Getting frustrated

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

I've been learning to play steel for about 3 years now. But for 6 months or so I had to stop due to heart problems and surgery. I have quite a bit of experience playing 6 string and singing and playing out years ago, but practically no experience doing so with the steel. I found a Monday night jam at a bar near home where I was welcomed to sit in. Wow, do I stink. I can only play about 1/4 of what I do at home. I forgot how playing live, and with other players can cut you down to size. I can't ever remember being so embarassed with my mistakes and freezing up. I know that when I was younger, this experience is what it took to develop, but now at 50 years old, I'm wondering if that can still happen. I feel like bringing my stratocaster back next Monday just to show everybody that I'm not a total loser.

Ben Jones · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

give yourself a break Fred, recovering from illness can be a long hard and very frustrating road...at least you are getting out there again and giving it a go, you should pat yourself on the back for that and know you will do better next time and better still the time after that. I'm betting no one noticed your "mistakes" or what you did NOT play but you.

Wayne D. Clark · From: Montello Wisconsin, USA

Did some one tell you you were to play like Buddy Emmons. Give your self some space. the fact that you steped out and did it, should bring satisfaction. The best advice I can give you is keep playing until they tell you to stop. I don't think that will happen. Jaming is the best thing you can do, so keep showing up. Even (Bad) Playing with a PSG is sweet music to the Ear.

Desert Rose s10 3/5
Goodrich 120
Nashville 400

Garry Simpson · From: Oklahoma

Since I haven't started playing steel yet you are way way ahead of me. One thing I've learned when working with bands or jamming throughout my life...there will always be better players than you and there will always be worse players, the thing is we all fit. Another thing, we are our own worst critic. It took a lot of nerve to step out and jam, give yourself credit. Very Happy

Harvey Richman · From: Georgia, USA

Hi Fred. We have a bit in common so I'll add my 2 cents worth. I'm 54 (or myabe 5?), also been steelin about 3 years (though I don't practice that much and it shows), and also played out alot back in the day. I'm pretty good on keys, fair on guitar, and steel...........well!

I want to say that you are a better man than I am and I envy you, never having played my steel (well, badly, or otherwise) in public.

The main thing I want to say is that the "jamming in a bar" situation is pretty darn tough (I think). Back in the day, the guys I knew who worked regularly (and those weren't necessarily the guys with the hottest licks) didn't go in for jamming much as there is a pretty fair chance of things not going as one might like. When I was at my best (which, don't get me wrong, wasn't great) (playing two or three jobs a weekend) I still found it a challenge trying to follow other musicians who weren't always sure where they were going and I was often dissatisfied with my playing (and that was on my best instrument). Looking back now, I know better. I remember to this day being at a party at this sax player's house. Except for a guitar player of modest ability, I was the band, playing organ/keyboard with left foot bass pedals. He insisted that we "follow" him on a number we never heard of with nothing to guide us other than his melody and being told the key (and I think he was wrong about that). I can't describe the pain!!

Anyway, KEEP PLAYING for sure. But, if you find that you keep feeling the same way at these sessions, you might want to look for a different venue or situation. Sometines it's just not a good fit. That's my 2 cents worth.
BEST
HR

Pat Kelly · From: Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia

anyway, its quite possible that it was the other guys who made the mistake. Just smile and stop. If they are as good as you think they will cover it. If not, well you're all on a par----just jamming,

PK

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Fred, Leave that strat home and take your steel. Play the melody and play within your chord grips if you want. "Can't never could". You will develope momentum---just what you need. Just do more of it and quit beating yourself up. Dwell on what you played right, not what you feel you played wrong. Go ahead and crash and burn once in awhile. Who cares--it's a jam. Have fun. At least your trying. If some one makes a smart remark about your playing, hand them your bar and ask them to demonstrate just how easy this steel guitar really is. If they ARE a player and sit down, learn from them. if they back off, just say, yeah I thought so, no kahonees!! HA!! Buddy Emmons and any of the greats we admire were all worse than you, at one time in their learning the instrument. We all began at zero, and moved forward. We ain't gonna sound like a 30 year veteran in just a couple years. You WILL make progress if you keep going. Ricky Davis told me once-"Don't worry about what you can't play, worry about what you CAN play, and ENJOY that!!". Almost everyone who is new to an instrument plays "great" at home, and then get out to play live to find they play a 1/4 what they know they can play at the house. It's just called playing "safe". That's natural. But you develope confidence in the steel the more you go. It will come. It's just paying you dues.

Marlin Smoot · From: Kansas

We are always hardest on ourselves than anyone else so my bet is; you actually did some great things at the jam.

I would even think some of the top level players say the same thing... sometimes... about their playing.

Not being happy about your playing is not a bad thing... it can make you play more and practice harder. Wanting to get better is something that will stay with you all your life because there is no finish line in learning music.

Just stay after it.

Jerry H. Moore · From: Newnan, GA, USA

Please don't take the Stratocaster! That would be like throwing in the towel! I promise you will be better if not flawless this week. I'm playing with a very laid back group now and had been playing guitar till I got my steel. I was ready to pack it up and everyone encouraged me to to keep it up. I'm glad I did. GOOD LUCK!!! Give us a report.
...................................................
PS I still mess up....

Dennis Schell · From: Shingletown, Shasta county, Kalifornia

I'll add my kudos here too. I'm 53 and like you have a fairly strong guitar background so I can sympathize your wanting to take your Strat to a jam to "save face"....

But unlike you, I've never ventured forth into a live situation with my steel. Mainly because I don't feel "proficient" enough. My hat's off to you!

Keep on jammin' with your steel amigo. The "percieved pressure" will accelerate your lick learning 100% I bet! (And as was mentioned, MOST folks no doubt think your steel sounds great)

Dennis

BTW, I'm assuming that the venue is "PSG suitable". If you're stuck in the middle of some ear shattering, spikey haired, power chording, "alternative rock" types while trying to fit in some "AB pedal whacking" you may be out of luck! Laughing

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"Bucks Owin"

Tim Bridges · From: Hoover, Alabama, USA

Well, I guess you older guys just get too serious. I'm only 50, so I guess the youth in me keeps me from getting intimidated. LOL! I realized about 20 years ago, that most of the folks in the audience couldn't tell you the last song that they just danced. When you go to a concert, you expect people to be listening to the band. But even then, unless its a crash and burn mistake, they'll never pick up on it.

Some may think that the best instrument I play is the fool, but I'm having alot of fun doing it! The Good Lord has given me a full life up til now, so I'm gonna finish the ride hard and fast in the "enjoy life" lane. Sell the Strat, play your steel and buy a Tele. Cool

Les Anderson · From: The Great White North

I think any musician will tell you that playing at home is light years away from setting up on stage and doing the same thing. It short order, "It aint the same ball park at all!".

That's why so many experienced musicians tell the the newbies to get into group jamming as soon as possible then, try a low brow stage gig shortly there after. You will without a doubt drop a few lemons along the way; however, you will learn much faster than sitting at home perfecting your mistakes.

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

Thanks guys, you're just like having a therapist only cheaper!

Mike Winter · From: Portland, OR

"Vell, vhat do YOU tink about it, Fred? Dis is vhat you need to ascertain. Dis and dis alone..." (That'll be $75 please...) Smile

Mike Archer · From: church hill tn

dont feel bad
health problems can take more out of you
then you think
case and point
after playing pro for over 20 years on the road i had to have both my knee joints replaced
it took me almost a year to get back to playing steel well....my hands were stiff
and my legs didnt work well
cut your self some slack it will get better Very Happy

Drew Howard · From: 48854

Hey Fred,

My mom grew up in Greenwood over by Wonder Lake. The family farm is still there, and my aunt and uncle farm on Aavang Rd. I visit a couple times a year. Where is the jam at? I'd like to come and listen.

cheers,
Drew
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http://www.drewhoward.com

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

Hey Drew, I'm right down the road from there in McCullom lake. I'll send you an email. The place is Niko's in Twin Lakes. I've got a red steel too. You can come by when you're in town, but you got to teach me something too! Very Happy

Robert Harper · From: Alabama, USA

He, I'm 58, dont play worth a toot. Have no idea what the heck I'm doing, but I volunteered to play with the church choir. You know, I believe the instrument intimidates the audience. I get no comments. However, I ain't stepped into no solo yet last time I did that I bombed badly in front of the church. when I first started to play, I tried to play with some older folks. I did not know there music and they did not accept me, actually ask me to leave, I did. I believe singers especially the young ones have the bigest ego. For a long time I gave up. I still don't want to take it to the Steel Guitar club jam. Talking about being intimitating I'm still trying and I have every intention of dying behind the Steel Guitar playing Old Rugged Cross

Micky Byrne · From: United Kingdom (deceased)

Hi Fred, as Ben has said recovering from illness can take a long time, but don't give up on the steel. One night on the band stand is worth a dozen days practising at home. If you care to look at the homepage of my website you will see how I've overcome illnesses from a Brain tumour to a heart transplant,AND I'm still out there playing with a band.Please don't you ever give up, it will do you good, and ignore it if you think they are cutting you down to size, they should know better as the pedal steel is a hard instrument to master....take care Smile

Micky Byrne United Kingdom www.mickybyrne.com

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

Thanks Mickey. I went to the jam last night and actually did better. I still can't seem to access the chops the way I'd like to. I played conservatively, but felt more at ease and was able to listen to the band better when I played. I think I felt more confident. You sure got me beat. I came close to a heart transplant in 2004. I had my aortic heart valve replaced in the nick of time. Whew! I hope the best for you.

Bob Doran · From: Ames, Iowa, USA

I remember once getting ready for a bluegrass gig (played banjo)
Not having much talent, I rely on a good memory to get by so I need to know the songs ahead of time.
Well our old bass player showed up and demanded to switch the whole play list.
That was a disaster for me.
The worst was that I was off rhythmn all night.
And as everyone knows you can do just about anything wrong in a band and get away with it, but you CANNOT BE OFF RHYTHMN.
I still remember the rest of the band after the gig.
Everyone was nice, but seeing the dissappointment on their faces is a scar I still carry with me to this day!
Ouch!!!
Bob

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Trial by fire, Boys, Trial by fire!! Just get out there and do more of it. If you need to work out a little at the house first, work it out. But getting out and playing live is what begins your seasoning---you DO want to become seasoned musicians, right?? And when you are doing "trial by fire" they are SEASONING you, until your well done!! HA! But don't ever forget, everyone of the musicians you respect as a good player went through the same "trial by fire" you now face. And they all had their share of clams. Ask Mr. Emmons or Mr. Green or Mr. Franklin if they ever made mistakes when they were first learning. Everyone starts at zero. Some just got a head start on the rest of us, to one degree or another. Anyone that tells you different is a bold faced "not telling the truth guy"!! Shocked

L. A. Wunder · From: Lombard, Illinois, USA

Fred,

Great to see another Illinois player. Don't give up. I have the same problem in the choir loft at church, it rarely sounds the same as it does at home, and nerves sometimes make me "fumble like a bad receiver." You have the opportunity to jam, and that's a precious commodity in this neck of the woods. The more you do it, the less uptight you'll be, and more of the "good" licks will rise to the surface.

By the way, I'm with you on the "heart" thing too. I'm younger than you are and I was in transplant level failure in 2001, but it my case it was the pulmonary valve that was replaced. I've also had serious rhythm problems, and rely on drugs and a defibrillator to keep me going. Just enjoy your chance to play, and remember...you've been through much tougher things than a bandstand boo-boo. Be carefully lifting your gear, and have a great time!

Fred Glave · From: McHenry, Illinois, USA

Thanks L.A. The "pain" from my steel performance wasn't nearly as bad as the way I felt when I was sick. It was just different! I'm already looking forward to next Monday's jam. I actually had fun this last time. We'll have to share defribrilator stories someday! Hope you're feeling well.

Bill Ford · From: Graniteville SC Aiken

Fred,
You also need to take into consideration that, other than band members, there will be few, or no musicians in the audience. Only folks that come out to have a good time.If in the event that someone asks you to play "4 Wheel Drive", or "Flint Hill Special"...Slap him(unless he's bigger than you),or ask him what kind of steel he plays.

Most of all...have fun with it. I applaud you for stepping out.. Bill
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Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!!

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