The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi everyone, I'm new here. My name is Jason, I'm 34 and live just outside of Detroit. I've been playing guitar and bass for over 21 years. Recently my step-father(Glen Noe)passed away and left me his Franklin E9 single neck. He was only 51 and it was a real tragedy. I've been on a mission to tackle this beast but I keep getting so discouraged. I have Jeff Newman's up from the top AB pedal set. I bought a set from Dick Meis. I also have Winnie Winston's book and a dozen others. Even with all this material I don't seem to have a clear path as what to study. I searched for a teacher in the area but no luck. I went out and bought a lap steel and studied a little Hawaiian to get to the roots of steel guitar. That helped a bit. I've been learning 2-5-1 chords in all keys. It seems most steel guitar playing consists of fills and licks. It seems most of the stuff in the books are solo steel pieces or something. Any tips or suggestions. Thanks so much. Jason Schofield

Jason - if you already know guitar (I'm in the same boat) I'd sugest Joe Wright's stuff - the first 4 or so lessons deal strictly with learning how to "play" the instrument physically, which is really important. Get that down first. THEN you can concentrate on learning licks.

I agree about the books - the steel solo tunes seem to have little practical application (others will jump in, as we've had this discussion before, that "it all teaches you the instrument"...but VERY slowly and in a boring way for experienced guitar players).

I'd forget the books, get some lesson stuff from Joe (If he's still in business - I've been waiting two weeks for reply to email just to get a shipping cost) to get your technique dialed-in, then buy lesson materials from people with styles you're interested in.

That'd be the "shortcut" method.

Good luck!

Jason, First of all, welcome to the forum. I too am a beginner and I have most of the material you just mentioned. I will tell you that what helped me most was Jeff Newman’s "Just play the Melody". It explains the scales and then gives some practical use for them. I accidentally got that lesson before I got the A/B pedals video. I would have been lost on the Up from the top if I hadn’t seen the Just play the Melody series first. I am sure there are going be a ton of opinions on this, and that’s great, that’s what makes this a nice place to visit. But, being in the same boat with you only a few weeks ago, I can tell you that Just play the Melody opened a lot of doors for me. With that said, I also benefited GREATLY from the video clip called "demystifying the E 9th tuning". It’s a video for guitar players wanting to play pedal steel and it’s free from John Fabian's web site (www.steelguitarcom). Go the beginner’s section and look for the link to the video, its great to start off with. I have never been a big advocate of learning an instrument by learning licks; I have always thought it best to learn to play the instrument, not songs or licks. It explains all the chords and where to find them on the E9th neck. Other than that, its all PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE......James

James - looked all over and don't see that video. Do you have a diect link?

http://www.steelguitar.com/resource/videos/vids6string.html

This was cool. But I already know all of the stuff on this video. I have a Mel Bay E9 chord chart that really is amazing. It only took me 2 years to understand how simple it is. LOL Really simplifies that chord structures.

I'm with Jim. Joe Wright did it for me, he's the easiest for me to understand, and approaches the instrument as a machine. You simply have to learn to operate it.

I started out with Jeff Newman's "Right Hand Alpha" and "PSG Techniques." I think they got me thinking about the most important thing right off the bat.

THE RIGHT HAND.

Focusing on your right hand technique right now, while you don't have any bad habits, is vital. I'm working my way back through Joe Wright's "My Approach to Pedal Steel Guitar," and it's done absolute wonders for my tone, technique, and picking speed. The greats of this instrument rely on ear training, theory knowledge, and muscle memory. And simple fundamental hand excercises are something that you can do right now to make sure you're making good habits.

Good luck!

-MG

Hi Jason, and welcome.
I can personally attest to Michael Garnett's abilities, and his ideas run pretty much in the mainstream of what has been suggested. Jeff Newman is like the Godfather of pedal steel; Joe Wright is also a dedicated teacher and great player.

As a newbie myself, and from another side of things--what a bequeathment, the Franklin.
My suggestion is: take it out of the garage once in a while, push the pedals and go 'vroom vroom.' Play around with the levers. Imagine yourself doing those fills. Let your mind wander and be your guide.
In other words, just get the feel of the machine, and don't think you have to accomplish anything on it. You've plenty of time for that. Using the same approach, I've amazed myself by what I've become able to do after having enough with frustration.
You're a musician, it's an instrument, and you'll figure it out. Pretty soon, you'll be going 'zoom zoom.'
And ask lots of questions here. There are lots of experienced guys to answer.

Jason, while tapes and books are certainly useful, I urge you to get at least a couple of one-on-one lessons from someone. You'll learn more about the mechanics of playing the instrument, and a real teacher can answer questions and show you things that aren't possible with other learning approaches.

Tell us what state you're in, and you'll get suggestions for a teacher that's nearby!

Jason. welcome. I am similar to you. played guitar for close to 40 years. I acquired a wonderful pedal steel a couple of years ago. a 74 ShoBud Pro 1.
at first I was mystified by the tuning.
slowly I came to understand the string trios. then i found that Mel Bay chord chart.
now I know the chords major and minor.
I can play several songs with friends.
I play in a non traditional manner ( by a strict definition of traditional).
this will be an instrument that I will be able to go to periodically and always feel a bit of frustration and total enjoyment at the same time.

I dont put too much pressure on myself to fully master this steel. actually it would be near impossible. I still have fun. I can make beautiful sounds. that's my bottom line.

Jason some time when you are on your computer try Bill Mayville's website at http://www.steelguitarlasvegas.com/ and listen to a few of his samples and see if that might be of interest to you.
Good luck in however you go about it
Larry

Well, I'm giving away my age by this advice... but there's a good deal of understanding of the pedal steel that can come from listening.

I would suggest getting a couple of Buck Owens records with Tom Brumley playing steel, things like "Together Again" or "A-11", not only are they uncomplicated recording productions, (which really let the steel work shine through), but an excellent example of steel guitar phrasing which compliment the vocal lines. A lot of real nice fills that naturally lead from one chord to the next.

The trick to getting the most out of tablature is to only use the instructions as a general guide, and not think of them as separate modules of licks.... perhaps try mixing and match to get an idea, and then force yourself to come up with your own imrov. stuff.

This is why I don't teach... I get too preachy! Have fun above all.

------------------
Dave Wren
'95Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Session500; Hilton Pedal
www.ameechapman.com

Jason,
If you're a beginner, then you're already up to my level.

What's worked for me is to use several different approaches. For me, trying to learn for $25 is ineffective.

What works for me best is video/DVD. It's almost as good as taking lessons. (And if you're in Ferndale, CA, you might not find a lot of teachers, but go watch guys in bars and talk to them). My favorite video/DVD is by Bruce Bouton, Jeff Newman, and Bobbe Seymour. In particular, Jeff got through to me about basing your learning around the "grips" or "grabs." In E9, practice plucking and finger-picking the 3&4&5 strings, then 4&5&6 strings, then 5&6&8 strings, then 6&8&10 strings. It's all the same chord, and you can move the bar up and down for basic 1 4 5 songs. Bruce and jeff are better at basics and specifics, while Bobbe gives more of the overall picture and long range goal. Also, Bobbe isn't as concerned with a lot of blocking in the beginning, which I agree with, but he is not like most others in that way. Also, he prevents you from forming the bad habit of hiding mistakes by backing off the volume pedal. And as far as I know, he ahs the only tape on how the underside of the guitar functions, which really helped me, but nobody else talks about it much, so maybe it doesn't help most people.

My favorite audio is by Buddy Emmons, ? Mayville, and Herby Wallace. In particular, Herby says that to learn pedals and knees, try to minimize bar movement. Mayville (I think it was him) said that to learn pedals and knees, practice without the bar. Now a lot of people are going to say that's too extreme, but it works for me.

Actually, there is only one course that threw me, because the guy talked too fast and assumed too much knowledge--for example, I'd never heard the word "degrees" before. But I think if I go back to this particular couse later, it will help me. I've had that experience with the instruction of another famous player. So I'd say if something isn't helpful right away, go to something else and come back.

It also seems to me that everything has imperfections. One guy insists that you start with a high quality pro level stuff, everything from a D10 to a chrome bar. But I'd say just avoid cheapo stuff because it makes it harder to learn. Another guy insists you use a metronome. But I'd bet most players didn't learn with one. Another guy had me so hung up on his version of correct blocking that I actually taped a stick on the back of my right little finger--from the tip almost to my wrist--to keep it straight at all times and block almost everything. I wouldn't worry about pick blocking in the early going, but a lot of people don't see it that way.

------------------
"Elmore James kept playing the same licks over and over, but I get the feeling he meant it." Frank Zappa

Thanks for all the replys so far. I live in Detroit, MI and so far haven't found anyone to take a lesson with. Anybody in the forum near here? Also does anyone own the Joe Wright DVD pack for $210? Does it contain most of the info from his book (my approach to Pedal Steel)? Thanks again.

I got the Bruce Bouton video, then "Chord Dictionary", "Give Me An Intro", and "Just Play The Melody" by Jeff Newman. That got me playing steel right away. I played guitar, banjo, and bass for fifty years, and then decided to play pedal steel. Believe me the stuff you learned on guitar, the chord theory, etc. will come in very useful with your steel playing. Your ear will help a great deal too. The tough part is learning what pedals go with what levers. Since playing guitar doesn't require foot work, unless you use effects pedals, it will take awhile for you to get coordinated, but it will happen. Stick with it everyday. When I miss a few days practice I can sure tell it. Patience and practice. That's the key. Good luck and welcome to the world of pedal steel guitar.

Michael in the Ozarks

Here's my advice, been playing since 1978: If you have the Winnie Winston book, with CD or vinyl (like I got it), go through it from start to finish, working on nothing else. Otherwise, I'd advise picking one of the other methods and stick with it without jumping to someone else's method. I think it would be confusing for a beginner to jump back and forth, since Jeff, Joe, Winnie are all excellent instructors, they each have they're idiosyncrasies.

------------------
Marrs D-10, Webb 6-14E

Welcome aboard. I caught the bug about year ago. I have the Joe Wright (My approach to steel). It has helped a lot with understanding the logical parts of the methods. I would recommend it. Also get the beginner 1,2,3 DVD. Dick Meis website has some good stuff too. I am working with Dick meis uptown steel book, and DVD course. You can also email Dick he is a great source of knowledge. Dewitt Scott has a good book of beginer songs which helps me flexs a little.

I say 1st and formost have fun. If it ain't fun to you give it up. I love the banjo music also but I could never do the fret work with my left hand. Tryed a lap steel (Remington Texas Playboy) fell in love and its been fun every time I hit the strings. I agree with the DVD's approach. Email me and we can talk off line. Using the forum and learning from these great people can only help you down the line. Most of the time I just read and get lost in some of the technical jargan. It's like anything else. Surround your self with great pickers and players and you will pick up more than all the books, tapes and dvd's there will ever be produced. I am very blessed. Oklahoma and Texas have some of the best picker's around and some of the best people also. Continue to use the forum, ask question, and most importantly listen. These guys have years of training and practice. I wise man once told me. If you want to know how to do the job right the 1st time find the oldest guy around and learn from him. I am lucky Jim Harper is just down the road from me. Jim is been play a long time and is a great guy. Best of all he has the patients to deal with me. Email mail me we can help each other.
Good luck and have fun!

------------------
Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner

Jason, you really need patience when learning the PSG. The basic techniques, blocking, picking the right strings, co-ordinating your hand, foot and knee movements take a lot repetion. Joe Wright's courses stress learning the movements through repetion. Joe does concentrate on learning pick blocking, which takes even more practice.

I have been trying for about 22 years, and am still learning. A few live lessons would help the most, I took a couple from forumite Tom Stolaski. Tom was a really good player, and the got a great sound from his guitar. At the time, I had been playing for about 6 months, it really helped me.

I could help you out a little, but I live about 80 miles from you. I'm sure that you could find someone closer to give you a hand. But the really important thing is to have patience, it's not easy, it takes time, but if you stick with it you will improve. Give it at least a year or two, work on the basics, the music will come. Good luck.