Jeff Newman Video Courses

Jon Steel · From: Bay Area, California

Would like to find out a bit about Jeff Newman's video courses before I shell out the money.

Looking to find out if the theory is generic, or just for one song from which one is supposed to be able to carry this over to any song.

Or maybe there are other courses better than Jeff Newman's?

Four (4) courses I am looking at:

1. Just Play the Melody - is this generic, ie general theory on how to play any song melody, or does it just cover one specific song melody?

2. Bandstand Backup - again, general theory or what?

3. Right Hand Alpha - just general right hand mechanics?

4. Give Me an Intro - general theory for intro to any song (based on melody) or again just covers one specific song intro from which one is supposed to carry over to all intros?
_________________
1940 Kay bass

1939 Rickenbacher Model B 6-string lap steel tuned C6

Jackson Steel Slideking LS 6-string with pitch change hand pedal, tuned Open E

Jackson Steel Sho-Bro 7-string dobro with EDGE hand pedal pitch changer, built by Buddy Emmons and Shot Jackson himself in early 70's, tuned Open E

Hand pedals above take you from the I to the IV.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

FWIW, I think Jeff produced some of the best pedal steel instructional material ever. After 30 years, I still find myself referring back to and picking up bits from his Nashville class.

Jeff's method was to get you playing out as soon as possible. There were a few song specific tracks that he produced such as the Honky Tonk Heroes series, they are great too, but not among the ones you listed. These courses you refer to are designed to work with a variety of tunes and styles, cover scales, patterns, etc.

The Right Hand Alpha course teaches a specific right hand position and fingering. If you learn and follow this instruction, you can't help but have good dexterity and tone.

There is a plethora of fabulous material in the courses you mentioned....enough to keep you busy for at least the next decade....almost too much to assimilate at one time.

It doesn't come without a lot of practice and hard work, but the dividends will be well worth the investment if you are diligent. JMO.

David Ball · From: North Carolina High Country

The only one of the courses you list that I've had any experience with is the "Right Hand Alpha" course. Yes, it is general right hand mechanics, but I found that course to be extremely helpful. Although I'm pretty much a newby at pedal steel, I've played non-pedal for a long time, and the way that Jeff taught the right hand mechanics has made a huge impact on my playing. My palm blocking has improved, but more important that that the tone that I get out of the guitar has shown a night and day improvement. I think that what is taught in this course could be useful for any style of steel playing.

I've found the Jeff Newman courses to be very well taught and helpful--probably about the best video courses I've seen for any instrument.

Dave

Calvin Walley · From: colorado city colorado, USA

the "just play the melody" is the C scale but you learn it farward, backward, side ways and inside out
then you learn to transpose it to any key
it might look simple at 1st but don't let it fool you
there is a whole lotta music to be learned from that one book
_________________
proud parent of a sailor

Mullen SD-10 /nashville 400
gotta love a Mullen!!!

Guitars that i have owned in order are :
Mullen SD-10,Simmons SD-10,Mullen SD-10,Zum stage one,Carter starter,
Sho-Bud Mavrick

Eric Philippsen · From: Central Florida USA

I have, I think, most of the Newman courses. I was lucky enough to stumble across a large collection of them once.

I have been playing 30 years. They are the best and you cannot go wrong with them. Jeff Newman was an incredible teacher. When he was with us he offered week long seminars and courses at his place. I took one of those once. Wow. I still have my notes and tapes from it.

Steve Raulston · From: U.S.A. (deceased)

Hi Jon, what a fantastic name for a "Steel Player! There was an old movie entitled "Johnny Guitar" that starred Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden. Now we have "Jonny Steel!

I couldn't agree more with everything that has been said and especially with emphasis on the fact that Jeff focused on getting the player out and playing in a band setting ASAP. In his courses, he gives you all the tools to do just that!

I started with Jeff back in 1989. I had played six string rhythm and lead in country bands for several years by then, but the steel was a foreign language that I HAD to grasp PDQ. I had just happened onto an awesome trade for an MSA D10 along with a Nashville 1000 for some old SCUBA gear I had collecting dust in the garage. Willie Honeycutt (his "Pops" was Roy Honeycutt who played behind Bob Wills and many others) was playing Bb6 at the time, but he told me of this great E9/C6 teacher by the name of "Jeff Newman. Once I got hold of his material, I realized the distinct similarities between the E9 Nashville tuning and the six string. I digress.......

I called Jeff and he suggested I start with the very material you mention. 1989 was prior to his "Up From The Top" course which I believe is where every beginner (regardless of theory knowledge)should start. With the other courses you have listed along with the "Up From The Top" complete course, you will have your hands full for at least a year of dedicated practice. It is a little pricey, but you can always sell the materials and only get hit for $15-$20.

I still own every course Jeff made with the exception of "Bandstand Backup" because I had already played in bands for some years and I knew better than to ride over the vocalist. Also to swap rides and solos with others players. If you haven't played in bands, then it would be invaluable.

RE: Right Hand Alpha; I have heard several debates about Jeff's Right Hand Alpha technique. Jeff pretty much stated that his way is basically the correct way. I am not quoting him verbatim, I am merely saying that he inferred that any other approach will only lead to very bad habits such as the infamous eagle claw. I have met and know some outstanding pickers who have very awkward looking picking techniques, but it works for them and that is what really matters isn't it? I adopted Jeff's hand positions/form/picking blocking techniques from the Alpha course and I am glad I did. I didn't have any bad habits to break so it worked and I found that I was able to transition from palm blocking to pick blocking using Jeff's approach. When I learned his hand positions and picking techniques, pick blocking became second nature. A good friend (David Wright) once said that many pickers really don't understand that good tone is in the right hand. It honestly can't be said any better Jon. You can have the very best equipment and without a good solid right hand, good tone will be forever elusive.

Are there BETTER courses out there? IMHO, in a word NO! I am sure there are courses that are just as good, but please realize, Jeff was the pioneer and the innovator of Steel Guitar Instruction with his video courses, seminars and finally with Top Gun. Top Gun was located at his home when he and Fran lived in Watertown, TN. The Newman's set you (and your significant other if you chose to take her along) up in a little cabin on their property and you spent a week one on one with Jeff focusing on your strengths and weaknesses eight to nine hours a day for five days. I spent a week with Jeff and it was the best money I have ever spent on instruction and some of the best memories for sure.

Jon, some of Jeff's material was recorded nearly twenty years ago. Even so, it will be just as relevant in one hundred years as it is today. As for "theory" Jeff delivers in a way everyone understands and doesn't attempt to get overly technical. As you know, all theory is applicable from one instrument to another. Everything Jeff teaches in his courses distinctly emphasizes the fact that licks/pedal lever combinations are movable or in other words, transposable. He recommends you do just that in ALL his material, practice in other keys once you are capable of playing his demonstration.

It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. Look at all instruction as an investment in yourself. It really is no different than any other education you aspire to. Thing is, this one keeps on giving for the remainder of your years. Take care. Very Happy

Brian Henry · Posted 20 Mar 2010 5:11 am

I have then all but Just Play the Melody is the finest course. You will learn valuable scales that you can use and transpose for anything . Much of the later up from the top courses is just a repetition with lots of practice runs.
_________________
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN GEORGIA

Anders Eriksson · From: Mora, Dalecarlia, Sweden

Mr. Newman was a Teacher, which is more than I can say to a lot of other...

Just a small thing that you might want to know! The DVD's are copy protected which may mean that you can't use a computer to show them!

If you got a "real" DVD Player then it's no problem, but....

// Anders
_________________
Fessenden D-10, Stage One S-10, Peavey Nashville 112, Boss LMB-3, Goodrich 120; Regal RD-38VS Resonator

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

They may be copy protected, but I have always watched them on my computer (Windows XP )and never on a DVD player.

This could be a Region 1 issue with the DVDs

YMMV

SS
_________________
Life is mostly Attitude and Timing

Bill Fuentes · From: Garland, Texas, USA

I have a related question, how do you order from Jeffran now - can you still get the courses

I'd like to get one more ([play melody )advice of , I have the "101" class that has right hand alpha and another beginner DVD. Had the honor of attending a couple of his seminars at TSGA years ago (Fillin yer pockets etc..) and would like to jump back in with Jeff as my glorious leader again

I tried to call a number 800 -373-3418 but it is busy, are they still selling?

thx!

Jon Steel · From: Bay Area, California

Saw an email from Fran Newman some months ago that the did away with the 800 number, and her web site now lists a talk line number as:
704-543-6059

See here:
http://jeffran.com/aboutUs.php

Let me know if you get thru to her OK - I will be placing an order soon also.
_________________
1940 Kay bass

1939 Rickenbacher Model B 6-string lap steel tuned C6

Jackson Steel Slideking LS 6-string with pitch change hand pedal, tuned Open E

Jackson Steel Sho-Bro 7-string dobro with EDGE hand pedal pitch changer, built by Buddy Emmons and Shot Jackson himself in early 70's, tuned Open E

Hand pedals above take you from the I to the IV.

Bill Fuentes · From: Garland, Texas, USA

That did it! Thanks - I'd imagine she might be losing some business with that number still on there, and no instructions on ordering -

I'm no Web Developer but I'd be happy to help her change that up and add a ordering FYI page.

Thaks again and sorry to hi jack this thread.

Jeff is/was the Master and it is an honor to be a patron of Jeffran College - God bless Fran

adios

Walter Bowden · From: Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Fran is great to work with. Very friendly and eager to do you right. I had a problem with one DVD which she quickly replaced with absolutely no hassle. BTW, the thumb and finger picks she sells are some of the best out there. Plenty of members use and swear by them.
_________________
Emmons S10, p/p, Nashville 112, Zion 50 tele style guitar, Gibson LP Classic w/Vox AC30, Fender Deluxe De Ville and a Rawdon-Hall classical

Ulric Utsi-Åhlin · From: Sweden

Jeff was a multi-talented man,often downplaying his
own significance,as intelligent people often do.
McUtsi

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

Mark Hershey · From: New York, USA

So I bought the Up From The Top A&B, F and D lever courses about a year ago or so. Having a little time on my hands, I finally got motivation to get back on the steel guitar and started the A&B course. My dvd won't play on my MAC Mini disc drive but will play on my blu-ray dvd player in my living room. Pretty inconvenient as my steel is close to my computer.

Does anyone know if they've moved to housing their videos in a more convenient streaming format?

John Palumbo · From: Lansdale, PA.

Might want to look at this:
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=349588

Thomas Alexander · From: Ontario, Canada

Mark, you can play the DVDs on your computer using VLC media player. (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html)

Mark Hershey · From: New York, USA

Tom Quinn · Posted 28 Apr 2020 12:45 pm

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