More enjoyable now or then?

Jack Therrell · From: Conroe, Texas, USA

I started on the steel back in the fifties. I played several years then stopped okaying for many years. A few years ago the desire was still strong to play so I started again. I found I had begin all over. I could scarcely pick out a tune on a single string much less add a proper chord or correct slant. I persevered and slowly made progress a lttle at a time. Here is what I wonder. After I could play reasonably well (my opinion not my wife's) I of course started to work on certain songs. In my case it seems I was having more fun when I was slowly getting back up to speed. Now that I am playing better and wanting to perfect each song it seems more like work than pleasure. I was just wondering about the pros. How do they stay inspired instead of just going through the motions. To sum up, I wonder if others have found it is more fun when you are learning basics, than when you are trying to do it right. Jack

Sherman Willden · From: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

As I was told by my instructor, George Sypert, when I was first starting to play. I said "I'm beginning to sound worse." He said "No, you are just beginning to hear yourself play." It was fun when I thought I was making good sounds even though I wasn't. I really had to work on playing the steel after that. I wish I could play the dang thing but I really do enjoy trying.

Sherman

[This message was edited by Sherman Willden on 19 October 2005 at 10:55 AM.]

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

I've never gotten bored with playing pedal steel. It's enjoyable now and it was enjoyable when I started in 1999. It's something that I will do for the rest of my life. Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

I'm a positive reinforcement kinda guy, so I'm always looking for something to celebrate.

HOW you practice is much more important to your success that HOW MUCH you practice. It is that tedious 'lets get all the notes right', then 'lets get the timing right', then 'lets get the feel right' -- that makes practicing boring or frustrating.

Another important part of practice is 'maintenance' -- playing what you already know to keep it fresh in your mind. This is MUCH MORE FUN that eeking out one note at a time trying to learn a new passage or a new skill.

When I'm learning a new tune or working on a new arrangement, I try to set aside 'celebration' time. I will slave over the new tune until my concentration begins to ebb, then put on some rhythm tracks and just PLAY -- off the top of my head. That's what I enjoy doing and if I never had to play for others again I'd probably do all the time -- no particular structure -- just riffin' over chord changes.

The point here (there IS one) is that there are parts of your practice regimen that you will enjoy more than others. Use that activity as positive reinforcement for perfecting those little blocking snafus or chord/pedal combinations that just don't come naturally. Be sure to save the dessert for last though.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

I was out of music-work for over ten years during the Elvis years, as were many other steel players. I then got back into it but have found that those ten years of not playing or practicing, cost me plenty. I've never been able to regain that "something" that I believe I once possessed. The jobs have been elusive as well and none of the big time opportunities have presented themselves. Now, with everyone wrapped-up with pedals, I decided I'd try an all new approach; "HAWAIIAN". I've carved out a little niche for myself and some of the compliments I have received have been most rewarding.

As for practicing; For what it might be worth; I've found that sometimes it is more rewarding to pick 10 - 12 tunes and play the first one awhile, until it gets boring; then, move on to the next one; and, so-on.
No one said practice is "easy" or 'fun'.
By doing as I suggest, you can get some variety in your practice session; and, also become more familiar with your fret board as you work on the different songs. You'll also be working on your "hearing" which is a necessity.
Don't kill your enthusiasm; stimulate it from time to time. You can work out the timing and phrasing and versatility of chords at a later practice session.
I don't know about you but from what I hear from some of the newer players, they seem to verbalize their belief that they should be out playing on the front lines within just a few weeks; months or years. Most of us that have been in this for a lifetime have found that you'll never learn it all........and what you do learn, could very well take you a life time.
Good Luck!

[This message was edited by Ray Montee on 20 October 2005 at 09:49 AM.]

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

If you play more, you will love every minute behind the steel, whether you are practicing or playing shows. When you play, always put your heart into the music and do the best you can. Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

[This message was edited by Brett Day on 19 October 2005 at 04:20 PM.]

James Cann · From: Phoenix, AZ

Jack, my history is similar: into the game about 30 years ago, played for 10-12 years, out for 10+, and back in a year ago, at which time I couldn't pick a note or chord to save my soul. Even though I now had the guitar I always wanted (LDG) I wondered if I hadn't blown my dough.

Like you, I kept at it and got better (with the help of the guitar itself--far ahead of me) than I ever was back in the 70s. How? A different niche: no club work; instead, using tracks to work up songs I'd like to hear on steel, learning something every step of the way.

Can't see the end of it except in the inevitable way.

Jack Therrell · From: Conroe, Texas, USA

Thx for the replies men. I have read each post and think I know what my problem is. I am trying too hard to get each song right. I have been trying to play with my head instead of my heart. One of the things I so like about the steel is the viseral feeling that you can get when you really are feeling it. I will keep on keeping on Jack

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Hi Jack, Just listen to your heart and then use your head. If you get "stumped" give me a call, maybe I can get you back on track. Jody. 281 356 7310.

Billy Carr · From: Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)

Here's something I started doing when I sit down behind my CARTER in the office. I play with my eyes closed. That is, on parts where I can leave the bar in one position or play open w/o the bar. I like to play the same thing over and over until I feel like my hands,knees and feet are all in perfect harmony.

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