Safeguarding Steel Guitar Orientation

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Once a steel guitarist becomes aware that his/her abilities have virtually peaked, and new material is more of the same, there appears to be a slacking off, with a sharp decline in motivation. Therefore, steel guitarists are constantly reviving that effort to remain steel guitar oriented. I feel that these thoughts and experiences are more common than realized.

Mark van Allen · From: Watkinsville, Ga. USA

Bill, if I understand what you're saying, I have to disagree, on my part.
I have found that the more I know and play, the more I know about how to learn and how to integrate new ideas. After 30 years playing I still have unlimited places to explore on slidey instruments.
I'm only limited by my own self-created obstacles. I really enjoy the discoveries I make practicing, just have to find time for it among all the crap I have to do to keep up with life!

Steve Benson · From: Massachusetts, USA

Hi Bill I'm new to posting, but i've read a lot of your posts. I really do enjoy them. I understand what you mean. I'm 35 and in rock music years that makes me 95. I have a suggestion. Go onto youtube and look up "heavy metal" backing track. You'll find a bunch. Try playing with it. Even if you don't like metal. New modes new rules new approach. Or some africian style or perhaps indian classical. These musical adventures will open new things for any player. I found one backing track, with a 5150 amp in the picture, pure 80 real metal. Love it!!! I have a recording session in a couple of weeks they want metal mandolin, sitar, and steel. This is how I prep for these styles. Steel ain't just for country anymore....... Neutral

_________________
Carter-Magnum S10. Georgeboards S-8 Stealth. Chandler Lap. Peavey Powerslide. Bunch of mandolins. Sitar. Oud. All that and a bag of chips.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Music is an infinite study. If you are finding that "new material is more of the same", perhaps you need to broaden your horizons.

A few months ago, I posted a MySpace status saying that I was looking for musical adventure. Within two weeks I was in a new band with material that challenges my abilities to the max. This is after 35 years of playing the steel guitar.

When you reach one peak, there is always another, higher one to be scaled over yonder.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video

Nic du Toit · From: Milnerton, Cape, South Africa

Steve and B0B,
Thanks for your posts...... you made me think again! Idea

_________________
1970 P/P Emmons D10 flatback 8x5, BJS Bar, J F picks, Peavey Session 500, Telonics pedal. Boss GX700 effects.
Skype : nidutoit

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Perception in terms of enjoying learned musical notations, in many situations, can fall far below normal levels of peak efficacy during trial runs to maintain important memory notes. If there exists an undermining of joint problems, must we prepare for a gradual diminution of finesse, creativity, and a bold look into the face of severe challenges? The severely bent, and twisted metacarpuses offer very little in recovering original prowess. Attitude has a way of overtaking the most difficult challenges.

Bob Simons · From: Kansas City, Mo, USA

Bill Hankey is himself an excellent example of his proposition (I think, if I guessed correctly what he is talking about...) Obviously weary of trying us with the same old indecipherable gibberish week after week, Bill paused for a few days, gathered himself for the leap, and here established a new and higher bar of incomprehensible posts! I say well done!
_________________
Zumsteel U12 8-5, MSA M3 U12 9-7, MSA SS 10-string, 1930 National Resonophonic, Telonics Combo, Webb 614e, Fender Steel King, Mesa Boogie T-Verb.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 14 Oct 2009 7:01 am

Bill, it's the severely bent and twisted parts beyond the metacarpi that I worry about .... Oh Well

Scott Henderson · From: Camdenton, Missouri, USA

The options are unlimited to keep yourself out of the "rut". I play several tunings which helps me in a universal way. (on all tunings) as Bob said a different band or maybe a different genre of music can help as well. The hardest part of acheiving this is of course application. I always think of the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I apply this to almost everything in my life. The process must be constantly reviewed and revised.
Good post Bill!
_________________
D-10 JCH Dekley U-12 D-8 Magnatone Mullen RP Evans RE 200 profex 2 BJS bars
Dentyne gum (peppermint)

Nic du Toit · From: Milnerton, Cape, South Africa

I knew it!......we're all insane Whoa!

_________________
1970 P/P Emmons D10 flatback 8x5, BJS Bar, J F picks, Peavey Session 500, Telonics pedal. Boss GX700 effects.
Skype : nidutoit

Ron Sodos · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

Personally I haven't got a clue what Bill even said in his last posting. Sounds like gibberish to me. I have been playing for over 30 years and I am more inspired now that ever before. I practice every day and there is so much material I want to learn that I can't even keep up. I agree with Bob, if you are finding material to be "more of the same" try different material. Learning to improvise on the back neck is a lifetime proposition for me. Try to sound like the great players. Tone and bar technique is also a liftime proposition.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Ron,

Don't you agree that we humans are blessed with 206 different bones? We can't chase about without eventually learning that our bones may one day control how much time we can devote to practicing.

There are 27 bones in our hands - they are the carpal bones. Names have been assigned to the bones by who knows who?

Such names as: Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid capitate, hamate hook hamate metacarpal bones, all are located in your picking hand.

We can dangle like puppets, or learn to appreciate many things that are taken for granted.

It's good to hear that you are enjoying your music.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 14 Oct 2009 11:06 am

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Barry,

You've no doubt heard the song many times; "ALL MY EXES LIVE IN TEXAS." But, I know of a man whose wives were prone to BENT-PHALANGES. Many studies have been done on that twisted little finger. Yes, I've discussed those things with subjects who are afflicted with such things at birth.

Watching 5 fingered pickers (such as C. Atkins) peal off the lightning fast notes, are truly ultimate examples of most difficult endeavors.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 15 Oct 2009 6:11 am

Huh? What?

Don Drummer · From: West Virginia, USA

Pedal Steel tunings contain many redundant patterns. A specific genre, when played exclusively, also contains many stylistic redundant patterns. This makes a case for delving into a musical style unlike the comfortable one you are used to. The mechanical redudacies of the instrument remain while their applications to new material reveal new territory. Don D.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 15 Oct 2009 7:28 am

Bo Legg · Posted 15 Oct 2009 8:20 am

Sadly the slacking off, with a sharp decline in motivation came before my abilities have virtually peaked and new material is more of the same stuff I don't know.
Therefore, I constantly try to revive that effort to remain steel guitar oriented with little or no success.
I feel that my experiences related to this are more the norm than you realize.

Don Drummer · From: West Virginia, USA

Mechanical redundance on 6 string guitar and psg are note patterns (same octave scales) that appear throughout the length of the neck. Not so on piano where that octave exists in one place only. This may or may not be true of other instruments where srtings and frets are not an issue. IMHO

Bob Simons · From: Kansas City, Mo, USA

I'd just like the notes on my pedal steel to hold still so I could find them! Every time I step on these here pedals the notes go off to some other fret! Guitar is much easier!
_________________
Zumsteel U12 8-5, MSA M3 U12 9-7, MSA SS 10-string, 1930 National Resonophonic, Telonics Combo, Webb 614e, Fender Steel King, Mesa Boogie T-Verb.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Barry,

Well I guess the thumb is a thumb, and not considered a finger. Personally, in speed picking, I consider the thumb more important than the 4 fingers. You're exultation, and I quote: "Huh?" and "What?" brings me a little closer to realizing that you are opting for exactness.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 15 Oct 2009 5:27 pm

That whole preceding post was just totally incoherent to me, hence the "huh" and "what." Oh Well

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

My steel guitar is always safeguarded as it's orientation is towards Fiji no matter the bandstand orientation.

SS
_________________
Life is mostly Attitude and Timing

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Stephen,

The orientation that finds us exploring many pursuits, is good for opening new areas of thought. Taking liberties by discussing "nongermane" issues, such as the workings of the Spanish guitar have frequented the area provided for the discussions of steel guitar players. To restore certain validities, I've noted that the accomplished steel guitarists in the top limits of excellence in masterful executions, omit everything, with the exception of the business at hand in making responses. They don't give a "hoot" about unrelated appeals, or diversified interests. Many injustices have come down the pikes through the years, and I maintain that this recent lessening of demands for more country flavored accompaniment is the latest bid to all but wipe out the steel guitar. I can't imagine how music will change in the future. My gift was enjoying the great country music of the 20th century.

Bo Legg · Posted 16 Oct 2009 5:37 am

Speaking of gifts, let me be the first to wish everyone a merry Christmas.
The orientation that finds us exploring many pursuits, is good for opening new areas of thought.
I'm thinking I need to get started on my Christmas list.

Forum Index > Steel Players	Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next	Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic