The Steel Guitar Forum

Ray Montee wrote:I frequently awaken in the middle of the night due to my CPAP machine............

Ray,

Does your CPAP machine not have the MP3 player built in that plays through the mask. I really like mine. Would be nice if this was true.

Roger,

Did you ever think about practicing in someone elses head?

I would consider it if the acoustics were better there.

I played psg in my head long before I ever sat down at one. I knew what the first pedal probably did but that was about it. I bought a Maverick from a store in S. Lebanon Ohio from Benny Gabbard who played steel. All excited I sat down and grabbed the first three strings and the A pedal. Mr. Gabbard politely uttered; "Uh, let me explain how we tune this thing". Don D.

welcome to the world of visualization and basic self hypnosis.

You can literally jump your playing ability years if you utilize this technique properly.

Richard Sinkler wrote: You find these traits among the veteran players who have been playing for years, but the sooner you master this technique, the quicker you will advance. Even to the point where you can sit and play a song you have never played or even heard before.

WFranco-Looks like this quote above from Richard Sinkler,pretty much says what a lot of Forum Members say they do.

When I was in WWII for 3 years, one way I kept my mind. I played songs in my head, the chords, bar positions, etc. When I got out, I got my D8 Vega and auditioned and had a 6 night job in 2 weeks, and sat down and played those songs, and got by pretty well. A few flubs after not touching a steel guitar in 3 years. It does work, and I am glad to hear that so many steeler here do it too...al.

Yes, to the point where I was starting to worry about my sanity. Now if my playing really got any better...... Glad I'm not the only one.

I do it frequently. The ability comes from knowing the fretboard and recognizing melody relationships and intervals between notes and chords. It kind of ties into our phone conversation yesterday, Wayne.

When I was thinking about what to record on my first album, just deciding on material, I stopped in a piano bar here in Austin on the way home from a gig and the pianist played "When I Fall In Love," the Nat King Cole song.

I thought that'd be a good tune to record, and I kept playing the melody in my head over and over on the way home, and thinking about how I'd arrange it with piano and guitar accompaniment. When I got back to the house, I simply sat down at the steel and played it, note for note the first time, like I later recorded it on Texas Bandstand Favorites. I knew it before I ever played it.

Like the song "Hoodle Addle" says, "it just sorta happened, more or less that way."

Herb-Exactly! You are a Pro. That is for sure. I would like that CD of you playing the old Nat Cole song, "When I fall in Love". I always liked it. Maybe I'll try to play it on my E6....al.

I practiced in someone elses head. Now I'm banned from McDonalds.

I am guilty of it also. Sometimes my wife tells me that I have done it in my sleep. I have woke her up with my picking hand on her shoulder like I am picking the strings. I have actually sat down at my steel with the melody in my head and figured the song out on my steel. About a month ago I did a session for fellow forumite Cleat Wooley in his studio, he had the sheet for the song out for me, but I was too busy watching him for my cue to come in for my part on the song and when to get out. but I nailed the part like he wanted.
Tommy Shown

From last November, until recently, I was out of the picking scene, due to extensive surgeries. The only way I had to practice was in my head. I ran Many songs, and licks through my mind, trying to find new, and possibly better ways to play them. Now, that I can get behind my steel again, and I've got to try and remember some of the things that I played in my mind, and see if they work in reality.
George...

What a great topic!!!>
I have a pretty severe case of ADD. When responsibilities with my flying career pile up, its very hard for me to concentrate and get in effective pratice. I keep a notepad next to my bed. On mornings when I am able to sleep in, while my mind is still clear..my mind races with musical thoughts, and I am able to write the ideas in tab or notation....This is how I have learned a myriad of steel phrases as well as guitar riffs..!!!

I' some times take my right hand and make like I am picking the strings to melody in my head. Or like when the wife and go out to our favorite restaurant to eat, they play Country Music in the dining area. And when a certain song they play on the Muzak, I'll put both hands on the table and act like I am playing along with the song.And I visualize the strings in my head and I work both hands like I am at home sitting behind my steel. It drives my crazy to see me doing it. But I tell her it's my way of keeping myfiners limber enough todo those Mickey Adams Youtube videos that you do so well Mickey.
Tommy Shown

Many times I appear to be "day dreaming" , but I am working out ways and moves for my steel, and music in general. I carry a little note book, and write some thoughts down, when @ work, etc. I have awoken in the night, many times, with the "licks" to a song in my head, rushed to my axe, before they're lost, and "laid them down". Some may think it's insane, but I believe it all "starts" in your head, and "visualization" is an important tool. This is not to downplay the importance of physically playing, but an important part of making your instrument an extension of yourself.
I've been doing this for over 45 years ! Maybe I've missed a few things in the "now",due to what seems to be inattentiveness, but, "I got the music in me."
Rick