4 months in now and seeing progress

[Tim Fortin]

Well I e been lurking here for some time now as I explored the idea of playing, what steel to get, and how to get started. After reading through a LOT of info on this site, I landed on a Stage One as a good place to start. Ordered and received my new steel, and started trying to figure out how the heck to play this contraption. I found a local person who offers lessons luckily, and have managed to get one session with him in, which was very helpful and I hope to be able to continue with lessons.

So far, this is the most intimidating instrument I have tried to learn. I can play bass very well, guitar with just about anyone to a passable level (but by no means am I great), and can even hack some tunes out on fiddle if I feel inclined. Being a person without a lot of theory under his belt, the pedal steel is definitely a challenge.

To the other beginners out there, this thing is a wild ride for sure, but if you find a good way for yourself to practice, it starts to make sense.

Just thought I’d get in here with a second intro and update. The community of players here seems like a very positive bunch who are excited to see more people take up the steel. Drop your tips and whatever in here if you want, I always like hearing what people would do different starting out, once they have the benefit of hindsight and experience.

[Chris Brooks]

Nice to hear about your PSG adventure, Tim. I sense that there are indeed new players coming up who will appreciate your "learning log"!

Oh, where in California are you?

[Bill McCloskey]

I'm 2 years in the journey and starting to see some progress. Every week I learn something new that improves my playing. keep going

[Pete McAvity]

Welcome Tim! I'm about 20 years in and starting to see progress myself. That is- you're in luck. You will always have something to learn & opportunity to grow. Having someone local to guide you is indispensable. I also recommend The Paul Franklin Method. Its pricey out of the gate, but the annual subscription goes down every year- I think it works out to like $20-$25/mo. for me now which is a bargain to have access to a library of lessons & resources as well as access to PF himself via a FB group for questions & feedback. A Netflix or Youtube subscription costs about that much.

[Fred Treece]

Welcome to the club, Tim. I can’t argue with the builder you chose. I started on a Stage One about 8 years ago. It’s a great instrument. If you stick with playing, it’s probably not going to be the last pedal steel you buy, but it’s the only one you need for now and maybe the only one you’ll ever really need.

It would be good to get going with a lesson program, because there is a lot of basic technique to get right when first starting, so it doesn’t have to be corrected later. There will be frustration. Do not work fast and break things. There will also be joy and satisfaction and accomplishment.

Some people think you should get into a band as soon as possible. I am not one of those. If you practice with a metronome and backing tracks you will know when you are ready for a band, and you’ll be more qualified to play in a good one.

[Tim Fortin]

Chris Brooks, I need to change my location. I was in Joshua Tree for a few years but I’m almost back east again now, in Lexington, KY.

I appreciate the positivity y’all. I played bass in bands for many years and I do miss it, but I am at a point in life where I don’t have the drive to prioritize getting to k ow new musicians and how they play and all the drama that can come with a band. I do t have a strong desire to play shows anymore (though I would if it was the right situation) and most of my time is for my kid right now.

Pedal steel and fishing are my activities for me and time is limited for both, but I’ll make it work!

[Dennis Belt]

I’m about 6 months in, also with a Stage One. My first couple of months I feel like I had made a huge mistake; in spite of having played lap steel for years, the PSG had me totally confused.
My turning point was getting an adjustable seat so I could sit comfortably at the proper height.
Using the vast tab resources available on this great forum has been a big assist. I use a looper app to slow down whatever I’m working on so I get it right.
I’m not ready to play with others yet, but I can see I will be soon.
It’s been a blast so far.