The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm subscribed right now. I'm taking his lessons. I'm a BEGINNER BEGINNER BEGINNER. I really want to get the fundamentals down, the licks and theory can come later. I'm wondering if he is teaching fundamentals correctly or not. He's young and talented, but I want to know if anyone suggests better methods of learning the foundations (muting/picking). He puts a lot of emphasis on palm muting, while I've heard other teachers put a lot of emphasis on pick muting. Also, I'd rather pay for private lessons if anyone knows a great teacher who can work with video chat and technology. There's noone around here. John Ely does, but said I'd have to wait until after the new year. Any tips on fundamentals are welcome as well.

Part of the trouble is that this is not a classical music tradition where the fundamentals are all agreed upon (even in classical music you'll have differing schools emerge). As a relatively recent beginner (just over two years) I started out with a small handful of his video lessons...or at least, the free shortened ones, and I don't recall having to "unlearn" anything from him, anyway. His teacher (or at least one of them) is Alan Akaka (mine now as well) who was a student of Jerry Byrd, and I doubt Alan would let him get away with fundamentally bad technique!

On muting, there's no one specific method to prioritize. Most players are going to end up using a wide variety of methods to mute and damp strings, with both the right and left hands...to every technique, there is a season...

That's a good answer, yet a vague nebulous answer... I guess that's how this it goes in the world of steel anyway.

Regan Branch wrote:That's a good answer, yet a vague nebulous answer... I guess that's how this it goes in the world of steel anyway.

I guess it's just hard to put your finger or fingers on it?

eh? that went right over my head.

Pick muting, palm muting...they are all one in the same after you have been playing for while. It isn't an either or thing. Both are necessary. Both become unconscious after a while. You just do it. I had to really focus to describe to someone how I block. I wasn't sure myself, it becomes so ingrained. But you use everything: palms, picks, behind the bar, everything.

As far as Troy. I love troy and his lessons. There is probably no better source on this planet if you play dobro.

If you are looking for multi neck tunings teachers in the western swing and hawaiian genres than someone like John Ely is going to be a better choice.

But if you are looking more for blues based, grove based 6 string lap steel, Troy is very good there as well. Plus he is a great guy.

Check out Cindy Cashdollar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkCNiVR-xT0

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... eel+guitar

Also this video of Doug Jernigan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY3ptUrneOw

Also this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhD1vw66lYY

Bill McCloskey wrote:Pick muting, palm muting...they are all one in the same after you have been playing for while. It isn't an either or thing. Both are necessary. Both become unconscious after a while. You just do it. I had to really focus to describe to someone how I block. I wasn't sure myself, it becomes so ingrained. But you use everything: palms, picks, behind the bar, everything....

I used to teach at a banjo camp, and was really amazed at how little I really knew about what it was that I was doing. When a student would ask me, I'd have to really sit back and analyze since I'd never really thought about it, it was so automatic. I think that teaching is a good exercise to go through, since it makes you really look at the mechanics of what you're doing in an analytical way. It really helped my playing taking the time to think it all out.

Dave

Definitely agree with the above. A lot of my muting technique just sort of developed from playing and some of it I became aware of after the fact. Your ears will help guide you. Start with simple stuff and focus on playing clear and connected.

I'm a relative beginner as well and I started with 30 dollar / hr. ( 5 lessons ) first...then chose Troys video lessons..the stress on muting was critical from both teachers ...I have learned its alot like putting a golf ball...there is a proper " grip and motion" they teach... but over time you employ what ever method works most natural. I have found I'm not sure if I'm palm blocking or finger blocking...its just a mute...and it becomes more natural through repetitious practice for me. I was pleased with both instructions..I'm glad I did the hands on first and dont regret the cost...and Troy's videos have been great...

I recommend Mike Witcher for online lessons. He's an excellent teacher. My experience is that the "live teacher" benefits at the beginning are well worth it. Here is the link:

https://mikewitcher.com/

Also an admirer of Mike Witcher. I've witnessed his ability to explain fundamental and advanced concepts in a variety of teaching environments including the multi-day ResoSummit.

The other thing about Mike is that he's a recognized, internationally known player, artist and session dude. He's young(ish) but really has the experience.

Also a shout out for Jimmy Heffernan. I believe he also offers online instruction in addition to his DVD series (which I think are fab).

I'm not endorsing as a student. I've worked professionally with both of these guys and admire their abilities.

ymmv
fwiw

h

Howard, I think he is looking for electric steel lessons for his new T8 Steelmaster.

Not that Mike and Jimmy aren't great, but they specialize in Dobro.

But as far as lessons in general go, the technology is also a consideration. While Mike Witcher is an excellent teacher, I found the lack of a "slow down" function frustrating. My preferred method is to download a lesson and then run it through something like Transcribe so I can learn at my own pace.

The Homespun videos that have Cindy's lessons, there is a streaming version with an excellent loop and slow down functionality. And of course with Troy's videos you can download them and you own them without having to maintain a monthly fee (although Troy has that as well).

A+++ for Troy Brenningmeyer. Troy has a super diverse knowledge of styles and is a wealth of knowledge. In addition to being a great player and teacher, his online delivery method is second to none. If nothing else give it a try and see if it’s a good fit, you won’t be disappointed!!

I dont think you could go wrong with Troys lessons. Even his small sample videos are YouTube are very informative.

http://sierrasteels.com/lessons/lap-lessons.html

Not to take away from anybody's opinion: I found Joe Wright's videos tremendously informative + helpful.

I actually ended up cancelling my troy subscription and paying the flat $25 for the Georgeboards entire collection. I'm finding it more useful for my application. I also have all of Herb Remington's instructional material digitized. I keep hearing how important Cashdollar's videos are. I will have to get my hands on those eventually. I am learning fast though. I'm quite satisfied with my progression learning new muting techniques on my own without instructions. It's starting to feel like an extension of my body which is the desired result. Thank you for all of these tips <3