Pedal steel & vocal only

Nathan Golub · Post by **Nathan Golub** » 25 Aug 2015 11:03 am

I have a session coming up that will be vocal and pedal steel only for one song. They want to record both steel and vocal at the same time, which makes sense for pitch reference. The song is pretty modal so Iâ€™m thinking of suggesting setting up a drone tone for both of us to listen to as we play the song.

Anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Any advice?

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 25 Aug 2015 11:42 am

That's fine, but reserve the option to go back and re-dub the steel part if things don't sound in tune. In the end, how well it comes out will depend on how good both you and the vocalist are at finding a tonal center, and maintaining it. (A drone may help, but it's no guarantee that it will cure all the inconsistencies which may arise.)

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 25 Aug 2015 11:49 am

sounds a little odd. when i think modal i think
droning fiddle or bagpipes. now, modal acoustic guitar would seem more practical as it would lay a rhythmic bed down.
but that's how you come up with interesting things, by trying something different.

Nathan Golub · Post by **Nathan Golub** » 25 Aug 2015 12:07 pm

It's a cover of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuUXcrRaQa8

So "modal" isn't the correct term, there are chord changes there, enough motion & melody to keep things going. But I was thinking a drone of the root note of whatever key it will be in will help us out. It might not be necessary though, maybe this will go pretty easy. Especially since I just have to be in tune with one instrument, instead of a full band. It should be fun!