Documenting my Progress: Taking a step Back

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 2 Dec 2005 6:15 am

From time to time, I thought I would document my progress learning to play the pedal steel in hopes it will help future newbies:

Taking A Step Back. Last night I discovered a great method to help me with my right hand. In my normal set up, my steel and amps are in a room right under our bedroom so my wife makes me wear headphones after 9pm. My problem with working on grips and pick blocking is that I get caught up with all the pedals and knee levers, plus, since I still haven't found the tone I'm looking for, I end up getting distracted playing with my POD settings.

Since I have a 12 string universal, i decided to eliminate any distractions by running my 12 string SuperSlide (with Reece's tuning) though my Roland mini cube (which I could set to a really low setting that didn't bother anyone). and plunk myself down in front of the tv while I practiced the grips and blocking technique found in Joe Wright's My Approach book. I sat there watching tv while cycling through the various grips and finger/string combinations, maintaining good pick blocking technique. The next thing I knew, 3 hours had gone by, my pick blocking was very noticably improved which was a huge boost to my confidence and musicality.

The portableness of the MiniCube and 12 String Superslide meant I could sloach in front of the tv so my mind was entertained while my fingers where going through the processing of muscle memory.

This morning my wrist and upper arm feel like they got a real work out.

Bruce Clarke · Post by **Bruce Clarke** » 2 Dec 2005 8:27 am

This seems to run counter to what most teachers (including Joe Wright)advise, namely that one should concentrate solely on the skill being practised. In a playing situation is it possible that when about to execute a particular lick you might get a quick flash of a TV programme instead?

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 2 Dec 2005 9:18 am

I've never found that to be the case. For me, having my mind occupied somewhere else is the only way I can manage repetative licks for hours at a time without getting bored. I don't want to have to think about it. I want it burned into the synapse/finger muscle memory. Practicing while watching tv or a movie has always been part of my practice routine and I've found very beneficial<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 02 December 2005 at 09:18 AM.]</p></FONT>

Jim Hankins · Post by **Jim Hankins** » 2 Dec 2005 11:01 am

Sounds like a creative way to get past two common problems: bothering other people and burn out.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 2 Dec 2005 4:30 pm

When I was going through Navy Flight Training years ago, they encouraged us to memorize pages of emergency procedures and checklists and the location of corresponding switches and controls while watching TV or bouncing a tennis ball. I guess the thought was that if you could internalize this with outside distractions, when you were faced with an actual crisis and lots of other stuff going on, you wouldn't even have to think about it and would make the correct response. At least in my case, I think it worked out pretty well. The "TV method" would probably work real well for internalizing different string grips so you don't pick up a bad habit of watching your right hand.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 2 Dec 2005 6:38 pm

Totally agree.

There was a study a few years ago that documented the synapses being formed when a pianist was learning a new fingering. You need to get your fingers used to making the movements and start your brain down the road of creating those new synapse connections.

Paying conscious attention to it has nothing to do with it in my experience. You need to get the requisite number of repetitions down and it doesn't matter if you are paying attention or watching tv. It doesn't go any faster or slower.

What is important is doing it every day in order to reinforce the muscle memory.

Pat Kelly · Post by **Pat Kelly** » 3 Dec 2005 12:43 am

What's so wrong with watching your right hand. The few other learners I've met spend their whole time watching their left hand. I can generally find the right fret position without looking to the left. The good players I've seem in bands all play "eyes down". If they're not watching their right and don't need to watch their left.....are they contemplating their navels.