The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello Guys, I need advise on where to get some good learning material for the PSG. I had a PSG years ago and I gave up and Sold it because I didn't learn the proper way. My biggest mistake was not learning to know where all my keys were and understanding how to actually play. What I did was, I bought a Carter D 10 and I bought up a bunch of Tab and rhythm tracks and sat down and taught myself to play Tab and not fully understanding the PSG. I'm Fixing to buy an Emmons SD-10 from a friend of mine at the first of the year and he is going to help teach me when he's in town. In between those times that he can't Be in Town to teach me I'd like to know what Learning material you guys would recommend that I buy that could help me to learn the PSG the Right way. I do have a little musical background with Instruments like the Drums, Bass, a Little Piano and rhythm Guitar Knowledge etc. I taught myself to learn and play the above Instruments but when I bought my first Psg I figured I could teach my self, Boy was I wrong. I apologize for being so lengthy with my post but I really do want to learn this Instrument the right and proper way this time around so any advise is greatly appreciated.

I think you'll find that a lot of us have done the same thing you did Mike. For me, I gave it up for similar reasons (mainly: it didn't come to me as fast as guitar) when I was about 18, and didn't pick it back up with a determination to learn till I was 55 - better late than never I suppose.

I don't know what your strong points are in terms of how you learn things, but I would suggest spending a lot of time listening to the greats (Emmons, Day, Chalker, Charleton, Rugg, Franklin etc), and internalizing the licks, chord passages and basic approaches of those guys - that has helped me as much as anything. Then, take in anything you can about the hows and whys of the pedal steel anywhere you can. Especially,read through the many posts of the very knowledgeable guys on this forum - a lot of them have decades and decades of experience - unlike me.

I don't know if my advice could be considered "proper", but it is what has kept me glued to the thing, and the desire to learn this time around. There are much more experienced guy on here who can direct you to anything that may be proper. I will give you a couple names to look into though: Jeffran College; Winnie Winston, and Dewitt Scott (books); Paul Franklin course. And, there are some very good teachers on here who give Skype lessons. Good luck.

Paul Franklin has just started a Foundations course online that includes 82 video lessons for a total of $99. You can't beat that deal, nor the source! Find it at www.mmmlearn.com

there's lots of great learning videos on YouTube these days. I'd start there

Jim Cohen wrote:Paul Franklin has just started a Foundations course online that includes 82 video lessons for a total of $99. You can't beat that deal, nor the source! Find it at www.mmmlearn.com

I just pulled up the website and signed up. Looks like it would be a great start to what I want to accomplish.
Thanks for the info Jim.

scott murray wrote:there's lots of great learning videos on YouTube these days. I'd start there

Yea I've been looking at some videos from Mickey Adams.

Jim Cohen wrote:Paul Franklin has just started a Foundations course online that includes 82 video lessons for a total of $99. You can't beat that deal, nor the source! Find it at www.mmmlearn.com

That's almost exactly what I was going to say. I was in the same position as you a year ago, now I kin almost play sum stuf!

And with the new "Foundations" version of the course, you can learn a whole lot for a small amount of money. Of course, there's still the hours of practice....

--Al Evans

I do have a little musical background with Instruments like the Drums, Bass, a Little Piano and rhythm Guitar Knowledge etc. I taught myself to learn and play the above Instruments but when I bought my first Psg I figured I could teach my self, Boy was I wrong.

Remember, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...

I apologize for being so lengthy with my post but I really do want to learn this Instrument the right and proper way this time around so any advise is greatly appreciated.

Be careful what you wish for...

Just so you don't get the wrong idea, these observations are exclusively mine, and are tongue-in-cheek. That being said, be prepared for a long journey my friend..

Barry Blackwood wrote:

I do have a little musical background with Instruments like the Drums, Bass, a Little Piano and rhythm Guitar Knowledge etc. I taught myself to learn and play the above Instruments but when I bought my first Psg I figured I could teach my self, Boy was I wrong.

Remember, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...

I apologize for being so lengthy with my post but I really do want to learn this Instrument the right and proper way this time around so any advise is greatly appreciated.

Be careful what you wish for...

Just so you don't get the wrong idea, these observations are exclusively mine, and are tongue-in-cheek. That being said, be prepared for a long journey my friend..

Oh trust me I understand It's going to be a challenge. Like I stated earlier, I just want to approach it the correct way this time around. And with the help and advise from you guys I feel confident about it this time around.

second the Paul Franklin course.