The Steel Guitar Forum

I know we steel players get accused of looking too serious when we play. We need to at least look like we're having fun. How many of you are guilty of looking like this guy when you play?

CLICK HERE

Anybody know who he is?

That guy looks downright GLEEFUL compared to me.

I didn't view the video, but I get hassled all the time when I play for not smiling and thus not having a good time. Well, my smile only moves my lips and face maybe a quarter of an inch. Although I am smiling, I don't have the ear to ear smile that most people only associate with smiling, happiness or having a good time. If I try, I screw up what I am doing and am very uncomfortable. I wish others could understand and leave me alone about smiling. My smile is what it is and nothing will ever change it.

Is that the guy who makes te Excell steels?

It looks like Mitsuo Fujii to me.

Well, my first guess would be one or more of the following...

a) the crowd is louder than the band
b) the girl singer (insert Bobbe's remarks here) is flamming (rhymes with slamming) a box guitar
c) the lead player that hasn't stopped picking since he got there 5 hours ago
d) the drums are facing him instead of the audience
e) this may be the first time he has heard the song played at this tempo
f) the whole song consist of one G chord, he has exhausted his entire repertoire of scales and he's just tired of playing this boring song

or it could be that the bass player just passed gas.

In all of the above cases, I can sympathize with him.

Bob and Billy - That was my first thought. I just don't know, though.

My wife says I never smile! Says I never even look up, but then she's a bass player what does she know?

She all ways wanted to get me a hat with a moustache and eyeballs on the brim!

Larry

Savell, I have not stopped laughing yet! What's so funny is, you're more likely right! Thanks I needed that!!!!!$g

I look like I'm just miserable when I play steel. Everytime I hit a knee lever my mouth goes open like I'm passing a potato. I tried chewing gum to help keep my mouth shut but when the gum fell out onto my guitar that was worse.

JW

..

I got just got in trouble waking my wife up laughing at Savall and Jim Walker!

I look like I have issues when I play





No one talks to me after shows...

Jim Walker...

I tried chewing gum to help keep my mouth shut but when the gum fell out onto my guitar that was worse.

Chewing gum has been a good trick for a lot of people to use on stage. I idea being while your chewing you look like your smiling or at least not frowning. I don't think it's going to work for that guy on youtube with that "I hope this show gets over soon so I can get my money and get the #@#$%^ out of here look."

Mariachi steps while playing steel. Might have to try that.

Well we can't all look like Buddy when we play <insert> My wife tells me I make faces when I play. I don't know about that. I'm too busy pedaling and levering and keeping my bar straight and picking the right strings to worry about what my face looks like.

"

I look like I have issues when I play"

I do have issues when I play...


this may be the only picture in existence of me smiling with picks on:

I tend to lighten up and gape around a bit more on six string, but when I'm on steel it takes all of my concentration to 'hold 'er on the road'. Lately I do make an effort to look more relaxed and less menacing when I'm on steel. ...not exactly Joe Wright yet though.

Some people who see me play for the first time are sometimes wondering if:

I've just lost one of my relatives
I'm struck with a sudden gastroenteritis
I've just received my income tax
I'm currently sitting on a fakir's chair

Here's how to have a smile if not total laughter while playing. Also good for depression and thoughts of suicide. ....First take a set of old small type earphones and hook them to a taped recording of the recent presidential debates. ONLY USE ONE EAR DURING SETS!! Just let the other side dangle. If the Lord had meant us to have a president, He would have supplied us with a candidate. JMHO