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Topic: Playing out |
John Parker
From:
Golden Valley, Az. USA
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 11:48 am |
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I finally got brave enough to start playing out. About three months ago I started to play every other Friday at a barn dance. It is actually more of a jam session, which means no pay, but I figure it is a good learning experience for a beginner such as myself.
I have noticed that I can practice and practice at home but once I get to a certain point I can't seem to go any further.
Playing out with other musicians seems to help me play better. They more or less force me to take lead rides (which won't sound anything like you hear on the records, as I make something up as I go, but seem to fit anyway) which has helped build my confidence.
I'm really thankful that the other musicians have been patient and helpful. At least they haven't run me off!! I really believe that I get a little better each time they let me play and that maybe someday I will be a decent musician.
John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400 |
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Walter Stettner
From:
Vienna, Austria
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 12:06 pm
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John,
You are right!
Let me quote from Winnie Winstons's great course:
"Find other people to play with. The experience of playing with other live people (as compared to records) is an invaluable aid to progress. If you can get as far as playing with a band, you will find that nothing will help your chops as much as five forty-minute sessions an evening, except two evenings!"
Kind Regards, Walter
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 2:12 pm
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Way to go John! Don't sell yourself short. I'm bettin' the guys are thrilled to have a steel in the band. It may surprise you the number of guys that are reluctant to get involved in a live situation with other musicians. I'm also bettin' that your are finding new ways to play licks too, and that you're doing a pretty good job of contributing to the overall sound of the group. Good Luck! JO
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JB Arnold
From:
Longmont,Co,USA (deceased)
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 3:39 pm
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absolutely true-I hit the wall in the basement and asked a local band if I could play with them for free-until I got my chops up. they made me an official member 3 years ago after about 6 months of "apprenticeship". Ya really gotta play out to get better..
JB
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Fulawka D-10 9&5
Fessenden D-10 8&8
"All in all, looking back, I'd have to say the best advice anyone ever gave me was 'Hands Up, Don't Move!"
www.johnbarnold.com/pedalsteel
www.buddycage.net
http://www.nrpsmusic.com/index.html
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Chris Lasher
From:
Blacksburg, VA
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 4:05 pm
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Great to hear, John!  |
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Jon Light (deceased)
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 28 Feb 2004 4:10 pm
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quote:
....... to take lead rides (which won't sound anything like you hear on the records, as I make something up as I go, but seem to fit anyway) which has helped build my confidence.
My kinda thinking, my kinda playing, my kinda guy. Way to go. |
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Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 1 Mar 2004 4:20 am
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You got it John, one night on a bandstand is worth more than six months in the music room with the practice tapes. You can't stop and start over if you make a mistake, you just gotta keep on going. Have a great time and remember what Jeff Newman once said. "If you get to the point where you're playing with a band and you make a mistake, just turn around and give the drummer a dirty look"..JH
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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 1 Mar 2004 5:10 am
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Good for you, in both senses.
There is no substitute for just getting out in the trenches. |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 1 Mar 2004 6:22 am
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| You're on the right track, John. I play out with three groups, all playing different kinds of music. The pay is horrible to nonexistent, but the experience is priceless. Something that will really help is if you can get the group to give you a tape or CD of them playing their songs without you. If they don't have any, get a cheap tape or digital recorder and record them yourself at practices or gigs. Even if the recordings are lousy, you can take them home and work out with them. |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 2 Mar 2004 6:24 pm
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Hi John, That kind of thing happens in my nick of the woods, too. I also play nearly the same deal as you. I play two local jam/ oprys and am about to "go on the road hitting the nursing homes", the county roads that is!!  It's a real kick seeing our senior citizens enjoying our live music!! And my pay is working out my chops. I'm having a blast while I learn!! |
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Wayne Franco
From:
silverdale, WA. USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2004 8:11 pm
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| I've played for 20 years in country bands. Recently (last 3 years) I worked hard on C6 with the goal of playing jazz and swing rather than just country. I've been doing a single once a week and really enjoying it now. It felt just like it did when I first started all over again. If its new stuff you're doin that is just the process everyone must go through. Keep up the good work! |
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Bob Wood
From:
Madera, California, USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2004 10:22 pm
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John,
That's the way I did it too! Probably most folks on this forum started out that way too.
Bob |
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John Parker
From:
Golden Valley, Az. USA
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Posted 3 Mar 2004 11:06 am
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Thank you everyone for the great words of support and encouragement. It means so much to me to get such great feedback from y'all.
Thanks to this great forum we know that we are not alone in our adventure taming this beast called pedal steel guitar.
Again, thanks for the kind words and support, it means alot.
John Parker
Zumsteel DS10 3x5
Peavey Session 400 |
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