FOUR WHEEL DRIVE on the Clinesmith and some Good News!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 6 Oct 2009 11:29 am

Give a listen:
Four Wheel Drive for non-pedal steel

I'm playing my Clinesmith lap steel through a Fender Princeton Reverb, no effects except for a generous amount of reverb. All instruments played by me. I've been playing this tune for about 4 months and the adaption is always evolving. I played it differently even yesterday. That's the beauty of it!

My adaptation of Buddy Emmons' "Four Wheel Drive" for Non-pedal steel guitar will be the subject of the first video from a series of videos I'm producing called "Steelin' From The Masters". It is one of the most comprehensive video lessons out there.

Basically, what Steelin' From The Masters covers is actual transcriptions and adaptions of the heads and solos to classic tunes as played by the masters, and then the majority of the video will delve into how to incorporate the licks by transforming, reharmonizing, and rebuilding them to develop your own improvisations. There will be much insightful analysis, as well, regarding techniques and the application of music theory. No stone will be left unturned.

The first video will be ready to go in about 3 weeks. The videos make use of 3 cameras for great vantage points. Be sure to check in with me at mike@mikeneer.com

Jon Nygren · Post by **Jon Nygren** » 6 Oct 2009 12:37 pm

Very nice job Mike! c6 I take it?

Can't wait to see the video for your comprehensive take on it. I started on this one a couple weeks ago, i'm about 40 seconds in-

I need to get back to it!

Mark Roeder · Post by **Mark Roeder** » 6 Oct 2009 12:46 pm

Great job Mike. Anything special about the tuning you used?

Jason Dumont · Post by **Jason Dumont** » 6 Oct 2009 1:14 pm

Sounds terrific Mike!

Roger Palmer · Post by **Roger Palmer** » 6 Oct 2009 1:25 pm

Excellent stuff Mike

Jerry Gleason · Post by **Jerry Gleason** » 6 Oct 2009 2:28 pm

That's great, Mike. Very thorough transcription. Note for note like the original. Nice tone on that Clinesmith, too. Looking forward to your video.

Stephen Abruzzo · Post by **Stephen Abruzzo** » 6 Oct 2009 3:25 pm

Great playing Mike.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 6 Oct 2009 8:32 pm

Thanks, guys. This track is quite a few clicks slower than Buddy's recording--whew, that man can pick. I recorded the rhtyhm track a while back and while it's a little slower than I'd like it to be, at least I can get through the whole thing without too much difficulty. Some of the parts are actually easier to play faster!

Yes, this is C6 tuning with a slight twist.

There will be notation and tab and rhythm tracks included in the downloadable package. I'm hoping to roll this out ASAP, but not 'til it's just right. In the meantime, I'm bottlenecking with some other good ideas.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 6 Oct 2009 8:41 pm

Very cool, Mike! Great work!

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 7 Oct 2009 1:01 am

Good stuff Mike !

Josh Cho · Post by **Josh Cho** » 7 Oct 2009 2:04 am

Great job with the song, Mike.

I'm sure your new lesson will be a big hit, sounds very interesting.

Josh

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 7 Oct 2009 2:58 am

Sounds too cool Mike, good luck with your latest endevour.

Don McGregor · Post by **Don McGregor** » 7 Oct 2009 3:20 am

If I can learn to play that, my doorways will have to be widened to allow my head to pass through.

Thanks,

Don

Todd Clinesmith · Post by **Todd Clinesmith** » 7 Oct 2009 6:16 am

Great Job Mike,
Can't wait to check out this first in series.... then put some serious hours in.
Todd

Lee Gillespie · Post by **Lee Gillespie** » 7 Oct 2009 6:19 am

WOW MIKE.. I'd say you nailed it, and doing it with out pedals. Good job. Lee

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 8 Oct 2009 10:38 am

Thanks. I just wish I would have recorded the rhythm tracks a little faster. I'd hate to have to do it again

...that bass playing nearly killed me.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 8 Oct 2009 1:02 pm

I just wish I would have recorded the rhythm tracks a little faster. I'd hate to have to do it again

You can increase the tempo without changing the pitch in Audacity, although there may be some loss of quality.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 12 Oct 2009 10:16 am

Slipping into the abyss...

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 12 Oct 2009 7:44 pm

Mike, that was really a great presentation!

You've got great touch.....the tone is not half bad either, more than likely that BIGSBY than the hands(?), right? Just kidding!

You really inspire me.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 12 Oct 2009 7:56 pm

Nice work figuring that one out!

Andre Nizzari · Post by **Andre Nizzari** » 13 Oct 2009 4:06 am

Mike always a pleasure hearing you play! C u in Nov!

The Steel Guitar Forum

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE on the Clinesmith and some Good News!

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE on the Clinesmith and some Good News!

4 Wheel Drive

I had no idea!