My usual practice sessions often meant that I put on some favorite country CD:s and played along with the tracks. Quite fun, but I didn´t learn anything new because I just played stuff that I already knew. I just confirmed to myself that my bag of licks was intact.
I found that I learned a great deal more by using another method. Now I start every practice session by listening to some music pop, rock, or jazz that doesn´t feature steelguitar. I try to find out licks and phrases mentally that would fit the music.
Then I would sit down at my steel and try to create the same licks that I now have in my ears. I try to play in the same key as the original material, it helps alot.I play until I get the part just right. This might take hours sometimes. It really doesn´t matter if I ever get a chance to play that lick in a song on the bandstand. The point is primarely to transform your ideas from your head to your fingers instantly. A nice side effect is that a whole bunch of new licks are available for you in the future.
First you would find that you´re fighting not only against your mind and fingers but also your steelguitar becomes your enemy!
But, hang on. In a few days you will find that your mind and fingers are starting to cooperate. Licks and phrases that was hard to even sing before becomes more natural and - this is the most important thing- you find the right places on the fretboard to play the stuff.
Eventually, you can play whatever comes to your mind instantly. For me this has been a great experience. I still have a lot to learn though. I´m just an intermediate picker playing occasional gigs but I feel this learning method has greatly improved my general knowledge of the steelguitar.
Try it! It might work for you to
