Practice method

Stefan Orsberg · From: Uppsala.Sweden.

I would like to share a little idea that has increased my knowledge of the E9th neck over the past months.

My usual practice sessions often meant that I put on some favorite country CD:s and played along with the tracks. Quite fun, but I didn´t learn anything new because I just played stuff that I already knew. I just confirmed to myself that my bag of licks was intact.

I found that I learned a great deal more by using another method. Now I start every practice session by listening to some music pop, rock, or jazz that doesn´t feature steelguitar. I try to find out licks and phrases mentally that would fit the music.

Then I would sit down at my steel and try to create the same licks that I now have in my ears. I try to play in the same key as the original material, it helps alot.I play until I get the part just right. This might take hours sometimes. It really doesn´t matter if I ever get a chance to play that lick in a song on the bandstand. The point is primarely to transform your ideas from your head to your fingers instantly. A nice side effect is that a whole bunch of new licks are available for you in the future.

First you would find that you´re fighting not only against your mind and fingers but also your steelguitar becomes your enemy!
But, hang on. In a few days you will find that your mind and fingers are starting to cooperate. Licks and phrases that was hard to even sing before becomes more natural and - this is the most important thing- you find the right places on the fretboard to play the stuff.

Eventually, you can play whatever comes to your mind instantly. For me this has been a great experience. I still have a lot to learn though. I´m just an intermediate picker playing occasional gigs but I feel this learning method has greatly improved my general knowledge of the steelguitar.
Try it! It might work for you to

Terry Wendt · From: Nashville, TN, USA

quote:

listening to some music pop, rock, or jazz that doesn´t feature steelguitar. I try to find out licks and phrases mentally that would fit the music.

Then I would sit down at my steel and try to create the same licks that I now have in my ears. I try to play in the same key as the original material, it helps alot.I play until I get the part just right.

Furthermoreafter - try playing exactly what the other instruments are

[This message was edited by Terry Wendt on 15 September 2002 at 03:03 PM.]

[This message was edited by Terry Wendt on 15 September 2002 at 03:04 PM.]

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Terry-Good advice. I used to listen to guys like George Shearing on his piano, then try to play it on the steel guitar. It is real interesting and stimulating......al

Wayne Cox · From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

Hey Al, I love that Shearing style too! Wonder if I could surgically have another finger added to my right hand so I could play his style on steel? Those five and six note block chords are awesome!
W.C.

Bob Carlson · From: Surprise AZ.

But I have no desire to play pop, rock or jazz. Love that real country sound and I doubt if i'll ever change.

But I agree, it would make you learn new licks.

Bob.

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