The Steel Guitar Forum

Pdl20, you made me think of Jim Reeves "Welcome to my World".
BTW that song is a good instrumental for C6 or E9. ............JD

Bob, you mentioned singing CCR songs,,,Give um something DIFFERENT !!! Have you ever tried steel with Proud Mary, Suzi Q, Lodi, Bad Moon rising??? Then switch to Santanas' Black Magic Woman in like a Dminor. We're a Classic Country Band, but that's good also.
One time after doing an instrumental of an old Beatles tune [And I Love Her] this man shouted out "THAT BEATLE BAND MIGHT HAVE WENT SOMEWHERE,,IF THEY'D HAD A STEEL GUITAR!!" People love it,,Ya just gotta play it with "taste"
Larry

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Emmons S/D-10, 3/4, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Larry Strawn on 11 March 2005 at 02:52 PM.]</p></FONT>

Bob, May I join this group. I am quite a bit older may be able to help. In my day I have been on stage with some fantastic musicians. I wasn't one of them but they allowed me to work with them. I retain a version of Steelguitar Rag and Panhandle Rag that I use if I have to. The other things I do are in conjunction with other instruments on stage. I developed a dis-like for stage show many years ago and do only dances if I can. Pick some material that is good but not normally an instrumental. Create your own version and stick with it as long as you can. I think you will find that the more you do it, you will see places to add things. My ability is not what it used to be but I have fair success doing this.

I've never worked much on instrumentals. I did make a cd, but rarely get to play instrumentals, so I have forgotten a lot. Growing up playing strictly gospel music, I have never learned many of the standard country songs that EVERYONE plays. I am more comfortable in the background.

I have been asked to play several shows. The reason I don't is that I am not comfortable enough doing instrumentals. I would need a singer to back.

Reggie.. Not comfortable??!! NOT COMFORTABLE!!??? .. I've HEARD your playing!!.. Man I wish I were that uncomfortable!!!... Geeez I wonder what you'll sound like when you DO get comfortable!!! You have VERY little to worry about my friend!! bob

Bob , don't let your age get you down. I'm 65 and still working with a band. As for instrumentals it's a song without a singer. with a instrumental every one should get a part,it's not just steel guitar. When playing alone then it,s all me and I'm the only one that has to listen. Joe<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Joe Miraglia on 12 March 2005 at 09:10 AM.]</p></FONT>

I agree with Rick; music is about finding your voice. It's easier for me, backing a singer--paraticularly a female singer, it's the range, like a cello--but nonetheless, finding the heart's voice is what it is.

Bob, I think I've heard a recording of yours on the forum; Goin' back to Moline? No shame here (unless it's mine for that recollection). I've always been an accompanist. Harmony is my voice, be it bass or lap steel.
Let your heart sing when you play; that's the melody.

Bob: When you are ready to move on, come on down to Florida. We got all these crazy old folks down here who love old country, new country, old standards and even the Beatles.
Two of my most requested instrumentals...My Happiness and Now is the hour." Bridge over troubled water" is great.
My elusive dream is a good one too.One beautiful song is " Lara's Theme".
Learn the molody and play the melody until you can do it perfet. Then start to add some licks of your own.John Hughy has some great rhythm tracks as does Bryan Adams.