How 'Not' to embarass at a Steel Jam?

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 28 Jun 2004 9:22 am

I just read a post and could definately relate, when you're say 5 years or so into the pedal steel, how do you all prepare for your local 'Steel Jams'. I've personally been to (3)and we all played 'Round Robin' usually to Big Jim Baron's BIAB band in a box set-up but obviously there were some songs I never even heard of let alone knew what the chord progressions were, I discovered I was o.k. for slow country tunes but the faster, jazzier stuff (especially with C6th, I was totally lost). My intention for my post is to be positive (as opposed to negative) especially with all the newcomers that visit, listen (and I'm sure they play) but do not participate due to peer pressure..and perhaps sheer terror!!

Bronco Billy
Zumsteel U-12

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 28 Jun 2004 9:33 am

All of the steel players I know are true gentlemen and ladies. I have never seen one look down on or make fun of a newcomer at a jam. The whole idea of a jam is to have fun and learn from one another. When a song comes up that you don't know, just say, "Hey, I don't know this one but I'll take a stab at it." If it's one you really want to learn correctly, ask one of the more experienced players to give you some help. If the guys you jam with don't behave like this, find someone else to jam with.

Check out this thread that talks about what a class act really is.
Click Here[This message was edited by Roy Ayres on 28 June 2004 at 10:37 AM.]

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 28 Jun 2004 10:19 am

It's common to pass on tunes that you're not comfortable with. Also, often people will walk up to the BIAB laptop and jot down the chord progression. Most of the tunes we play are 1-4-5, but a few are really tricky. I've seen cases where most of the room sits out for jazz standards like "All of Me", "Secret Love" or "Girl From Ipanema". There's no disgrace in that.

There's no disgrace in "blowing it" at a jam, either. We've all been there, done that. Round robin jams are designed to be a very supportive environment for steel players at all levels.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/Hotb0b.gif" width="96 height="96">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 28 Jun 2004 11:02 am

If you don't have a sense of humor the PSG is a killer. If your gonna play this thing, ya gotta get real used to asking yerself, "What the --ll was that?"

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 28 Jun 2004 11:06 am

Actually learn those 3 songs that Bob just
mentioned in your practice time at home. Learn them in more than one key...Both necks if youre a double neck player. The knowledge that you'll get from any one of those tunes will benefit your all around playing by 100 fold. You'll even look at 3 chord shuffles with more confidence.

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 28 Jun 2004 11:17 am

Well said b0b.

At least most of you fellows (I believe) can feel more or less comfortable with songs you "know". If you will for a moment consider the following. I "blow it" even with songs I "know" and have played for 55 yrs. And not just now and then, but almost in every song!

One of my biggest blunders is simply hitting strings I did not intend to hit. It truly is one of the most frustrating phenomena in my life. A quirk I have had since I began playing.

A second blunder is; my ears do not always tell me (like I believe it does for most of you precious people) WHEN, even a I-IV-V country tune changes to any one of those chords.

Thus I will be still holding (as an example) a IV chord when the rest of the band has long since moved into the V7 chord.

And nothing I have ever done has helped it one bit. Even though (unlike most players, especially b0b) I can hear a relative pitch change of 1 cent or less, I cannot hear when the chord changes in most songs. Or even "what" chord it is, in many cases, yet I studied and read music fluently for years.

I realize this sounds next to impossible, but I speak truth. So dear friends, you are truly blessed. Please cherrish and thank our Savior for the fact that you do not have this problem, (which I have come to accept), when trying to play the world's most beautiful instrument.

Yes indeed, praise him for all our bountiful gifts,

carl

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 28 Jun 2004 2:05 pm

Rick (and unknowingly, b0b) hit one of the nails on the head.
I would add "I've got Rhythm", "Cherokee" and "How High the Moon". If you STUDY (not just learn) those six tunes, you'll hold your own when the flavor switches from shuffles to swing or jazz.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Jim Florence · Post by **Jim Florence** » 28 Jun 2004 3:14 pm

Yeah what they said, I'm 72 and diabetic, and my left foot goes AWOL sometimes and is not allways where I left it the last time I stomped a pedal. But I learned a few new licks this way, some of which you wouldn't want to hear.
Jim

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 28 Jun 2004 3:50 pm

For many of us with years of playing behind us, we do have our "favorite keys"......., often our favorite as they lay where it's comfortable for our arm movements, slants, or whatever. No BIGGEEEE tho'.
Some new comers tend to relate a given song to a given key.....and some believe that song can only be played in "that key". WRONG!
With few exceptions, any song, can be played in any key on the pedal steel guitar.
You simply play the same strings, pedals and bar positions further up/down the neck.
Give San Antonio Rose a try, key of "G" or where ever. Get it down good. Then, go up or down the neck five or six frets and play it again. It should be just as easy.
Doing this to half dozen standard tunes will make it easier for you when you play a jam or with a different group of musicians.
It's mostly a MENTAL THINGIE.........not a technical problem for you. And as said above, if it's way over your head, just knod as your turn is approaching and sit that one out.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 28 Jun 2004 5:49 pm

I've had professional Music Directors, unfamiliar with steel guitar, ask me before we start rehearsals if there's a problem playing steel in any key!

I always tell them - 'No - I just move my chair....'

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 28 Jun 2004 6:31 pm

Thus I will be still holding (as an example) a IV chord when the rest of the band has long since moved into the V7 chord.

Well, that's a very hip thing to do, in jazz that is, Carl! You add all the color tones and get yourself a lovely V9sus4 chord! You might be a jazz player and didn't even know it!

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 28 Jun 2004 7:04 pm

Jim Florence. That is a funny comment. I'm 62 with the same condition, so it's laughing with, not at your comments.

If we don't deal with our conditions and can't find the humor in it, we might as well give up.[This message was edited by Ken Lang on 28 June 2004 at 08:05 PM.]

Curt Shoemaker · Post by **Curt Shoemaker** » 29 Jun 2004 4:07 am

Hi Billy, You will not find a more understanding musician, than a steel player.Never worry about your level of playing.The thing is, you've grabbed up your pick's, and you are getting with it.All players,even the every best can remember very quickly,"I was there myself", and you win there respect more than you know. Shoe

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 29 Jun 2004 4:08 am

At our monthly Florida Steel Guitar Club Jams, we welcome all steelers of all skill levels.
We have both pedal and non pedal steels and resophonics are welcome too.

We are blessed with volunteer back up musicians so all of our music is "live."

Our original sessions were "Round Robin."
However, we had so many players that one song could take 10 or 15 minutes so we went to the "solo" format we currently use.
Each steeler picks his own song and plays it all the way through.
Most of the musicians like it better.
If we have some time left over at the end we'll have one or two "round robin" songs.
Roy described our philosophy pretty well.
We all have a good time, talking about steel guitars, playing them, trading ideas and helping newcomers.
Blake

Whip Lashaway · Post by **Whip Lashaway** » 29 Jun 2004 5:41 am

One of the biggest things to keep in mind at a jam is "It is NOT a Competition". Jams are supposed to be fun. A time to get together with folks who know "what that keyboard thing is" and have a good time. Swap stories and licks and go home with a fresh outlook.
Whip

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Whip Lashaway
Sierra E9/B6 12 string
Sierra E9/B6 14 string
78' Emmons D10 P/P

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 29 Jun 2004 5:48 am

Great comments from all and very encouraging to say the least. You guys are great. I recollect a saying that one steeler told me..something to do with "Big dogs and Porches? I realize my skill level is not where it should be but I still try and after these 'Jam Sessions' I realize my weaknesses ( and strengths)and would hope others like myself continue to attend, participate and learn (& have fun too!)

Bronco Billy
Zumsteel U-12

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 29 Jun 2004 7:27 am

Sounds like fun!

I hope I can get up to the Florida club one of these days...

RR

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 29 Jun 2004 8:46 am

One of my biggest blunders is simply hitting strings I did not intend to hit. It truly is one of the most frustrating phenomena in my life. A quirk I have had since I began playing.

And Murphy's Law states that you'll strike the string harder than the rest, and the note will be the loudest most dissonant (dischordant?), out of key, stringbender that could possibly happen

Been there, still do that...[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 29 June 2004 at 09:48 AM.]

Bill Waskiewicz · Post by **Bill Waskiewicz** » 29 Jun 2004 10:01 am

What an informative thread, Thanks for your post Billy, and thanks for all the replys.
Bill W.

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 29 Jun 2004 10:57 am

I think one Jam no-no I often see, even from tenured players, is to yell out a groan when you hit a clam. It draws attention to the clam and away from the good stuff.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 29 Jun 2004 2:50 pm

By it's very nature a "JAM" means it is improvised by many people on the fly.

But getting a bit of a handle on the form and the changes before it kicks off is normal also. Or should be.

Every monday night I play an open acoustic evening with my band as a host, we never know if it's just us one night ,or 4 guys we have never met sitting in.
And horns players with no charts are tons of fun... so what key are we doing Autum Leaves in tonight sans chart?? Ah curious.

There is one real regular guitarist with us, a serious player, but he often just kicks off a song without so much as a name or a key signature to me on bass. Sometimes I know it, but am so busyremembering snipits of melody to find the chord pattern from, I don't remember the name till I have stopped playing.

You just go with the flow.

But 2 general no no's.

Don't step on anyones solo, unless they have OK'd a dixieland kinda thing before hand, You can comp a bit, but not dual solos.

Don't deny ANYONE a solo including bass players and drummers
. ie Don't cut the song off before all players have gone or waved off.
And there's no shame in waving off : you just didn't feel it.

If you have a scratch pad, you can jot the chords down and that can help.

But the main idea is to have fun and learn.
If you EXPEXCT to hit a major leage clam, and aren't afraid of it, when you do, it will just slide into history.

If your REALLY bleedin lost, nod to the next guy over that he can start early.

Marc Friedland · Post by **Marc Friedland** » 29 Jun 2004 8:10 pm

Hi Billy,
I’m sure you’ll do a fine job and make a good showing of your talents, whether at a jam or on a gig.
I agree that these informal jams are a great way for us steelers to hear each other and get inspired to keep growing with the instrument, whether new to the psg or having loads of skills and experience. I value the social aspects of the jams as well. I like having the opportunity for a face to face meeting with some of the people I’ve talked to, or read their posts on The Forum.
Unfortunately, my strong points are usually negated, and my weak points highlighted at these jams, but that does not keep me from attending and doing my best to participate.
I’d also like to thank Bill and Mike for their efforts in putting together the great jams we have here in Northern & Southern California.
-- Marc

Dan Dowd · Post by **Dan Dowd** » 30 Jun 2004 5:27 am

Don't worry about not knowing all the songs played at Jam's. Remember your not getting paid to play and like Joe Wright says at the steeel shows. " I don't know why I'm nervous, I already have a job". Just play what you know and try what you don't,and if you get lost play some single string stuff. That is why its fun to be with other pickers. You will eventually learn the strange songs.

Bill Llewellyn · Post by **Bill Llewellyn** » 30 Jun 2004 6:21 am

I'm in the same situation as Billy...about 5 years out of the gate and prone to making a fool out of myself at jams. My solution? Since I can't play well at 'em, I host 'em instead!

As for "preparing" for jams, I try to do a bit more picking exercises beforehand to minimize the misfiring syndrome Carl mentioned. I think b0b's suggestion of learning a few standards is a good one. Make note of the most popular tracks used at jams and learn them offline. If you haven't got BIAB, you might think about buying it and practicing along with the favored tunes. (I personally haven't done enough of that.)

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Bill, steelin' since '99 | Steel page | My music | Steelers' birthdays | Over 50?

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 30 Jun 2004 10:31 am

I see these jams as a fun way to spend an afternoon, meet other steel players, check out each other's guitars, and share some laughs. That's all. It's not supposed to be a serious thing.

I remember at Bill's jam a few years ago there was a woman there who had only been playing 2 weeks. Obviously she wasn't very skilled, but we all enjoyed having her there anyway. It's about comradery, as much as, if not more than about the music.

BTW, if all goes according to plan, next year's LA jam will be a 2 day affair, both Saturday and Sunday.