Six months

Brick Spieth · From: San Jose, California, USA

It has been just about six months since I first touched a PSG and I was allowing myself a quick look back at how far I've come. I have never actually taken a logical focused approach to learning an instrument before, having just picked something up and gone to it, and I can tell you, having a teacher with clear method not only keeps the motivation going, but greatly accelerates the learning curve. I've been taking lessons for about four months now.

Looking back I can remember when finger picks were so foreign and awkward I didn't see how anyone could possibly play with them. Now I have only my fingers to blame when they don't hit the right string. The picks aren't the big problem anymore. Now I just have the fear I'll misplace the only set I have that feels really right.

I remember when ten strings seemed insane and they still do, but now I can sometimes actually pick the right ones, and I've worked some grip exercises and scales up to 120 BPM. And that blocking thing is coming around.

I know some simple songs I can play when my brain is ready to implode from 45 min of playing scales up and down the neck.

I can tune a 3x4 in less than a half hour now, and most of the time can grab the right tuner. Ain't I special?

I've actually used all the pedals and levers on my guitar...at least once.

My brain is getting trained to get used to string 2 being lower than string one. This just doesn't seem logical somehow but after about two straight weeks playing single note scales, it's coming around.

I'm sorta getting the idea of chord positions. Just like Astronomy, when I learned where the Big Dipper was. Can Capricorn and Orion be far behind?

A better instrument is a good thing.

My dog Sparky has learned I get mad when he jumps into my lap while I'm trying to play.

You can drive your wife stark raving loonie listening to non stop steel guitar music all day.

Danny Bates · From: Fresno, CA. USA

Hi Brick, I'd say you've come a long way in just 6 months. Keep up the good work!

My advice would be to find some guys to jam with. Guys that just want to make music and have fun.

You will have fun and learn a bunch at the same time. When you're jammin', aim your amp right at you... and remember, don't turn it up very loud cause you might scare them (and the cat) away if you get off pitch! Laughing

Your Buddy,
Danny

Chris Buchanan · From: Macomb, IL

I have about 14 months in. The hard things for me were not hitting the top 2 strings all the time. For a while I thought about taking them off, but eventually I stopped hitting them all the time.

Blocking is the hardest thing now. First I tried palm blocking, but it was awkward and slow going. Pick blocking worked better, but I can't play as fast or clean as I want yet. I'm always trying to push the envelope. Just don't have the skills yet.

The logical approach coupled with hours of good practice is the way to go, in my book.It's frustrarting not being able to play the way you hear it in your head, but hard work and lots of practice are the quickest way there. I gotta say, I love this instrument.
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GFI Ultra S-10, Nashville 112, stuff.

Pete Conklin · From: Austin, TX

Here's how I know I'm improving...I don't put the picks on my fingers upside down near as much!

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

Every day I improve.

Sometimes I'm not even scared.

Aaron Gemmill · From: New York, USA

i agree, playing with others is probably the fastest way to get better.
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guitar/bass/steel/amp photo sharing

Doug Earnest · From: Branson, MO USA

Brick, congratulations! Fun stuff, huh?
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Doug Earnest
Manufacturer of Stage One & Encore pedal steel guitars
http://www.stageonesteelguitars.com
"Teach Your Children Well"

Marke Burgstahler · From: SF Bay Area, CA

Hi guys...

I've had my Carter for about 3 years, but I haven't been in a band where I could play it until about 10 months ago.

Now I play daily, and I practice with the band once a week. Even at my beginner level, the guys in my band LOVE the sound of the instrument and what it adds to the band. Playing with other people pushed me forward, big time. This forum has also been a GREAT HELP.
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"It Don't Mean A Thing If It Aint' Got That Swing"

Brick Spieth · From: San Jose, California, USA

As I was playing bass last night with my classic rock/ fusion/ jazz band of 20 odd years, I was thinking what the heck band I could get to play steel with that could sound even half as good. I think I'll give it another six months before even thinking about it.

Doug, it is big fun, and it was your Stage One that set the hook.

It is really exciting. Do you remember when you kinda started to get to know all the positions of the basic I IV V chords? All of a sudden you could go down a couple of frets to get the V, instead of up? And all sorts of ascending and descending chord movements just sort of appeared out of nowhere? That is where I am now. YeeHa!

And as icing on the cake, my new BJS bar just came in the mail this week.

Andy Hinton · From: Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

You got a good bar Brick. Now all you need is a couple of sets of my coated fingerpicks(see Update on coated fingerpicks in accessories for sale section). They'll stay on without being so tight they hurt fingers & red or black are easier to see. Andy H.

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