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Topic: Teaching kids pedal steel (teach your children!) |
Peter Siegel
From:
Belmont, CA, USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2003 9:14 am |
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I am looking for ideas and experiences about teaching kids pedal steel. My 9 year old son has asked me to teach him. I am flattered beyond words, but he is too small to reach the pedals. How have you started / taught kids ? Unfortunately I am not able to build him a "short" guitar that would fit. So, lap steel? Dobro? Regular 6 string for basic music training until he grows into a steel? I would like to respond to his interest and enthusiasm.
Ideas and comments, folks? |
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Johan Jansen
From:
Europe
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Posted 26 Nov 2003 10:25 am
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Let him play the real thing, that's what fascinates him! Not first on lap-or six string, this instrument is what he wants!
Give him a easy tune he likes or knows, that he can play in open tuning, without using bar or pedals, make progressions in the next lessons with using the bar, or one or two pedals. Could be needed to tune your guitar a different way, to make it easier for him. As soon as he understands what's happening with picking, bar- and pedal use, make it more 'standard'
Johan |
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Terry Hickey
From:
Arroyo Grande, California, USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2003 2:01 pm
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Johan's right!
I started my 8 year old on regular guitar and let him use my own guitars as will as his. Now he loves to sit at the pedal steel and try to play and of course I try to help. He has just turned 13 and its a blast to watch. So I agree let the horse run....!
Terry |
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Ed Naylor
From:
portsmouth.ohio usa, R.I.P.
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Posted 26 Nov 2003 2:04 pm
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| Over the years I have built several "Kid Steels".A couple to consider is Will they keep interested?? The other is "Keep it simple. I feel an expensive "Lap" is good to start,and tell them "IF you progress" I will get you a 'Pedal" Steel. That gives them incentive. A lap for under $100 and a Pedal job with3/2 will do the job . I have one that a kid started on and has now progressed to a "Better" Guitar. A3/ 2 can be had for around $300.Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 26 Nov 2003 2:35 pm
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Scotty's has mini picks that work for kids.
Also any steel will work if you cut the legs and rods down. I've done it for kid students before. You made need to buy new legs and rods if you sell the guitar someday though.
Bob |
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Chris Lucker
From:
Los Angeles, California USA
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 10:32 am
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My eight year old's first steel may be replaced shortly. It is a single raise single lower at the changer but has lowers at the keyhead as well so you can raise and lower the same string without a hitch, and even at the same time. It is mostly rosewood, real rosewood, not mica or veneer, has 4 knees and three pedals. The guitar is 18 or so inches high, and the knees and pedals are set up for a kid -- I cannot fit my knee between the E and F knees for example and the pedals and knees are moved toward the middle of the guitar.
I need to ask my son if he wants to give it up. He has another guitar that I am tinkering with and I don't want him to learn about collecting guitars. Maybe I can nip the tendancy at the bud?
Call me. 310 446-4800 office.
Chris Lucker, Los Angeles |
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