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Post new topic My first year or so with Pedal Steel
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Author Topic:  My first year or so with Pedal Steel
Pete Nicholls


From:
Macon, Georgia, USA
Post  Posted 27 Jul 2013 11:49 am    
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I have documented my progress since first starting to play pedal steel in May 2012 at Soundcloud. There are 35 tracks there, with the most current on top, and the oldest one (about a year old now) on the bottom.

While I have learned a lot of songs, I still am not happy with my technique. While I am playing it seems ok, but when playing back after recording, it sounds pretty amateurish! I hope this will resolve in time, but if anyone has suggestions, I am all ears! I have picked up a lot on this forum during the past year or so, and am thankful for this resource.

https://soundcloud.com/petenicholls
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Paul King

 

From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
Post  Posted 27 Jul 2013 4:54 pm    
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Pete, You are coming along just fine. This is a difficult instrument to play and getting clean and smooth takes time and a lot of playing time. The best thing you can do is play with other musicians. After 34 years of playing recording is not my strong suite. You be encouraged and keep playing and look back in another year and you will be surprised how much you have improved. I play many licks I did 25 years ago but today they are much cleaner and smoother and you will be no different. Last but not least, let it be the most fun you have ever had. Steel guitar has brought me many years of enjoyment and many friends which to me is priceless.
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Daniel Policarpo


Post  Posted 28 Jul 2013 6:48 am    
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Hey Peter, you sound pretty good to me! I just posted a couple samples of where I am at after a year ( I didn't have the guts to post a whole song) and you sound confident and have a good command of foundation elements, like blocking and bar control, that are much more important than things like speed or technical acrobatic maneuvers. It always comes back to the song, and if people can recognize what you are playing and like it, your doing pretty good in my book. Nice cloud stream you have going!
-Dan
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Paul MacNabb

 

From:
Canada
Post  Posted 28 Jul 2013 8:18 am    
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I'm on week 3 and can tell you that if I can play like that in 14 months I'll feel pretty good about it!
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Joseph Barcus

 

From:
Volga West Virginia
Post  Posted 28 Jul 2013 9:41 am    
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I dont see anything wrong , nice tone , nice tracks to play with. I have never tried playing anything dont have any tracks for one lol but very nice indeed
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Pete Nicholls


From:
Macon, Georgia, USA
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2013 1:01 pm     Thanks for the replies ...
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Thanks to all for the replies, also received some tips via email, so look forward to working in the suggestions to improve my technique.

Cheers!
_________________
Justice The Judge SD-10, 2007
Justice Pro Lite SD-10, 2011
Quilter Steelaire
Quilter Labs Tone Block 202 Head
Roland Cube 80-XL
American Stratocaster - Yamaha Bass Guitar
1 Fender Telecaster Nashville Edition
Ham Call: N4BHB
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Richard Jundt

 

From:
Puyallup, Washington, USA
Post  Posted 30 Jul 2013 10:37 am    
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Sounds good Pete, gives me hope, I am about 4 mos in.
Good sounding R/Tracks too.
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Pete Nicholls


From:
Macon, Georgia, USA
Post  Posted 30 Jul 2013 11:01 am    
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Thanks Richard, let me know if you want any of the tracks.
_________________
Justice The Judge SD-10, 2007
Justice Pro Lite SD-10, 2011
Quilter Steelaire
Quilter Labs Tone Block 202 Head
Roland Cube 80-XL
American Stratocaster - Yamaha Bass Guitar
1 Fender Telecaster Nashville Edition
Ham Call: N4BHB
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Carl Kilmer


From:
East Central, Illinois
Post  Posted 31 Jul 2013 5:03 pm    
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Hey Pete, Your coming along great. It's a long winding road,
and getting around the curves without sliding off is not easy.
Take it slow, and if you need help, you can always get it here.
I think for only playing for a year, you've accomplished a lot.
Check you're email..............Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
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aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal
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Ray DeVoe

 

From:
Hudson, FL
Post  Posted 1 Aug 2013 1:06 am     Progress
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Hey Guys

I met Pete right before he bought his fist steel and he is a very talented fellow. Pete was originally looking to buy a non pedal steel and I convinced him to take the plunge and buy the real deal if he wanted the "pedal steel" sound.

Pete and I have been friends ever since that time. His progress has been superb. Once time and practice improves his technique, he will become a very good steel player. Smile

Congratulations Pete on your progress.

Ray D.
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Carl Kilmer


From:
East Central, Illinois
Post  Posted 1 Aug 2013 5:09 am    
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Hey Ray, don't this remind you of our good old days in Pa.
Since my accident, I'm still relearning at the start again. Rolling Eyes
Pete, Ray is a wonderful friend to have. He'll guide you right.
Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
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aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal
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