Ever play the same song.... the same?

Kevin Lichtsinn · From: Minnesota, USA

I have been working on San Antonio Rose and have been having a blast with it. I learned it from a Bobbe Seymour youtube video. Anyway, I am still exploring the PSG so when I play, I am always looking for a different ways to embellish it. It is great fun and I am learning a lot about the PSG this way. But, I wonder, how do you guys and gals that play at gigs decide on your "way" to play a song? Or do you change it slighty once in a while? I suspect that we all explore alot, but how does one "settle down"?

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I rarely play most solos the same, choosing to "say" what's on my mind at the time. Certain solos, however, I decided that, after playing one nice solo, that I had hit upon a "monologue" that would form the pattern for that song indefinitely.
Basically you just think "hmm, that was cool, I think I'll keep it."
That's separate from signature intros and turnarounds. Those you kinda have to leave mostly alone.

Sometimes the record can even provide the inspiration for the set way of doing it. I'd tried going all Tommy White on the B part of Memphis. Naah, just a C6 5 or 6 note harmonization of Chuck's original guitar part says what needs saying. Although I swing the phrasing.
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Yeah, I do sometimes. It helps keep me from getting lost. Laughing

Depends on the song and how many solos come around in a particular tune. As a F.I., Alan Jackson's "Here in the Real World", I do the same intro, turn-around, fills in the chorus every time and do not defer to any other lead instruments. I try to make it just like the recording. I do this with many songs, particularly with new songs the band is working up.

At other times, and depending who the other musicians are, we might trade up a little. I always try to play an identifiable lick or phrase that's in the recording though. I think that'ps only respectful of the original and owed to the listeners. Even if I'm playing a steel part where none was there, I'm trying to quote something from whatever instrument did that part.

Sometimes though, it's just a free-for-all. It just depends on the situation and environment.

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

Pretty much what Jerry said. I do it often. Learned when I was on the road or backing Nashville artists that came through a club I used to play at, that the "star" expects the same stuff played every time. I have carried that discipline with me onto the bandstand on all my gigs. I try to play the signature licks and solos, and if I am close, I will stay with that every time (unless I actually figure how to play it exactly). Several songs I play regularly have intros, licks, solos that I just spontaneously played without necessarily trying to copy a record, but even those, if I stumble on a great solo or lick for the song, I will tend to stick with it. Many songs don't require that discipline though, and it's open game then.
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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 55 years and still counting.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

If I may relate a story concerning this, back in the 90's one of the local jamborees I was playing featured Johnny Lee at a show. I got the tape, studied the parts hard and had it pretty much down.

When we did the show, the guitar player with JL was none other than Wade Hayes, relatively unknown to radio at that time.

When Cherokee Fiddle came around, I knew all the steel parts and played the solo as close to Sneaky's as I could. All I got was a scowl from Mr. Lee but I got a smile out of Wade. Guess which one is most important to me today?

Another thing that I remember vividly is from the old Music City Tonight show....at least I think that's the show Tommy White played on. Eddie Rabbit was doing On Second Thought and Tommy nailed the solo precisely. I'm guessing it was partly out of respect for Paul Franklin who did the recording and partly a professional cocksure confidence from TW that he can do whatever is asked of him. I learned a valuable lesson from that. I'm quite sure the situation could have or has been reversed to the opposite player on occasion.

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

Way back when I started playing music professionally (1964-6 string guitar) a great jazz player, that I was taking lessons from, said "When it comes to playing a song solo (no singer-you play the lead), never play a phrase the same way twice...always keep it interesting and evolving".

Ever since then I've tried to follow his advice. And got lots of compliments about how "interesting" my solo songs were. Of course, with a band, there are some limitations (they can get lost pretty easily), and with singers, most want to sound like the record.

But, overall, when it comes to doing a song solo, his advice is worth heeding.
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Best regards,
Mike

Marc Friedland · From: Fort Collins, CO

When I was working regularly as a steel player in a cover band I would:

Sometimes have 2 solos to choose from for each specified steel break –
1. One that was very close or at least pretty similar to the original recorded solo
2. One that I had taken the time to create & craft out, and may or may not be similar to the original version

Usually there were very few times where the solo was “total improv” though there were a few designated times when I was given the green light to "go for it" and I always obliged.

When sitting in with bands and playing an unknown song for the first time on stage, naturally I had to improvise solos on the spot and of course staying true to the attitude and feel of each song.

And like many others have stated – Regarding intros and easily recognized signature riffs – I played them very similar to the original recorded version.

-- Marc

www.PedalSteelGuitarMusic.com

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

I play in the moment. I never really know what I'm going to play next. Otherwise,,, I'd be bored silly, and would have turned my attention elsewhere. Never got any complaints.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Well obviously if you've never heard the tune, you just do what you think fits. Different situations and personnel determine the approach.

I watched a program we get here on PBS called the Old Time Radio Hour where Gene Watson was the featured performer. Mike Douchette was playing steel with Gene. When Farewell Party came up, Mikey played the part so nicely and faithful to the original Gene recording. In instances like this, I can't imagine just going out there and winging a solo. JMO.

Kevin Lichtsinn · From: Minnesota, USA

Thanks guys, I do appreciate your insights. It does give me a clearer vision of what can be and is done with the PSG. Thanks again. I do wish I had started playing when I first heard the steel in "Stand By Your Man".....

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