JB Course ??'s

Bob Snelgrove · Post by **Bob Snelgrove** » 16 Oct 2001 11:36 am

Hi Gang,

It looks like a lot of the course is *not* C6?

If all I have is a 6 string tuned to C6, will most of the course not apply or I wont be able to use it?

Does he use 6 string tuning in the course?

thx Bob

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 16 Oct 2001 12:37 pm

Here's what's in it, Bob. A lot of us have found it to be a highly valuable resource, but only you can make the call if it's right for your needs. Here's the info from Scotty's site:

JERRY BYRD INSTRUCTION COURSE FOR STEEL GUITAR

This book comes in a large 3-ring heavy cover with a plastic holder for the cassette tapes. Included are two 2-track stereo Rhythm/Demonstration tapes. Steel Guitar by Jerry Byrd is on track 1 and trio accompaniment in on track 2. This allows the student to turn off track 1 and play with the trio. Covers material in books 1 and 2.

BOOK ONE - 20 Lessons

Basic technique with photos illustrating correct bar hand and picking hand postures; forward and reverse slants; muting or blocking as done with the pick hand, etc.

Covers tuning's A; E; E7th; C#m; C#m-9th and their relationships.

The correct way to play palm harmonics And much more. Even if you have played all your life this section will give you new insight and will help you improve your playing immediately.

BOOK TWO - 20 Lessons

PART I - (E-13th Tuning) (3 Lessons)

3 full playing arrangements; tuning charts, etc.

PART II - (B-11th Tuning) (4 Lessons)

4 full, professional arrangements; tuning charts, etc.

PART III - (C-6th Tuning) (13 Lessons)

Includes charts; in-depth study of chords; chord positions; chord progressions; how to build chords, etc. An arrangement in full professional mode included with every lesson. A complete listing of every playable tuning (18 in all) for steel guitar; correct recommended string gauges for all strings, plus much more valuable material.

BOOK THREE - 20 Lessons

Contains probably the most valuable material of all - dealing with the problem of how to learn to read notes as it applies to steel guitar. This material is a new approach and so designed as to make it easy and understandable. You will learn:

Key Designation: sharp (#) keys; flat (b) keys, and how to ascertain which notes of any scale are involved. How to read a simple lead sheet - or sheet music. Scale charts and scale positions on the most used keys: C-D-Eb-E-F-G-Ab-A-Bb and how to use them. Simple practice melodies and full arrangements. Written tests with correct answers in the appendix. How to make the transition from numbers to notes. How to add the harmony notes to a lead melody.

PLUS

Playing tips on how to change tunings quickly and accurately; a natural, correct way to play with an even tremolo or vibrato with the left hand, and may other things too numerous to detail here.

This book comes in a large 3-ring heavy cover with a plastic holder for the cassette tapes. Included are two 2-track stereo Rhythm/Demonstration tapes. Steel Guitar by Jerry Byrd is on track 1 and trio accompaniment in on track 2. This allows the student to turn off track 1 and play with the trio. Covers material in books 1 and 2.

$95.00 + $7.00 (S/H US) = $102.00

Ian McLatchie · Post by **Ian McLatchie** » 16 Oct 2001 1:01 pm

Bob: It's money well spent, believe me.

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 16 Oct 2001 1:28 pm

Bob:

If you are using a standard set of C6 string gauges on your lap steel you'll be able to tune the guitar to the different tunings in JB's book. I believe he has both 6 and 8 string tunings for most of the tunings he covers. You may have to make minor adjustments but for the most part you'll be able to get it all with a 6 string guitar.

I purchased the book several years ago (maybe 5 or 6 years ago) and studied with it quite a bit and would recommend it. My only gripe was that it came with cassette tapes of poor quality. This may have been fixed since then (I sure hope so).

I highly suggest you supplement the course with a few good lesson in the beginning so you can see how to correctly hold the bar etc and your teacher can make corrections in your technique where appropriate.

Good luck!

Bill

Bob Stone · Post by **Bob Stone** » 16 Oct 2001 1:43 pm

The JB course is well worth it, and as Bill Leff has noted, the "other" tunings will work well on your C6th strings. Six strings are plenty for me! There are still a whole lot of people making a whole lot of music on six- string steels.

I agree with Bill Leff's comment an the poor audio quality of the cassettes. I finally bought the JB course from Scotty's about four months ago and the cassette quality is really poor. Also, if you buy it from Scotty's it will reek of cigarette smoke. Too bad. Still the thing to have, though.

Good luck.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 16 Oct 2001 2:26 pm

I got mine about 12 years ago from Harry's Music in Honolulu. If you buy it there it will no doubt reek of hibiscus

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 17 Oct 2001 2:45 am

Are there any stores in Jamaica that sell this course?
Seriously, you cannot go wrong with this course. It is the best way to learn the non-pedal steel-even if you're not into Hawaiian music.
Also, if you're just starting out and don't have a teacher, I would recommend Jerry's Video. It is great for learning basic technique.

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 17 Oct 2001 4:54 am

Add me to the list of satisfied users.
Mine came from Scotty's
Blake

Bob Snelgrove · Post by **Bob Snelgrove** » 17 Oct 2001 2:40 pm

Thanks, Guys for some great direction.

To jeffstro:

If I set the 6 string up for A7, can I retune to the other tunings without changing strings? I assume that's what you mean?

Thanks again for all the great insights

Bob

------------------
'78 Crawford Emmons
'86 Franklin/ 705's
'93 Tommy White's Laquer Mullen 10-1's

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 17 Oct 2001 7:07 pm

For heaven's sake, do NOT limit yourself to the C6 tuning. Learn the gammit and then decide which tuning is best suited to your playing and the style of music you wish to play. Then study it/them thoroughly. I like C6, but guess what...I seldom use it simply because E6(add 9); A6(add 9); [also B11] suit my style for better or for worse. JMHO

Fernando Fernandez · Post by **Fernando Fernandez** » 18 Oct 2001 6:21 am

I agree George.

I think a basic knowledge of others tunings allows you a more deepful knowledge about the instrument.

I like a lot the JB course. Particulary, like jeffstro said the way it explains the logical transition between the tunnings in order to get more chords and sounds posibilitys.
At the end you'll be free to choose the tunning or tunnings that better fits your style and concentrate in it if you want.

I think the only problem of the course is change the strings for the first lessons, but I think that itsn't a waste of time at all.

Jack Byrd · Post by **Jack Byrd** » 15 Nov 2001 5:26 pm

This reply concerns the quality of the cassette tapes with the Jerry Byrd course that some of you have experienced. In a recent communication with Jerry he informs me that he has recently talked to Scotty concerning this problem and they have decided that the cassettes will be replaced with a CD. Just when this will be availabe is not decided as of yet but it will be happening before too long.

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 15 Nov 2001 10:55 pm

I'd urge you to quit worrying about string guages and just tune the guitar accordingly.
You're talking at best what (?) a half a tone up and/or down? I've seen fellows tuned that far off from standard pitch and didn't even know it. If you break a string, replace it! No big worry about string guages, is there? BYRD used Spanish Guitar strings.....and the first three being 2nd strings, so..... I do it frequenty with no difficulty or broke strings. GIVE IT A TRY! Don't let the little things hold you back. Like Buddy Emmons has said.....don't be afraid to take (musical) chances.

mikey · Post by **mikey** » 16 Nov 2001 12:26 am

I've gotten about every course out there...(JB's included)....NOTHING compares to finding a TEACHER and going once a week...and learning what you want....You're in the Bay Area?...Brad must know someone who teaches...forget the books...steel guitar is passed on teacher to student, and using your ears to copy off records...(they make some real nice software for slowing down licks, I wish was available 25 years ago...I used to slow down a reel to reel, learned everything an octave lower!!!)
My advise..save your money on amps, guitars books, etc. and find a GOOD teacher..THAT will make you a better player...
Mike

mikey · Post by **mikey** » 17 Nov 2001 6:15 pm

you can't ask a video a question...or talk to it..(and have it answer anyway)...or try to work out different ways of doing things...or come at something from a different angle...ESPECIALLY STEEL GUITAR
Mike

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 17 Nov 2001 6:47 pm

I can't even find a rhythm guitar player around here interested in playin' hawaiian music. The chances of a novice steel player findin' a qualified teacher for hawaiian steel in most towns in the US - not hardly..... Long live Jerry Byrd, his course, video and pro-arrangements.

mikey · Post by **mikey** » 17 Nov 2001 9:29 pm

To facilitate finding others to jam with, I would start turning some of my friends on to Hawaiian music, Play some for 'em...make 'em tapes....Teach 'em Ukulele, just an opinion...
Mike[This message was edited by mikey on 18 November 2001 at 02:36 PM.]

Bob Snelgrove · Post by **Bob Snelgrove** » 17 Nov 2001 9:46 pm

mikey

who was the teacher?

thx

bob

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 17 Nov 2001 10:05 pm

but, I can't see much sense in playing music by yourself?...if you can't even find a rhythm player what's the sense...might as well not bother....

You might just have somethin' there...

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 18 Nov 2001 9:57 am

Jeff, I was never good at sarcasm. The thought of givin' up something that has brought me so much pleasure for years just cause I can't find a "chord strummer" was so rediculous that I didn't know any other way to respond at that moment.

mikey, I'm glad you are now under the wing of a master. If I lived on the Big Island you bet your @$$ I'd be on a plane weekly to Harry's music for lessons from THE MASTER. As a high school teacher for 17+ yrs there is no greater proponent for one-on-one instruction than me. I was simply pointing out in my original reply that most of us don't have the luxury of having a qualified instructor within commuting distance. For us - books, videos,etc. from Byrd, Brozman, and Phillips are the only way to go.

Keep those encouraging posts comin' cause I don't think I'll "bother" anymore.