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Topic starter
17/07/2006 9:12 pm
over the weekend I attended a pedal steel guitar showcase. I was asked to be the tele player in the backing band. how could I refuse.
I highly reccomend you trying this out. if you hear of a showcase attend because you will experience something different, rewarding, and fun.
I mainly played the cowboy chords; key of C or G or Bb. Eb showed often too. I had the chance to throw in a few licks.
here's the only pic with me in it. Im at left with the telecaster just appearing from behind the PA.
17/07/2006 9:37 pm
Looks like alot of fun! 8)
"The only way I know that guarantees no mistakes is not to play and that's simply not an option". David Hodge
Topic starter
17/07/2006 9:41 pm
it sure was. I played for seven hours on saturday. there were short ten minute breaks while another steeler set up.
look for guitar festivals, workshops, any style ,in your area. Ive heard of them but never went. now I will!
17/07/2006 11:55 pm
That is cool!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
Topic starter
18/07/2006 1:29 pm
I sure did have a birdseye view of the pedal steel players.
the things I learned:
I'll never be that good; Im selling my ShoBud pedal steel and concentrate on reso, lap steel, and guitar.
the steelers used the bar in incredible ways. many many times they moved the bar without picking. three to four and five jumps made a fantastic decaying voicing.
another thing was wild. they would pluck the triad then really wiggle the bar. then move down the fretboard. it made a shivering call or mouring wail.
they were doing hammer ons, pull offs and even slants.
the twelve string steels were sick. those heavy heavy bass strings vibrated into the body like a bass drum in a parade.
many of the steels had many pedals. one guy did incredible dive bombs. the string sounded so loose. then releasing the pedal the sing came up to pitch as he was sliding up. wild stuff.
I leaned alot about accompiment. is that the right word?
when not to play is so very important.
as a backing band we created a tight rythm section. the steelers had tons of room to play those wild chords; comping up and down the neck with 6ths, 9ths ,11th's diminisheds and chord phrasings I have no word for.
they were a kind and generous lot. with a nod they would give you the opportunity for a lick. all I had to do was step out and play or simply, wide eyed, nod no and pass the look on to another player.
the was much impromtu jamming. they were so familiar with the songs they all could play. I struggled a bit because some songs were new to me. they gave me many assuring nods.
heres the group after a round robin of Steel Guitar Rag and Sleepwalk.
the two ladies were incredible singers. we had a ball as they never sang together before. they made great harmonies. all us guys were smitten,
18/07/2006 2:25 pm
I missed one of those here in Bristol a couple of years ago. Wish I'd gone!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."