the RESOURCES section and study the lessons on Basic Music Theory as that knowledge is crucial.

Be cautious trying to learn licks and songs too soon, your initial time will be better spent (at a beginner’s level) getting the physical aspects of playing together. Licks will always be there later, a solid technique and playing in tune is the first step.

Be sure to join the Facebook Group where you can ask Paul any questions and get help if you get stuck.

Rick Tschantz · Post by **Rick Tschantz** » 17 Feb 2023 7:02 am

Thank you Tom and Bill for your quick responses. I really appreciate the added links Bill. I understand there is a lot of music theory and memorizing I need to grasp away from the instrament so I'll just take my time. Thanks.

Steve Mueller · Post by **Steve Mueller** » 17 Feb 2023 7:43 am

No better way to learn than Paul's course. I wish something similar had been available when I learned many moons ago. I suggest you also learn some music theory. Otherwise you'll miss a lot of context on many of the lessons.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 17 Feb 2023 8:47 am

The music theory isn't overwhelming. Here are the important parts for a steel guitarist:

1. Learn the Nashville number system. I wish I had known about this when I started: Chas Williams has a wonderful book on it.

2. Learn how to construct a major scale. Learn how chords are constructed from the major scale.

3. Learn the intervals of your neck.

4. Memorize the circle of 5ths.

If you know the above, you'll be in good shape.

Tom Spaulding · Post by **Tom Spaulding** » 17 Feb 2023 9:10 am

For those interested in learning more about Music Theory as it is applied to the pedal steel, click the link below for a FREE online eBook.

Just set up an account to access. If you already have an account, follow the instructions at "checkout" and it will be added to your existing Student Dashboard: Intervals: Learning The Language Of Music

Mike Wilson · Post by **Mike Wilson** » 18 Feb 2023 7:59 am

It is a great course. Paul is a great teacher. Its not just good for beginners , but even for people that have been playing awhile. You don't just learn how to do something, but why it works. You can't go wrong getting this course, especially if you are a beginner.

Rick Tschantz · Post by **Rick Tschantz** » 18 Feb 2023 12:20 pm

Thank you Mike. I've heard nothing but good things about the course so I'm confident to go forward and study it well. I appreciate your input.

Rick Tschantz · Post by **Rick Tschantz** » 18 Feb 2023 12:22 pm

And thank you Steve for your thoughts also. Looks like I'm on the right track.

Bryce Van Parys · Post by **Bryce Van Parys** » 21 Feb 2023 12:21 pm

I'm a lifelong professional musician, and lifelong learner. (degree in Classical/jazz double bass). I came to PSG in 2021 and started out on the Franklin courses, in addition to several other transcriptions for the gigs I was preparing for. I can say that these course are very valuable, and I warm up every morning with a chosen Permutation from the course (with metronome!), and a new lick or lesson from a Franklin course, just to set my day off right and keep up on the technique and repertoire. Well worth the investment, so long as you do the time (and use your metronome!!)

John Larson · Post by **John Larson** » 21 Feb 2023 1:03 pm

I'll second the learning music theory suggestion. It's imperative due to how many permutations exist on the PSG to play chords and their various voicings.

Rick Tschantz · Post by **Rick Tschantz** » 21 Feb 2023 5:05 pm

I really appreciate the responses I'm getting. I'm steeped in the music theory at the moment. It may take quite a while to get to instrament.

Tom Spaulding · Post by **Tom Spaulding** » 21 Feb 2023 8:16 pm

Rick Beato's YouTube channel is a great resource for a deep dive into Music Theory info, both Basic and Advanced. He has an engaging style and a player/teacher's command of the material.

Rick Beato Music Theory Videos