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Author Topic:  Whats your favorite instruction book ?
Gary Rue

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 4:42 am    
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My favorite so far has been Jeff Newmans B6 course.
Phil was kind enough to include this book with a steel I bought from him and it has connected alot of peices of the puzzle between technic and harmony.
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Mark van Allen


From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 8:45 am    
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Steelers are very blessed these days withn a plethora of instruction, some of it very different in approach. For instance, Jeff Newman's stuff shies away from any deep theoretical examination while presenting a "play this, it sounds good" approach that gets a student right into making music. Herby Wallace's courses include great chord charts but no explanation of useage, and take some digging, but the digging is most rewarding. Just the first couple pages of Buddy Emmon's basic C6 course is a GOLDMINE of information on the workings of the tuning... and of course any course that basically presents "songs" will take a good deal of student effort to bring the concepts into full fruition.

My personal favorite will always the Winnie Winston book, it was about the only book I could find when I started, not just songs, but excercises, theory, mechanical help. What a great resource.
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Gary Rue

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 9:32 am     More great choices
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Great stuff Mark. I hope to get to your favorites.I am amazed at endless combinations of thought applied to pedal steel by the various masters.
I forgot to do a search on this topic. Forgive me if its already been done.
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Gary Cosden


From:
Florida, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 9:43 am    
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As far as the actual mechanics of proper technique goes I have to say that I've never come across anything that compares to Joe Wright's material. I do love the Winnie Winston book and I still have a completely worn out autographed copy that I refer to once in a great while.
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Jim Hankins

 

From:
Yuba City, California, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 9:45 am    
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I believe the best single course with the highest quality, value, bang for your buck, etc. that I have utilized is Jeff Newman`s Just Jammin. Someday I would like to get into his up from the top, or I have got to take a stab at the Emmons basic C6. There is so much material out there, so little time and $.
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Gary Rue

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 3:10 pm     C6
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I can't imagine taking on these books without a good understanding of basic harmony and cord construction.
A lifetime of study on guitar is coming in handy.
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Jim Eaton


From:
Santa Susana, Ca
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 6:44 pm    
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My favorite instructional material is about 5 legal size pad's filled with notes, charts, and stuff that I wrote down during the 1 week school I took with Jeff Newman back in the early 70's - PRICELESS!
Right after that would be Winnie Winstons book, I'm on my 2nd copy!
JE:-)>
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David Wren


From:
Placerville, California, USA
Post  Posted 8 May 2008 7:16 pm    
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The same titles will always come to the top, like Winnie Winston's book (great in my opinion for it's nice history of the instrument), Emmons Basic C6th (like was said earlier, the first couple of pages is priceless for it's comparisom of E9/C6th, and quick C6th theory)... but I have also used the short lessons put out by Paul Franklin (I enjoyed the E9th "speed pickin'" minor scales).

I've yet to see anything from Joe Wright... but the feedback I've seen on the forum seems like some pretty good advertizing for a great product, and Jeff Newman's products will get you up and playing(with a real nice consideration of the harmonies that can be carried along with a lead line, IMHO).

My advice for beginning and intermediate players... mix it all up with plenty of jamming with your friends thrown in.... and if you can get time on stage... that's the real crucible for bringing it all together.

Last tip, listen to great players of other instruments.... note their styles of composition for lead breaks, as well as what they do to back the vocal. Doing only tab exercies, and listening only to PSG players will limit you as a PSG player in the long run.

My $.02 Smile

First rule... have fun!!!
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Scott Hiestand

 

From:
MA, U.S.A
Post  Posted 9 May 2008 5:34 am    
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"Pedal Steel Guitar for Dummies" (available soon on Amazon!) Laughing Laughing
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Tamara James

 

Post  Posted 9 May 2008 7:09 am    
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Scott Hiestand wrote:
"Pedal Steel Guitar for Dummies" (available soon on Amazon!) Laughing Laughing


I have my copy pre-ordered!!

I didn't see Dewitt Scott book mentioned. There are several different instructional books/dvds etc. available here on the forum. Good place to start. Very Happy




I'm dyslexic .honest..can't help it.


Last edited by Tamara James on 9 May 2008 11:45 am; edited 1 time in total
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Jim Hankins

 

From:
Yuba City, California, USA
Post  Posted 9 May 2008 8:04 am    
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Yes Tamara, the Dewitt Scott course is particularly good for the newer player IMO.
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Michael Douchette


From:
Gallatin, TN (deceased)
Post  Posted 9 May 2008 11:29 am    
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The Kama Sutra... Devil Laughing

(Just kidding. Never have seen it, actually.)
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Music hath the charm to soothe a savage beast, but I'd try a 10mm first.

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http://www.thesessionplayers.com/douchette.html

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Last edited by Michael Douchette on 9 May 2008 12:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Jonathan Shacklock


From:
London, UK
Post  Posted 9 May 2008 11:58 am    
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It doesn't get much of a mention but I found John Bidasio's "E9th Workbook" the clearest, most methodical approach to learning scales and positions, and how to apply them. It's the only book endorsed by Sneaky Pete (along the lines of: "I don't play E9th, but if I did... Mr. Green).

Also the "Nashville Setup" Sho-Bud book is great for beginners. Both these titles are out of print but snap them up if you can find them. It's whatever inspires you. Both came with excellent backup tracks and kept me going for months.
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CrowBear Schmitt


From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 12:35 am    
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winnie's book is still a mainstay after 30 odd years
lot's of us started out w: it
buddy emmons's courses are great
jim loessberg's too
jeff newman is tops
last but not least : paul franklin's courses
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steve takacs


From:
beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 4:11 am     b0b's Forum
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While not a book, I'd go with b0b's Forum and those generous guys who post tons of information on it in terms of tab and steel theory etc.. You know who you are. steve t
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Tim Tyner

 

From:
Ayden, North Carolina U.S.A
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 6:27 am     favorite course
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I think the Winnie Winston book is a must have
for any beginner.
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Greg Simmons


From:
where the buffalo (used to) roam AND the Mojave
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 7:04 am    
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+1 on John Bidasio's book, bonus there is Barbi Benton gig photo Laughing

Sentimental favorite is of course Winnie's book... probably had it for 10 years or so before I actually got a steel.
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Bill Waskiewicz

 

From:
Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 8:12 am    
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Gary, I have found that Secrets & Shortcuts by Maurice Anderson and SmarTab also by Maurice have helped me understand the workings of the steel guitar and also the number system.
Bill W. Smile
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Gary Rue

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 10 May 2008 9:41 am     thanks
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Thanks Bill,
I feel a need to make a master list of the great suggestions so we can find out where to purchase the ones not sold by the forum. I bet some are out of print. I will go to Maurice's site and ck.
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