Effective pedal steel technique requires an understanding of the physical components of playing the instrument. The body is used in various ways to get sounds out of the instrument: the left hand/arm is used to control the bar, the right hand is used to block and pick the strings, while both feet and legs are […]
Drones are magnificent. They allow a pedal steel player to practice many things: intonation, ear training, creating soundscapes, and having fun while practicing. They are such a great practice tool that they should be as common as metronomes are to musicians. Here’s a great way to create your own drones while practicing, and/or to create
I once told another musician, who is a great horn player, that I needed to practice a few days to get back my “chops” on the pedal steel. He was surprised, saying “I didn’t know pedal steel players had to keep up their chops!” After taking a little break from playing, I knew that I
Check out these videos of my music and pedal steel playing! The rhythm tracks were recorded on the pedal steel too. Hope you enjoy them!!! Here’s a video with the talented and beautiful singer-songwriter Karly Driftwood… jamming on one of her new tunes! @playpedalsteel blessed my kitchen and a new song with pedal steel A
Learning new songs is always a great way to improve your musical knowledge. A better understanding of harmony, melody, song structure, and much more can be utilized by playing through a tune. However, can studying a tune reveal certain personal characteristics of your playing and the emotions that are attached to it? Absolutely, especially if
The Steel Guitar Forum is an invaluable asset to steel guitarists, enthusiasts, and to the instrument itself. It is a fountain of knowledge; and for an instrument with such a steep learning curve, we should all be enjoying a drink from this fountain. Full of advice, details, experience, intelligence, players, and so much more, The