I'm going to try to learn to play after 30 yrs!

Ernest Cawby · Post by **Ernest Cawby** » 27 Jun 2006 4:31 am

Bob it's hard to write this, I have been into music all my life. Played trombone for 7 years in army. Started playing steel in 1945, with a Harmony flat top with added bridge, becouse my arms were to short the reach the 7th pos. on horn.
Took steel guitar lessons at the american Studio, at 19 played on the La. Hayride.Came home and played in church for several years.
When we moved to Live Oak in 73, put the steel in the case for 15 years to play trombone in the church until 91, then I found Jeff Newman and have almost all his lessons and now studing them

Get Newmans up from the top, they start you off right awAY on how to do it right.

The steel went back into the case till abouit 2 1/2 years ago and I have not quit since. But finding it hard with bent fingers and other things. (76 years young)
I am sure you will love this thing called steelguitar and will do a great job on it.

The GFI I think will give you, light weight, easy action, and sounds very good.

The best advice saw in reading the above post is go to Bobbe's and try out guitars until one feels right for you, you can just feel if a guitar is made for you. I know you will do well but this is a long trip you are getting on. With my ailments I am having a hard time with getting it right.

You have the advantage off knowing music first.
Love it and we will be watching for your progress reports.

ernie

Bob Martin · Post by **Bob Martin** » 27 Jun 2006 3:37 pm

Thanks Ernest, for the encouragement I sure appreciate it. I know that I will make plenty of mistakes as I'm learning but I also know that I'll be able to find plenty of help right here in the forum!

Bob

Phil ONeill · Post by **Phil ONeill** » 29 Jun 2006 1:34 pm

Hi Bob,
Good luck on your steel adventure.My feet are still warm from the road you are about to travel so I have something small to add to the great advice already posted.
Confine your efforts to the key of C. Learn the harmonised scale in C on strings 8 (or4) and 5. also on strings 5 and 3 (or6).A single note C scale resides at fret 8.Buddy Emmons quote
"Once you learn it in one key you've got it nailed for the rest" So resort to keeping it simple and focussed because it is easy to be overwhelmed by the information available.

Bob Martin · Post by **Bob Martin** » 1 Jul 2006 11:56 pm

Thanks Phil, that sounds like a good idea.

bob