First Song With My Steel

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 27 Dec 2005 12:37 pm

Hi Guys

I've had my Steel for 3 weeks now and I have done a bit of very basic backing to Country Roads,just to get the feel of it.

I have played the lead on this track,and while I know it's not all steel,I would like to know if I am on the right track.

Comments welcome,be gentle with me,I ain't that good yet.

You can download it here.
www.asvr14.dsl.pipex.com/CountryRoads.mp3

Thanks for listening.

Alan

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 27 Dec 2005 12:44 pm

Alan, your timing and intonation (two of the hardest things to master) are fine. Everything else will come along, but for just a few weeks' playing, you're doing great!

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 27 Dec 2005 12:50 pm

Hi Donny

Many thanks for the kind comment.

You will not believe how nervous I am posting this on here.

Thanks

Alan

David Wren · Post by **David Wren** » 27 Dec 2005 1:04 pm

3 weeks? Outstanding Alan... keep up the good work!

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Dave Wren
'95Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Session500; Hilton Pedal
www.ameechapman.com

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 27 Dec 2005 2:25 pm

3 weeks ? Geeze I can't wait to hear you in 6 weeks !

You have really got the basics and the root positions down..clearly..

It sounds like you are playing from the open ( NO Pedals) position..great place to start...

Take what you did and play it from the AB Pedals down root position..build your knowledge base with music that you already know well..

You are really on the right road...

congrats..
good luck

t

Thom Darrow · Post by **Thom Darrow** » 27 Dec 2005 2:31 pm

Alan, I'm new to the pedal steel also. I got the DVD "Pedal Steel Guitar", by Bruce Bouton, and I learned "Mansion on the hill"a (Hank tune),step by step playing from Bruce.My wife said it sounds just like him.You can get a copy on Ebay. Thom....

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 27 Dec 2005 3:23 pm

Alan, your headed in the right direction bro. I think your doin great for only a few weeks and your intonation and timing sound perfect to me.

Dave White · Post by **Dave White** » 27 Dec 2005 3:57 pm

Alan--No need to be nervous on here, there are a lot of newbies on the forum including me. Everyone here is very positive and helpful. I've only been playing PSG 5 weeks myself, but I think your intonation and sense of pitch is really good. Keep up the good work-- the hard work and practice (or practise, as you spell it in the UK) pays off. From what I can hear, you have a good ear for playing that thing. As soon as I can figure out how to record and post WAV files on here, I'll be asking for comments as well. Happy New Year!

Willie Crisel · Post by **Willie Crisel** » 27 Dec 2005 4:51 pm

Verry cool for 3 weeks ,i've ben playing for a little over 3 years,,still got a ways to go,,just pick around to find the basic melody,in the open position and pedals down,also work on harmony scales, 3rd and fith strings ect.,,pretty stuff,,the longer you play ,the more fun it is,,,

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MId seventies Push Pull D10 8 and 4, Peavey LTD Peavey Session 400 Ibanez analog delay

Ben Jones · Post by **Ben Jones** » 27 Dec 2005 5:28 pm

Sounds real good to me..I been playing almost 3 weeks and I still sound like a wounded cat being rolled down a long hill in a bent metal garbage can.

This forum tho and the people are on it are so incredibly helpful and cool. I'm sure I'll be shredding in no time...hehe

amazing instrument isnt it?

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 27 Dec 2005 9:04 pm

Very well done for 3 weeks. In additon to the comments about timing and intonation, I compliment you on keeping a very consistant volume level throughout the song without pumping the volume pedal. That is a real bad habit for many to break once they start doing it.

Let's hear some more soon.

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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 27 Dec 2005 11:37 pm

Hi Guys
Many thanks for the positive feedback,it is appreciated.
I really have been playing for 3 weeks.

I did use the A - B Pedals on this,but I didn't use a volume pedal,I read somewhere it's better if you can control the volume without a pedal to start with.

The Bruce Bouton DVD really helped with the basics,and much of what I played is done using some of the technique He shows.

Nice to know I am doing it right,I'll get back to you when I learn something else worth posting.

Many thanks

Alan

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 28 Dec 2005 6:37 am

I'm proud of you, Alan, way to go. I'm glad you joined this forum too.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum SD12U, Carter D10 8/8, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3, DD-3, Fender Steel King, Understanding wife. http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 28 Dec 2005 6:45 am

Seems like every new newbie that comes along is better than the last.
Really nice sound, Alan; post more in the future, please.

I like the little pedal wiggle you do at 'West Virginia...'
You want to tell us what steel you play?

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 28 Dec 2005 7:16 am

Hi Howard

Thanks for the comment,you were there when I needed you,long may it continue.

I'm also glad I joined this site.

Hi Charlie

Thank you

I'm glad you like the tone.

The guitar is a WBS Student made in Germany.
3 Pedals 4 Levers,I'm not good enough to use the levers yet,that's next.

Regards

Alan

Ben Jones · Post by **Ben Jones** » 28 Dec 2005 7:24 am

One thing about mr. Boutons dvd, and not to criticize it in any way but....

I'll be darned if i can find where he discusses proper volume pedal technique , even tho on the outside of the dvd case its one of the topics listed. Am i missing it somewhere?

The other thing i wish he woulda let me in on right away when discussing i, iv and V chords is that they exist also just up the neck from the root in whats called pedal down position...that little tidbit a forum member here let me in on was a HUGE help. Maybe Bruce did mention it and I missed it...Im kinda slow on the uptake sometimes...hehe

Great video tho, and again my thanks to Mr. Bouton for making it. Right now that video and you good folk here are the only instruction I have.[This message was edited by Ben Jones on 28 December 2005 at 08:13 AM.]

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 28 Dec 2005 9:19 am

Alan, you say 3 weeks and I guess we best accept that as truth. I will try to.

The other really remarkable thing I hear is the right hand. No volume pedal yet the attack is clean. You are doing great.
Jerry[This message was edited by Jerry Roller on 28 December 2005 at 09:33 AM.]

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 28 Dec 2005 9:47 am

Hi Jerry

After all that was said when I was thinking of trying to play Steel,I can understand your point,but I can assure you that 3 weeks is correct.

If you or anyone needs further convincing,Mr Howard Tate,who is a member here can verify the time is correct,actually,you only need to check back,Howard posted a question on this forum for me,asking if anyone knew of PSG retailers in the UK.

I have been playing Strat's for 45 years,so maybe this has helped me,I used the same technique to help me play the Steel,but it wasn't as easy as the Strat.

Regards

Alan

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 28 Dec 2005 10:21 am

Alan, I do believe you but you should believe me also when I say you have an amazing touch in your pick attack for 3 weeks, three months and possibly 3 years.
Please post your progress from time to time.
Jerry

Alan Sim · Post by **Alan Sim** » 28 Dec 2005 11:44 am

Hi Jerry

Thank you,I guess playing the Strat has something to do with touch and feel,as you will know,we don't use volume pedals when playing regular guitar,and this just transferred over to the Steel.

Thanks for your comments.

Alan

Jimmy Gibson · Post by **Jimmy Gibson** » 29 Dec 2005 3:22 pm

Allan,this is great ,and i can vouch for Allan he has only been playing steel for only three weeks,because i know when and who he brought his steel from,Keep up the good work your doing great,and if i can help you in any way give me a ring,and please try and get used to using the volume pedal as soon as you can,because IMHO it is a very important part in the playing of the steel,

Jimmy.BTW hows the amp ??