The Steel Guitar Forum

Finally I can post a message. I am a new beginner and am stikll waiting for my Williams to be completed in about 3 more weeks. My question to you folks who have been in my situation is where do you start? I have an older man Lonnie Carrol from Myrtle Creek, Oregon who is willing to share with me what he knows whick is a lot. I have a cd and beginer book by alfred, any other suggestions videos etc?

Roger,,
Welcome to the Forum, this is really a great place, You might have a little better luck with this post in a different section.

Concerning your question,JMO of where I think "I" would start would be to familarize myself with the quitar, and it's mechanics some first, [what this does, what that does, and why it does it]!! lol..

If you have, or know some one near you who has knowlege, and is willing to help you,,,,,,well you have so much more than a lot of us had getting started!!

There is a lot of instructional material available also, so dig in!!!!! Have fun!!

And welcome!!

Larry

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"Fessy" S/D 12, 8/6 Hilton Pedal, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Larry Strawn on 21 April 2006 at 07:59 AM.]</p></FONT>

Roger,Welcome,You have already crossed a major obstacle by getting a quality guitar that will stay and play in tune.There are tons of great beginning courses out there that we did'nt have years ago.just go to links on this forum and check out the venders.If you already play an instrument such as guitar that will be a big help.Also that old saying how do you get to the Opry?[practice,practice,practice]When you get to the point you can't wait to get behind that steel for hours and can't get enough you WILL be a player,on the other hand if you get bored after a few minutes and DON'T practice you WON'T be a player,it's that simple.It will take a lot of decation and hard work,but it can be very satisfying.Each time you learn something[and you will each time you sit down and practice]it just makes you want more.Good luck and practice,practice,practice.

Thanks Charles I do play acoustic 6 and 12 string and 6 string electric. I am going to be 56 in may so I hope this isn't too old to teach an old dog new tricks. As far as practice I have nothing but time to devote to this my Mentor Lonnie Carroll is such a cool older man around 76 and has so much to offer that I can't help but want to learn. But like we say some people do alot of talking while others obsorb the knowledge around them. Thanks so much.

Thanks Larry I have a good reference guide but I also have access to a real teacher who knows his stuff Lonnie Carroll around 76 years old. If I can learn just a little of what he has to offer I think the man upstairs will do the rest for me. Thanks for the encouragment

Roger,never too late,just have to have the desire.I played guitar professionally for about thirty years,Did'nt start steel until I was in my early 50's,am now 67.Been playing steel in bands since then,I devoted all my time on the steel,have'nt played guitar for about 15 years,have no desire to.The steel is my only mistress.All you have to do is spend a LOT of time with,and it WILL come,Lot's of luck!!Bama Charlie.

Charlie it's people like you who inspire me to do this I was told by some of the younger musicians around this area near Eugene,oregon that it's too hard to learn. If you have desire you can do just about anything. Thanks so much for you wisdom.

Roger,don't let the young folks bother you.I say it often,it's a shame youth is wasted on young folks.When I was a kid I thought I was sharp as a tack,about 40 years later I realized I was dumb as a stump.The only thing that will stop a person from learning a musical instrument is being lazy.except for the few prodigies out there ,the others like myself have to work hard at it.But it's worth it.

<SMALL>I was told by some of the younger musicians around ... that it's too hard to learn.</SMALL>

Maybe for some younger musician....

What 'Bama Charlie said! I'm 58, started over a year ago, and I still don't play worth a durn, but it helps fight the learning curve, and is a lot of fun to boot.
Sounds like a very nice steel.

<SMALL>"I was told by some of the younger musicians around ... that it's too hard to learn."</SMALL>

That's true.

I could teach a new six string guitarist, or pianist, three or four chords, and in a short while they could have a huge list of rock, country, and pop songs they could stum to.

Steel Guitar takes a lot more. If you are prepared to put in the effort, it's worth it. It's not for everyone, and I like it that way.

Moved to the "Steel Players" section of the Forum.

P.S.Roger.I'm sure 99.9% of these guys on this forum are always willing to help their fellow members any way they can.I have found over the years that steelers are a tight knit group[more so than other musicians]that like sharing ideas and helping each other.Don't be ashamed to ask questions,even if you may think they may sound silly or stupid,some one will have an answer.Keep us posted on your progress.Bama Charlie.

Roger, Way to go! I'm a 5 yr. beginner and I love it!
Why did you choose the Williams guitar?

I'm often asked the question, "Isn't that a really hard instrument to learn?" My usual reply is "Yes, and it's important to learn it before everyone tells you how hard it is!" One gets psyched out by all these well-meaning people telling you that it's too hard. Certainly violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn to play well, because of the the tiny spaces and small tolerances involved. But, hey, 3- and 4-year old kids start on violin every day and, guess what? They learn to play it! Why? Because they have supportive parents and teachers who repeat the positive message that you can do this! The parents don't keep harping on what a miserably tough instrument it is to learn, and how you'll never make it! So they learn it! This is most likely happening on your block while I write this post. The lesson is clear: You decide what you want, you decide that you can have it, and you go get it.

Any questions?

Sweet Jesus, I had no idea that so many people are so cool on this site. The answere to one question why did I get a Williams ? One of my musician friends who plays with the Coltrain Band Kelly Siedel of Lewiston, Idaho told me Bill Rudolph builds these guitars so sweet that they are the way to go. I had the extra cash so I went for it now I have plenty of time to learn plus a Mentor Mr. Lonnie Carroll of Myrtle Creek, Oregon that I can't help but be nothing but happy. Thank You Jesus for this site and all you great folks out there sharing with me. Hope to run into some of you when I get better. I live about 150 miles from Portland, Oregon out here in Gods country.

Hey Roger, I've been playing for 3 years now, and love it! Steel guitar is easy, IF you take one "knowledge brick" at a time(learn your basics!) to build the "steel guitar house"! The catch is there is a LOT of bricks to the "house of steel guitar"! Just do one brick at a time, and you will get there before you know it.

Now the hard part---It will require many hours of practice and much, much dedication. Develope the co-ordination and muscle memory it takes to put you there, to make all the "knowledge bricks" come together with the hands to make music. So there ya go. If you LOVE to do this and Love the idea of YOU making music with a steel guitar, it becomes easier---and the rewards are rich with beautiful music. Play at your level for your ability and let it grow with practice and dedication, and you will find your ability rise, as well as your enjoyment. And you have the rest of your life to enjoy playing---------------------<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by James Morehead on 22 April 2006 at 08:30 PM.]</p></FONT>

Hey Roger, welcome to the adventure of Steelin', sounds like you off to a great start with a nice steel and a great teacher, and like Charlie said ask question here and I"m sure you will get an answer.
If you have any silly and stupid questions, direct them at me, I fit that catagory.
Best to you !!
Wayne

way to go man, don't let anyone tell you you can't play this thing. for starters, learn chords, then learn to think about which chord you are going to next as per the song, then figure out a tasty way to get to the next chord by using two note harmonized scales, which are everywhere, a lot of them are posted in the tab section of the forum. once you can do this smoothly, you can gig as a back up musician or at least jam with some guys and their guitars. once you have all that, then pay attention to what your knees and feet are doing in all the two note harmonized scale positions up and down the fretboard, this will tell you where all the notes in a certain key are, in case you want to do a slide into one chord or another, or for single note licks. this is just my 3.5 years worth of advice. from where i stand, it is a lifelong journey, keep having fun and never give up, you can do it man!

Courage is not always a loud roar it is all to often a quiet voice at the end of the day saying I'll try again tommorrow don't give up!

I think Jim Cohen hit the nail right on the head, I agree with that assesment 100%.

Ernie Pollock http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm

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Welcome Roger, I to am a beginner and had no musical background so my progress has been slower. I did not have a help of a close teacher untill I moved to Texas. It has been hard but anything that you want can be obtained with hard worker and help of family and friends. The forum is very helpful and it like having a super computer to ask questions. The experience and skill of the people on the forum is huge. I am glad you will be starting with a fine steel. It helps having a good steel that you know works well. You can play more and spend less time trying to figure out if that note and cord is you or sometime is broke. Best of luck and we are all hear to help. Use the forum! If you would like email me and we can talk about some of my learning experiences.

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Thomas SD10 3/4 and D10 8/5 Beginner

As far as instruction material goes, there are a lot of good courses out there. I learned from Winnie Winston's book. I think it's a good place to start.

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My web site

I to am some what new to pedal steel and not much of a typer so this will short.

To me being overwhelmed with my new steel. What do I do first?

To me the first thing was TUNING , I have a little KORG CA-30,works ok and under $20:00
My instructor, and he is Great teacher, uses a Peterson VS-II Tuner ===========================================
This is from Bobbe Seymour's
Peterson
VS-II Tuner
No More Guessing TEMPER-TUNING your guitar to the human ear.
Temper tuning specifically for both E9th and C6th necks.
==============================================
Temper-Tune is almost not possible by ear I don't think. And the KORG CA-30 will do a only fair job. But my was $15:95. And for that it does a Great Job.

With all this said, learning to tune the strings and pedal pulls and the mechanics, is the Start I think you are talking about.
Good Luck and stay on the Forum they are a great bunch of guys.
I have cross some of the bridges that are in front you. I may not be much help but I'll share what I do know. so anytime you would like to talk, call me
Danny Hammers
7122 S. Duval Island Dr.
Floral City, Florida 34436
352-860-0155

EMCI / Nashville 112

I say, in answer to your original question, you already know where to start and that is getting a sweet guitar right out of the gate.

I've only been playing less than a year, but here's what i think:

Get some basic "tricks" down...
-basic chords (go ahead and related them to 6-string guitar 6th and 5th string rooted chords... i do!).
-go easy on the volume pedal.
-check your tuning often... don't make any major adjustments to the mechanics unless you're sure of what's going on.
-try to work out a few things at a time (i'm still not using my 4th knee lever).
-don't be afraid to play with people as often as you can.
-ask questions here.
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jon Bergh on 23 April 2006 at 02:31 PM.]</p></FONT>

Roger, Try the Jeff Newman, "UP FROM THE TOP" Email me and I will give you the information. There are other lession out there but I am only familiar with Jeff Newman program. DVD'S & CD sound tracks to practice from.

Wayne
MSA D10 8/2
usnyn2nd@verizon.net