Finding The Incentive Involved In Learning To Play

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Are the difficulties of learning to play the pedal steel guitar outweighed by budding incentives? Who knows how many have trifled with learning the instrument?

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

I don't think the actual "learning how to play Pedal Steel" is the hard part anymore.
I see guys coming up to speed from brand new to the Instrument to gigging with a band at good gigs within 2 years.
It seems the roadblock is acquiring an instrument (money), and having time to actually practice.
If you have a Steel, and the time to play it, you will be able to come up to speed quickly with the help of local pickers assistance and Web based instructional material that is often free, or easily purchased.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Pete,

I get what you are saying, but not everyone who attempts to learn the instrument is a JIMMY ROULE. When he was just 15 years old, he could play like a pro. Ask DeWitt Scott if he remembers JIMMY playing the LLOYD GREEN instrumental call "BARS OF STEEL" in Wallingford, CT. as a youth. That was back in the 70's! Today, his "Orange Blossom Special" arrangement is the one to hear, if you doubt my word.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 14 Nov 2013 11:38 am

Bo Legg · Posted 14 Nov 2013 10:44 pm

So maybe I'll just follow the instructions and ask DeWitt Scott. If he says it's good then that's good enough for me. I'll have no need to hear it then and that will be good in so many ways, I think. Then again it's something that might just keep me up late writing gratuities, but that's just me.

Jan Viljoen · From: Pretoria, South Africa

It took me 5 minutes to learn to play I, IV, V, but more than two years to play intros and licks fluently in all keys.

I must admit that guitar playing helped me a lot, so the desire to learn the steel contraption was not stifled.

Let the games begin with desire!

Wink

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Jason Putnam · From: Tennessee, USA

I think it's a cost thing too. If you want to learn to play guitar, 200 bucks later you have a cheap instrument to learn on. Pedal steel is a different animal. 1000 dollars for a steel at mimimum. 400 dollars for a decent used amp. 80 dollars minimum for a volume pedal and 50 dollars minimum for a stool to sit on. That's over 1500 dollars just to get started with absolute basics. Plus you need a bar, picks, and cables.
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Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

I would give most anything to get back the drive I had in the early 70's when I took this instrument up- paying 3-4 hours a day and totally starved for anything that would help me learn. That's one of the reasons I go to the steel shows is to regain the inspiration I once had.

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

Don't we all wish to experience the original excitement that motivated us to learn to play a steel guitar. But then realism sets in........
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"FROM THEN TIL' NOW"

Niels Andrews · From: Salinas, California, USA

I wish I had started back when I had a memory! Laughing

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Christopher Woitach · From: Portland, Oregon, USA

It's taken me longer than most, but I haven't lost the slightest bit of motivation, at least not yet.

Tues - Thursday I'm at the college where I teach jazz guitar - I get up at 3:50, usually practicing six string by 5:20, till 8 or 9

Every other day, 2-4 hours of steel

Someday, I will be able to play it, I'm convinced!
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www.affmusic.com

Mike Neer · From: NJ

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

I regret discovering that promoting a good STEEL GUITAR SHOW has much more difficult bridges to cross due to changes in selected locations where ownerships are constantly changing along with new managements. Believe me, if you approach the average management, they will do very little to assist in promoting a proposed show, even if it costs them nothing more than word of mouth. You can expect to pay out the going rate of hall rentals. After 25 shows here in the BERKSHIRES, I have enjoyed trying to find the ideal location for a yearly show. I believe the ideal place should belong to a group of owners who have a special interest in promoting the instrument. Finding the ultimate solution may not be possible.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

To my knowledge, each player of the pedal steel guitar can relate a variety of circumstances that created a desire to begin as a student of the instrument. It has been said that LOVE is where you find it. Expect to find it at any place imaginable. The steel guitar has finally created an irreversible yen throughout the multiplicity of string players. There has been a steady climb in those attempting to master the instrument of late. Who knows how far the current trending will take the instrument. We can only hope that the efforts of the great players we've known will continue well into the next century.

Bo Legg · Posted 17 Nov 2013 9:33 am

Sure every day contains a universe of potential and you want to exhaust it but there are negative psychological consequences associated when you lack achievement related self regulation in your constant one goal achievement striving.
I suggest you set more than just a PSG achievement goal. With five or six different goals you have a better chance that they wonâ€™t all be unattainable.
There is nothing wrong with having a few unattainable goals as long as we know they are unattainable.

Tim Whitlock · From: Colorado, USA

I highly recommend a broken heart for motivation. When my high school sweetheart dumped me, I consoled myself by practicing at every possible waking minute.

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

It will never be known how many failed attempts at various endeavors that could have resulted in different outcomes had the various individuals persisted in a full blown effort to realize success rather accepting defeat. Many real life situations have occurred among those who prove to be more tenacious and determined showing that successes are attainable among those who persevere. Mastering the pedal steel guitar isn't some man-made contrivance that defies beginners at the outset, by creating a wall of confusion. Attitude plays a huge part in developing a system that will allow a positive approach while learning the multitudes of various musical renditions.

Bo Legg · Posted 20 Nov 2013 2:30 pm

Geez I clicked on this button and the reply just vanished and I forgot what I said.

Stuart Legg · Posted 20 Nov 2013 3:06 pm

My incentive is happiness and it can be achieved by an unwavering pursuit of happiness.
You know what? Iâ€™m Happy!

Bill Hankey · From: Pittsfield, MA, USA

Stuart,

Even though there are millions of reasons for a person to be happy, finding just one to become part of one's life should be everyone's goal. A steel guitar is a good place to start.

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