How many of the Great Steelers?

John O Keeffe · From: Co Waterford Ireland

This question I've been meaning to ask for a while.
How many of the better known steelers read music?
I am just wondering are there any that are "ear" players like myself.
I know every note fingered anywhere on a six string but fret any note anywhere on the steel and I wouldn't have a clue what the note is.
It still doesn't stop me playin' though(LOL)

JOHN

Ricky Davis · From: Bertram, Texas USA

I learned to play by ear for 8 years I couldn't tell you what note I was playing. But my younger brother(music degree)made me learn music theory...and I thank him every day for that; mainly cause when you record or arrange with some folks that call notes or chords or numbers out; you really need to know what to play when they are asking....and they ask alot.
I can tell you every note in any position on my pedal steel or non-pedal steel...but alot of times that just don't make a difference unless you know the right ones to play.....ah....ha....and I'm still workin' on "that"....and will be forever I'm sure.
Learn what you can.....a little at a time....but always try and make yourself find notes and know what they are in relation to the chord you are playing.
Ricky

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Another good tip from Ricky. This Forum is great! Wish we had this in 1939...al

Steven Knapper · From: Temecula Ca USA

I played 6 string for 30+ years, by ear, with very little music theory. When I was forced to change to steel due to shoulder injuries, my teacher MADE me learn music while he taught me. Now I can amost sight read a melody line after a year and a half. Harmony 101, I think should be a basic for anyone playing steel --- just my personal opinion from a guy that FINALLY learned music and dont' have to depend on my ear for everythning. It's a good thing, and I thank my teacher every day for forcing me to do it.

Al Vescovo · From: Van Nuys, CA, USA * R.I.P.

John, this is a great topic. I'm a true beliver in the fact, to be the best that you can be, it is imperative, that you learn and put to use,every bit of talent and knowledge available to you. I've worked in the studios in California for the last 35 years and if I were not able to read music, I would not had as sucessful a career as a musician playing Steel Guitar and other stringed instruments. For myself the best way to learn music is to {if self taught} first learn music theory and to learn the note placement on your chosen instrument. Let's face it, the Steel Guitar is not like any other instrument in as far as the same note, is not always in the same place all the time as say on a piano or a one stringed zither which means, as a Steel player your work is cut out for you. Excuse me, I have to leave now, but I'll come back on later. This subject is dear to my heart.

Thanks, Al

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

There is no substitute for knowledge. NO one ever gained from hiding behind ignorance of the facts. This goes for anything I believe.

True, knowing musical theory does not in itself give the talent necessary to be a great player. That IS God given. It is from birth. BUT, knowing musical theory always wins out for those gifted.

In others words a person who has the talent born in, will always be greater knowing musical theory than not knowing it.

God bless those who have been so gifted as the likes of JB, BE and PF,

carl

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Al M: I did a series in Fender/Fretts that you may have read back in the 60s. It was called An Approach To Harmony. I received a lot of mail at Fender and some of it was world wide. Jim Williams, the Editor of Fretts wrote me in March, 1968: "Possibly at some future date we can repeat the harmony series. I think it is a little soon yet, but it would definitely be in order as we have had many letters on it. "

When Fender departed the scene, that went with them but several friends would not let me forget it. A few years ago I reworked that series and submitted it for publication within the steel guitar world. It began with the source of chords and scales and how the circle of 5ths evoloved. It was rejected rather soundly but what I recall most vividly was a comment that I'm sure was what killed it.

It may or may not be correct but I cannot see what it would have to do with steel guitar.

What more could I say now ??

Regards, Paul

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

I don't think of myself as a great steeler or any of that but I can read a bit and it has opened some big doors for me. I just started checking out "Band In A Box" and it has some great features to help out with reading standard notation.

Paul,
If you are talking about the article you wrote for the PSGA I was one of the guys that checked it out. If you want to talk about it feel free to get in touch directly with me. You seem to have some misunderstandings and hard feelings that would be good to clear up.

Bob

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

John O Keeffe · From: Co Waterford Ireland

Yes I agree with all the replies ..certainly applying theory to the steel can only help a player get better.
Well Ricky I have another 4 years to catch up with your 8 before I start learning!!(LOL)
But access to information and help just isn't here.
Luckily I have video and tab!!
anymore interesting comments from anyone??
JOHN

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I think our ability to read music would greatly enhance our stature in the music community. It would also open up new avenues for the steel guitar. I would find it very embarassing to sit in with a group and then have to admit that I couldn't read music. I know a lot of players can pick it up by ear, but "you have to hear it first"! Being able to sight read, that isn't necessary.
Uff-Da!

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