Needed: Advice and ...

Chris Dorch · From: Wisconsin, USA

So...

About me:
I have been playing steel for only about 5 years now. I have never had a lesson in my life for steel or for guitar. I took piano lessons when I was young, but the teacher wasn't going fast enough to keep me motivated and interested. But, that's besides the point. I have learned musical theory and structures through self study. I understand scales and chord theories. I do everything by ear. I cannot read music while playing though I can read music.

About what I play:
I currently own an MSA Sidekick 3x1. It's in good working condition. There is significant case drop on the E's and the 3 and 5 go out of tune after about 10 minutes of play time. I know this, so I can tune after every song (or every other)..

About my playing style:
For all my instruments, while I play lead, I am not one of those "egomaniacle" type players that just noodle and noodle until people listening are bored. I am not an improvisor. It's not that I can't, it's just that I don't like to. I like patterns and structures (which is probably why I have a high aptitude for my current career). I read in an article that Mr. David Gilmour was the same in that respect. Though, I don't keep his company (not by a longshot)..

About the type of music I play:
I don't play country. I like it, but I am more of an old time, Hank Sr. - George Jones range country lover. Mostly I like all music but I tend to be drawn to more roots type music or alternative rock. I currently play with a group of individuals and our style ranges from those boundries. So when I play steel it could be anywhere in that spectrum.

Here is a link (right-click>save target as..) to a very rough mix of an original song(copywritten and used with permission) that is on a forthcoming disc. The tracks are in the hands of the producer and I don't know what, if anything will be kept. This copy I have made without harmonies and I have panned the guitars to isolate the steel to one side. It's also louder than it should be.

My interest is to gather advice from those who are more experienced as to where to go from here... Because of my style of playing all instruments, I tend to get into ruts quite easily. I enjoy challenges but I dispise "practicing." I like just getting into it and doing it. I don't think I could sit and listen to a song with steal and learn how to mimmic the player.

I guess I don't know what to do. I have all these possibilites and directions but understand what is most important to successful players eludes me. I know tuning and intonation are very important and I struggle with that due to my guitar. It disturbs me greatly.

With all of this information about me... Help? (I am sure I am my own worst problem!)

Bill Moore · From: Manchester, Michigan

Chris, it doesn't sound too bad, but I think it's the guitars that are too loud. Smile

The rhythm seems to overpower everything else. If you are having tuning problems, first go: TO THIS PAGE and try this tuning chart. If your pedals go out of tune, check the stop screws, the ones that tune the open notes, they could be loose, which allows them them change easily. If they are loose, maybe put a layer of plumbers Teflon tape on the threads, they might be more stable. Some single note licks would add a little variety, and would be easier to play in tune. I'm sure others will have more suggestions. Good luck.

Edited to add, I forgot that on this guitar the raises are tuned first at the keyhead, maybe you need to be careful that you have several turns of the strings on the tuner shaft. Especially the the plain strings, 3rd string needs 6 or more wraps.

Rick Abbott · From: Indiana, USA

Because of the demands of PSG, a fair amount of practice is needed. To play in tune, you NEED to practice ear-training excercises...at least play with backing tracks...and record it once in a while. Paul Franklin gave some stellar advise a few weeks ago regarding bar movement and ear training. Learning things that stretch your ability on the SG will give you more to draw from in the area of lick-making. I am a lot like you, and have done some learning, mostly Jeff Newman stuff. I'll never be a great player, but, I have no desire to be either. I love to go into new situations that require me to play Route 66, Riders On The Storm, I Ain't Drunk, Copperhead Road, Little Wing and Together Again all in one set. This actually happened to me 2 weeks ago. I played as best i could, they liked it, all's well that ends well. I'm no traditionalist, just trying to have fun. Just get a better guitar, you'll be shocked at how much you're being held back without an F-lever etc. BTW, what you played on the recording is very appropriate...get off your back Smile

_________________
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Sehy #112
1975 Peavey Pacer

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i think, from my professional standpoint, that you should just get stoned, play, and don't worry about it!

Gary Lee Gimble · From: Fredericksburg, VA.

I'll drink to that...
_________________
Assorted gear and a set of hands...
https://www.facebook.com/garythelee
https://www.youtube.com/user/ZumEmm

Morgan Scoggins · From: Georgia, USA

Chris,
Having read your post, it is almost like reading my own musical life story.
I started playing six string standard guitar during the Elvis craze in 1956.I learned some chords and could play some songs, but I never developed into a great guitar player. I gave up the guitar for a while in the 60's, but started playing again during the Bluegrass revival in the early 70's. Again , I acheived some measure of success as a guitar player but never did become an accomplished player. I did take up the electric bass and got "pretty good" at it, but I alwayes wanted to learn more on the guitar. It would just drive me nuts when I would see a 15 year old kid who had been playing for only a few months, play hot licks like Chet or Jango that I could not even begin to play.
A few years ago , I swithced to playing the nonpedal steel.I changed my approach to learning a bit and it has really paid off in a big way. I have learned more in the past two and a half years than I ever learned in the previous 40 years.
When I approach a new song, I try to break the song up into "licks' instead of reading note for note. Most 16 bar songs have 4 seperate licks and the 1st and 3rd lick are often the same.I think of each 4 bar "Lick" as a whole entity and forget about breaking it down any further than that.I can learn a new song in about 30 to 45 minutes practice time. After putting the 4 licks together, I then can work on each lick individually, and refine it or " put some heat under it" so to speak. Then I can add the intros and turnarounds and presto, I have a new song.
I am not sure what kind of approach this is to learning but I see it as a way of "taking bigger bites". I have sold millwork in the past and I found out that it takes virtually the same amount of time to make a small drawerfront as it does for a large cabinet door.
I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck and keep playing.
_________________
"Shoot low boys, the're ridin' Shetlands"

Chris Dorch · From: Wisconsin, USA

Thanks to all... Again, it's nice to see that others have been in my shoes.

I tell you, I did have one immediate take away from this... Teflon tape! I don't know why I didn't think of it before... Genius! The steel stays in tune MUCH better... Apparently, the previous owner or the person whom I had change the setup from Day to Emmons tried to use red locktite... Didn't work... I think this solution will.

Thanks again...

Kevin Quick · From: Sacramento

when i was in one of the many ruts i experienced i rememeber listening to a paul franklin instructional tape. it all clicked when he said practice a lick to point of repetition or something to that effect. in otherwords learn a lick until you don't have to think about anymore. pain the the butt, takes a lot of time but it works.

Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

Larry Jamieson · From: Walton, NY USA

Chris,
Just a few suggestions to help you get more enjoyment from playing steel. First, invest in a better guitar that stays in tune and has more knee levers. The additional levers will open up many new avenues for finding the notes and licks you are looking for. And not having to retune all the time, means you can spend time learning new things instead.
Some things you must practice. Learn at least two or three different ways to play scales. Then, when you want to play melody for a lead, you will know where the notes are, and how to get to them smoothly.
Also, learn different ways to play chords, and to find I, IV, V and the the related minor chords in any key. Then, put on some CDs of music that you like and play along. If there is steel in the song, and you like a particular lick, figure out how it was played. Make up your own licks and fills as you play along. This type of practice is more fun than some other types, and it helps prepare you for keeping up with a band in a live performance situation.
I played a guitar with one only one knee lever for 20 year. Wish I had bought one with more levers
MUCH sooner than I did.
Larry J.

Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

You said you like a challenge so get a D10 and learn both necks. Good luck.

Bill Mayville · From: Las Vegas Nevada * R.I.P.

The Cd I talked about is on the Way.
I hope you don't take all of the comments
to heart.Hope you know which ones are interested in helping you,and the ones that have a lot of crap in there mouth,and a little dribbles on most posts.
Bill Mayville
Welcome and enjoy.
_________________
Bill Mayville
06 Jackson Commemorative ,S 10
Black.For Sale . $18,000 Kidding

Chris Dorch · From: Wisconsin, USA

Thanks again... Any help is actually useful... in some ways!

Forum Index > Steel Players		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: