??? For all Newbies to steel guitar---------

Michael Breid · Post by **Michael Breid** » 29 Apr 2006 7:03 pm

Something an old guitar player told me years ago, and I'd like to pass it on to all of my friends on the Forum. I'd just been playing Spanish guitar for about twenty years, and thought my playing was average, but everyone else was so much better. I was really discouraged and he told me this. "Just remember, there will always be people better than you, but you are ahead of the person who is just now buying a guitar, and he or she is ahead of the person walking around saying, "Someday I'm going to buy a guitar and learn to play it". You are never at the bottom". So, a few years ago when I bought my steel I was really frustrated at first, and then I remembered the "veteran's" words to me so long ago. I'm gradually making progress each time I practice, as we all are, so anytime you feel like you are at the bottom of the ladder, just remember the person who is out there saying, "I really like the sound of a pedal steel guitar and someday I'm going to buy one". You are "one up" on them. I hope this gives a little bit of confidence to anyone out there who is about ready to "throw in the towel". Buddy Emmons, John Hughey, etc. They all had times when they felt like they'd never get anywhere, but they did. Why? Because they kept at it and knew that with every bit of playing they would get better. We all will too. We just have to be patient. Best of luck to all you "newbies" out there and know I'm pullin' fer ya. Don't give up.

Willie Crisel · Post by **Willie Crisel** » 29 Apr 2006 8:30 pm

Been at it for almost 4 years ,i have played at least once a week with 2 or 3 dirrerent bands,around 90 gigs last year,,i have went from nervous to terrified, to bored ,,mad and after tonight's gig disgusted with all forms of music,,but tomorrow the first thing i,ll do is play ,,i love to play with my tracks,got them on mini disk,,i can tune the whole band with one button,,wish i had a tunning button for some of the people i play with...

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 30 Apr 2006 7:25 am

Willie,
A tuning button, and an Ego button!! lol..

Had a rough one yesterday afternoon, but like ya said, I'll get my gear set up in our studio today and I'll practice until the frustrations gone!

Larry

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"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

Willis Vanderberg · Post by **Willis Vanderberg** » 30 Apr 2006 11:30 am

For those of you who think us old guys got a head start, remember a lot of us started on lap steels with no instruction.
Then to change to a pedal guitar and try to lose all the bad habits we picked up was not easy. Also some of the early pedal guitars were a nightmare to work with.
Now you can buy a very good s-10 with 3 & 4 for way under two thousand. It will be a quality instrument that stays in tune and mechanically is about as good as it gets.
The one thing I notice lacking in a lot of beginners is they hesitate to slide in and out of positions. I think this, along with the pedals and levers make our guitars the most beautiful instrument ever devised.
This is all my personal opinion and doesn't mean a thing .But after trying to pick this thing for 56 years entitles me to sound off, even if I'm wrong.
Hang in there and do ever give up. When it finally comes you will be amazed...

Old Bud

PS. I paid a thousand dollars for my old Fender 1000 in 1957. What would that equate to in todays dollars.I know I was making sixty bucks a week then.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Willis Vanderberg on 30 April 2006 at 12:33 PM.]</p></FONT>

Charles Curtis · Post by **Charles Curtis** » 30 Apr 2006 12:13 pm

One of the very few things that I have any interest at all, at this advanced stage of my life, is my psg. On rare occasions I'll get a "lick" going in my mind, sit down, find it and have a ball!!

Nathan Hernandez · Post by **Nathan Hernandez** » 30 Apr 2006 12:14 pm

After three years I have become completly and througholy proficiant at taking the legs off of my guitar and putting it in the case, guitar and legs, that is. As far as playing,,, this should be repost in like 7 more years, and my answer should be just about the same.

Billy Webb · Post by **Billy Webb** » 30 Apr 2006 10:33 pm

I look at all these threads, and I have to chuckle, man do we all have a lot in common. I started playing 6 sting, playing lead with two fingers. It seamed like I never had the time or paitence to take any lessons, and besides that, I dont think their was any one in this small town doing so. So I just had to wing it the best way i could. I hated the way I played for years, but one day all the scattered out things I was doing started coming together, and I really started digging what I was doing. It was mostly down Hill frome their. I think playing steel is the same way, once a person learns the licks, and when and where to use them, and becomes familiar with his guitar and gains confidense in him self, things definitely start getting better. Playing is a lot better than practice, but if I am not playing, I am definitely practicing. I am saying this in a playing by ear perspective,Ijust dont have enough time left in this life to play the way I would like, so I just try to enjoy what I can do. I LOVE THIS PEDDLE GUITAR. Billy Webb, movin on to Arkansas,(getten a bunch closer)

Billy Webb · Post by **Billy Webb** » 1 May 2006 8:53 am

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 3 May 2006 11:29 am

I just do what Ricky Davis told me once---"Don't worry about what you can't play. Worry about what you CAN play!" And just keep adding a little as you learn. Plan your work and work your plan.

One thing I DON'T worry about, is what somebody else can do. I will progress according to my circumstances and abilities. I may get passed up by some, I may pass by a few, myself---who cares. We are not in some sort of a race! Relax and enjoy your study of this fine instrument. Bottom line is that you need to do this because you want to and love steel guitar. Even if you can't get to first base, set that guitar up and look at it and enjoy the craftsmanship if that's the best you can do. It's called pride of ownership! AND IT'S OK.

We probably won't ever play as good as some of our mentors, but be assured, they probably played like you at one time early in their careers.

Perry Keeter · Post by **Perry Keeter** » 9 May 2006 7:48 pm

James, Excellent advice and encouragement.