Hi! New to the Steel!!

[Sam Camden]

Hi everyone. I'm new here on the forum, and just as new to the steel guitar.

I've been a bassist ever since my senior year of high school, graduated in 1962. I've played bass in a number of bands over the years, but only occassionally with a steel guitarist. The band I'm currently in has a very good steel man, Mark Braun, and I've spent a lot of time asking him questions about the steel. I also play the 6-string guitar, but it's a hobby, fun oriented past time only.

I've been fascinated with the instrument for years and Mark finally suggusted that maybe I ought give it a try. Well, since I'm not getting any younger, I took the plunge. I've ordered a Carter-Starter steel and expect to receive it by the end of this week.

I plan on using my current guitar or bass amps for practice and learning. If I get good enough to play out, I'll worrying about a gig worthy steel oriented amp then.

Mark, is going to help me get started. He's going to go over the Starter when I get it, set it up as best it can be, and show me how to do what I need to do to keep it that way. He's also going to give me a few lessons to kick start my "Steel Playing Career".

However, I'd like to get some books, CDs, DVDs, etc., to help me at home, when I don't have someone else available to guide me. What would you guys recommend? I'm looking for something that will help me to understand and learn to "play" the instrument. Material that will guide me down the road to become a decent steel man. Initially, I'm not looking for "song" books, or "lick" books, or anything like that. I want the meat and potatoes of the steel guitar.

So, any help ya'll can provide, I'd sure appreciate. I'm actually quite excited about this new venture and I'd very much like for it to work out.

Thanks. Keep Thumpin'! Sammy!

[John Fabian]

Try "Pedal Steel 101" from Jeffran.com.

Jeff's teaching methods teach you a system of playing you can use on the bandstand or by yourself.

[Papa Joe Pollick]

Hey Sammy,welcome aboard. Looks like you're on your way.Got some one to help get you started,big plus.Good luck my friend. .PJ

[Ben Jones]

However, I'd like to get some books, CDs, DVDs, etc., to help me at home, when I don't have someone else available to guide me. What would you guys recommend? I'm looking for something that will help me to understand and learn to "play" the instrument.

-welcome to the instrument. I'm just over a year into it myself.
I found the Bruce Bouton dvd to be excellent for a beginner. Winnie Winstons book is also excellent IMHO.

[Morton Kellas]

Welcome! Sam, I must warn you, Pedal Steel is habit forming.
Good luck!

[Don Walworth]

I'm new to PSG as well. Purchased mine in Saint Louis this past September at the International Steel Guitar gathering.

One book I like is "Pedal Steel Guitar" by Winnie Winston. I use it so much I took the book to my local "Office Depot" and had the binding made into a sprial bound book - now it lays flat! Book was published in 1975, but still has valid information.

Here is just one source for the book. It comes with a CD as well... make sure you get the CD with the book.

http://www.bestwebbuys.com/Pedal_Steel_ ... c=b-search

Hope this helps.

[Gabriel Stutz]

Sam, I don't know where you are in Illinois, but there are some great players here in Chicago. Brian Wilkie was my teacher, and he was great and an amazing player. I know others who've been very happy with Ken Champion who's near the city. There's also a great player named Jerry Erikson (who's on the forum) down in Champaign. I don't know if he gives lessons for sure, but he's a great player who's been very helpful to me in terms of advice. I could get you in touch with them if you send me an email. Good luck.

Gabriel

[Mike Wheeler]

Welcome, Sam. Glad you've joined this nuthouse.

I would also highly recommend the Jeff Newman courses. From what you said, I think his stuff is just what you are after. He gives you the tools and a healthy dose of practicality that will form good habits, and free you to go as far as you desire with the steel. There's no fluff! Just straight up teaching that's packed with so much info that you'll have to listen over and over to get it all.

I'm working with his C6th courses. I tried several others', but his cuts to the chase. I love his teaching style, and I think you will too. (geesh, do I sound like a salesman?....sorry, I just love ole Jeff))

[Craig A Davidson]

Joe Wright also has some good material. He will be bringing it with him to Wisconsin in March. Sam, why don't you come up and check it out. Besides that you can meet and talk to other players that aren't afraid to talk shop with you.

[Larry Strawn]

Hi Sam,
You got a good guitar to get started on, and some help, can't beat that combo!

Larry

[John Coffman]

Habit forming yes!. You must have a support group. The 12 step practice plan is what helped me. It is the only way to survive. I sure a formite can directly to the closest group. Best of luck and good luck.

[Michael Hillman]

Hello, Sam, your musical history reminds me of mine, although I played lapsteel at 14, and switched to bass at 16, and cut my teeth in pretty good "surf" band, and also graduated in '62. My first bass was the Danelectro double neck, the guitar neck was terrible, and the bass neck not much better, but I couldn't afford Leo's stuff. I've also played guitar and play around with Dobro, standard G tuning and an 8 string E9th. I've tried to play some pedal steel and find it a real challenge. I most recently acquired an old MSA Universal 12, and am having Bud Carter set it us as Jeff Newmen suggests in his U12 video. I have also played with a few good steel players, and the instrument is addictive. I believe forumites have given you some good suggestions for starting materials. There is no shortage of fine instruments on the forum if you outgrow the Carter Starter and decide you want to move up. I believe good steels are a good buy; I have a closet full of nice guitars, and a couple of them cost more than a new MSA Millenium, most of the steels I see for sale on the forum are a great value, in my humble opinion. Visit the late great Jeff Newman's site and read some of the articles posted about the learning time and learning curve on pedal steel, it will help you get good perspective on the instument. Best of luck with your efforts, and nothing beats practice, practice, practice. You have found the greatest network and support group for steel players of all levels and interests. - Michael Hillman, Boise, Idaho

[CrowBear Schmitt]

Welcome to this Great Forum Sam
you'll get much of the help you need just for the askin'

if i may suggest that steel bible that's still pertinent to this day :
"Pedal Steel Guitar" by Winnie Winston (can be found on ebay)
All of Jeff Newman's stuff is Dynomite
as well as Buddy Emmons courses available here on the forum
Good Luck on your journey Sam

[Sam Camden]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the kind words of encouragement. It's always nice to get those.

That book by Winnie Winston must really be a great book. It seems that a lot of you recommend it. Mark, our steel player, also recommended it. So, based upon all of your accolades over that book, I ordered it. I also ordered the DVD by Bruce Bouton. I'll most probably get more as time goes on. I'm hoping these will do, along with Mark's help, to get me a good jump start.

I've done a lot of perusing of this forum, and I've got to say that it seems like one of the most friendly, helpful, and encouraging group of people that I've come across in one place in a long time. I think I'm going to like spending some time here. In between steel practice sessions, my band's practice, work, family, gigs, etc., of course!

Thanks again guys. Once I get this puppy, I'll get back to you. It should be here by Friday.

[Jim Bob Sedgwick]

By Monday, you'll be ready for the nut house.

[J Hill]

Dick Meis has graduated lessons in 3-ring binders that really have a method to their madness. He's starts you at the very beginning and some of the first things you learn are some repetitious and melodic finger grips on the various strings to get you used to hitting the right strings. Anyway, it's a good program that goes from stark-ravin beginning to advanced. Here's his link:

http://www.pedalsteelguitar.net/

[Mac McGhee]

Sam, I to am new to the Steel and to the Forum. I love to read the post of the Men of Steel. I have loved the Steel since Slowly was a big hit. At the age of 59 I bought my first a little MSA Pro. I in turned traded it for a Texan. If I only knew what all the pedals (10) are really for I could play and everyone would know the song.
I read where John referred you to Jeff. I had the honor of meeting Bud Carter of Carter steel and we talked quite abit. He worked on my steel checking it out when I bought it. If those guys told me what would help me, I would take it to the bank.
As you have no doubt concluded as I that the guys here care for each other and will give all the help one could use.
So to them all I say a Big Thank you. All the greats are slowly fading so get it from them while we can.

[Charles Davidson]

Welcome Sam from Alabama.

[Penny Custureri]

Sam,
Just remember, if you get frustrated while learning,always always go back and try again. It'll be worth it after all!

Penny Custureri

[Dillon Jackson]

A great series is Jeff Newman's UP from the Top. This dvd with books in three parts AB pedals; D lever; and F lever is a great way to get familiar with what it takes to work with the band. and get workin them pedals and levers.

Working with a mentor or instructor is a huge plus. Have a blast.

[Gregg Thacker]

I too am a beginner. I have been teaching myself since 2004, since I can't afford instruction from an instructor on a regular basis like I would like to do. I would recommend anything from Jeff Newman (I bought the Steel Guitar 101 course and I feel that it was well worth the Investment) as well as from John Hughey Music, Joe Wright, Bobbe Seymoure (he has some great material), Herby Wallace, Dick Meise, Doug Jenigan. All of these Steelers offer great material. Check them out. Price varies but they are all worth the Investment no matter who you decide to go with. The Book "Pedal Steel Guitar is SUPER! I got my copy way back in the '70's as I was hoping to learn back then but realized I could not afford to get a Steel back then..BUMMER!!!! Anyway I hope this helps.

Gregg