Unexpected benefits. (for newbies).

Aaron Jennings · From: Montana, USA

A few weeks ago, I asked for advice on playing E9 in a 'rock jam' setting, and was generously provided with some really helpful advice. As a new player, I have spent the last 4 weeks playing PSG in a band setting for the first time.

I'd like to share some my experiences and observations in the hope that they will provide some insight for other new players. I apologize in advance for long-windedness.

1. Breaking strings.
It is terrifying as a new player, to lose a string in the middle of a song, suddenly that lick you have spent hours practicing no longer seems possible. However, twice now I have lost an integral string in the middle of a song and had to make do. This ended up forcing me to try and find the same sound, in a different voicing. It is very easy to fall into a comfort zone that you will not want to deviate from. Breaking strings has taught me that the PSG, while complicated, can also be highly intuitive and flexible. Playing the same parts in different places on the neck is opening many doors for me, and improving my ear/hand coordination.

2.Call and response.
Why is it that I feel like a better player trying desperately to keep up with 4 other guitars, than practicing at home to a backing track? I am sure my technique is more sloppy under pressure (see broken strings). Having to respond to changes on the fly is extremely satisfying when you get it right. . Practicing by yourself can feel like beating your head on a brick wall sometimes since we are often trying to achieve a specific sound, rather than find our own.

3. Paired strings.
Often when trying to feel out a new song, starting on a single string to get my bearings, I'd end up with a thin and not very satisfying sound. I started playing these parts on matched strings and using pedals to modulate. This had the benefit of letting me focus on simple left hand movements, and getting very comfortable with pedal action. This made me realize just how much expression is available with each pedal and lever, and let me start making more intricate parts without worrying too much about hitting a sour note.

These are just random thoughts after about 6 band sessions. I'm sure some of this is obvious to others, or might even be a bad habit in disguise. We have our first and last performance on Saturday. 4 weeks ago, this terrified me. Now, I am excited for my first chance to embarrass myself in public. I cannot stress how valuable playing with others has been for me as a new player.

Thank you to everyone for their patience, advice, and support. We are very fortunate to have this community.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

Yep, ain't nothing like some gigs to make you a better player.
I'm no longer in 100% cover bands and I love the challenge of having to create on the fly.
I find it takes practice at home to imitate someone else's playing but time at a gig to foster your own style and develop.
I've found if you are playing the back 40 or mostly original not having that "familiarity" element is quite the handicap. When I play with 3 or less people I've been attempting to bring a different approach to every song. I'm concerned the audience will get a tired ear and get up and go home otherwise.
Got to aggrea the PSG is one of the most soulful instruments on the planet.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

Breaking 2 strings within a month is really unusual. You're either using bad strings or there's a problem with your guitar. I rarely break 2 strings in a year.

Check the changer fingers for burrs that would nick and weaken the strings.
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Aaron Jennings · From: Montana, USA

b0b,

Thanks for that. These were the strings that came on the guitar when I purchased it back in July, which could have been sitting on the guitar for years in storage for all I know.

Add to that the stress of a new player, and figuring out fine tuning - I wasn't too surprised, but it's nice to know that if this keeps happening I have a problem.

I'm going to restring the whole thing tonight, and I'll take your advice and get a good close look at all the moving parts (and do some light cleaning) while I am at it.

Now that I think about it, these are strings 3+4, maybe I should back off on the nylon tuners at the endplate as well?

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

I can break a string within a month if the hours are in, i change my 3rd every 4th night and the whole set every 7th or 8th. On 8 hour days of practice, every 4th day for sure.
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b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i don't think i've practiced 8 hours in the last 4 years.
aaron..playing on stage with others is probably the best way to develop. you are constantly on the spot to perform 'something' so you focus your energy more consistantly than practicing at home alone.
the risk factor is good for you. at home it doesn't matter if you make mistakes. on stage, however, people will laugh at you or deride you so you have to try harder.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I pick hard, and I do a lot of pedal-stomping, so it's not that unusual for me to break strings. But when I first started playing, I'd "sneak into" stuff kinda quietly. The guitar player/singer would creep up behind me and yell.."Run over me with that ride!", or "Pull 'em out by the roots, Donny!" Then, he's slap me on the back! Whoa!

Scared the livin' crap outa me! Laughing

'Couple of times, he made me drop my bar! Anyhow, the "coaching" musta worked, cause I don "sneak into" my rides anymore. Smile

'Course, I do break a string once in awhile.

Rick Myrland · From: New Orleans

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

that's true rick. it's mostly the other players i worry about...so it's still pressure to do well. practicing at home is good for you too. any playing experience helps.

Rick Myrland · From: New Orleans

Funny you say that, because I am hyper aware of what my bandmates might be thinking. I play first for the audience, second for the band, third for me.
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Aaron Jennings · From: Montana, USA

Well, broke my 3rd string after 10 minutes on a new set. Sure enough, there's a nasty scratch on the changer finger i overlooked.

Our show is later tonight, so I'm going to treat it lightly with an emery board as suggested in other threads: and hope for the best until I can take it to my father-in-law, a machinist who can polish it out properly.

Again, thanks for the insight. I'll probably have recordings of this project in a week or so. If there's any interest I'll gladly share them for general ridicule Wink

.

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

I'd love to hear them, Aaron.

Ridicule?? Nah, but you will get some honest comments and suggestions.

There's nothing quite like having other steel players tell you what they think of your playing. It can be a wild ride! Laughing

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Best regards,
Mike

Aaron Jennings · From: Montana, USA

Ended up using 3 grades of fine sand paper to buffout the scratch (220, 440, and 1400 I think, since no crocas cloth was available.) No string breakage yet!

Show went well, one of the two other pedal steel players in the area ( yes, there are only 3 including myself and another forumite.) Was in attendance, and I think we were well received. Got some offers to play with some other groups. Just goes to show that a little bit of steel goes a long way. I'm glad I made the jump to play out.

Gibson Hartwell · From: Missoula, Montana, USA

Hey Aaron, glad to hear it went well for you! There are a couple of other local pedal players you might be overlooking. Horgan plays with The Country Kings and he is a fine steeler! He has a cool approach and does the E9 swing pretty well. I think you'd like his playing. Yost just picked up a pedal steel a few weeks ago and has already gigged with it. There is another guy in the Bitterroot that has been looking for a band, but I have not met him yet. Steelers are hiding in the wood works around here!

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