Question about playing. Please help.

Scott McRee · From: Georgia, USA

So I'm still in the beginner states of learning and have come across a problem that has happened to me a few times with songs and cannot figure out why. It's kind of an odd is sure. Let me try to explain. Example- last night I was listening to Bruce Springsteen no surrender and wanted to play some steel with it so I learned the chords which are simple and straightforward and when I sat down to play I noticed that whenever I hit the chords that were the correct chords (triads/ 2 notes together), it never sounded good. I don't know why this happens because even though I know there is better/many ways to phrase something, shouldn't it always sound atleast normal and decent when you play the same chord haha? I've never had this problem with other instruments. If I play a piano chord that is the same chord and the acoustic guitar is playing, they go together. I'm just trying to play some lovely sounding swells and pretty licks over a song like no surrender because it had that kind of sad more serious vibe to it for lack of a better term. Some songs are upbeat and some are opposite. This is more of a singer songwriter tune but yet I can't ever get a "singer songwriter" sound from the steel. I have realized that whenever I play the root chord notes, they usually always works throughout the whole songs. Should I be playing more scale notes from the key of the song or do yall follow the triads etc and if so why aren't mine sounding right. Thanks in advance for the help. I know this is an odd question.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Try posting this in "Steel Players. You'll get more people viewing it.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting.

Paul Haaker · From: Yorba Linda Calif USA

Scott, I don't what steel guitar you have, but many steels, especially without compensators, require a special tuning. For example your 3rd's in the scale need to be slightly flat from the root or it doesn't sound quite right, especially when you move up the neck and then when you push pedals down you get cabinet drop and that throws everything out of whack. You can get the tunings online probably in the forum somewhere or you can get yourself a Peterson Strobe tuner which has the "sweetened tunings" preloaded. The only other factor that would effect the sound would be intonation but it's really hard to become good at intonation until you have the tunings right. Anyway, hope this helps and good luck!

Hank Ruf · From: Little Elm, Texas USA

E 9th-10 Pedal Steel Guitar Tuning Chart.

This chart is showing what is called "sweetening your tuning".

Hank Ruf's - This chart is my recommendation for beginner players

F# - 440 (.012)----- G# 438 ---- G 440

Eb - 438 (.015)----- D 440

G# - 438 (.011)----- A 440

E - 440 (.014)----- Eb 438 ---- F 437

B - 440 (017 or .018)--- C# 438

G# - 438 (.020 or .022p) ----A 440

F# - 440 (.026W)---- G# 438

E - 440 (.030W)---- Eb 438----- F 437

D - 440 (.034W)----- Eb 440

B - 440 (.036W or .038W)----- C# 438

The above chart is to make it simple for the beginner to get started and not be overwhelmed. You may want to make changes as you become more familiar with your steel.

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Chuck Hall · From: Warner Robins, Ga, USA

That is pretty close to mine Hank..
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Chuck
MCI D10 8/4 Nashville 400 and a Profex.

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

Find a live teacher or take a skype lesson. I bet anything that how you tune is least of your worries.

Get some one on one live feedback and save yourself all sorts of time and trouble.

There are some great teachers and players very near to you that will fix you right up.
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Bob

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