Hi from England, I'm 73 and I've just started playing pedal steel. I play six string guitar fairly good, but I find steel difficult. I've loved the sound of the pedal steel since I was a kid. There is no way I'm giving up. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. For me there is no other instrument that sounds so beautiful. I should have started earlier, but it is what it is I guess.
I'm 62 and been playing since I was a teen. It's a wonderful, difficult, rewarding lifetime adventure. Welcome to the brotherhood, you'll never get another chance to do it while your still this young! Don't give up....nobody ever masters it, but it sure is fun.
I just turned 71 and waiting for my first steel guitar which I ordered from Mullen Guitars. I've been playing guitar for over fifty years and can't wait to start learning the PS. Any advice for a newbie? Thanks, Tom
I’m also in the UK and have just bought a GFI. For the first time in my life I’m going to do something properly and take time to learn the pedal steel. It’s a great instrument and, like you, I’m not going to give up. It’s a journey and I’m happy to travel.
Bless you for taking lessons from Jeff Newman. Jeff figured out the 12 string steel with E9/B6 tuning. The B6 was hard, because one had to adjust the thinking mentally of what chord was on what fret. Jeff was about the only man who tried to hold group lessons for pedal steel guitar. Now the instrument is dying, even Mr White admits it. I want it to continue. It sounds great. Even bluegrass musicians will not accept an electric pedal steel.
Hi Gilroy ,I was reading some comments and notice the older guys are in full force learning this amazing instrument I'm 74 and just starter learning to play pedal steel I'm retired and have the time to practice and love it in about 3 mounts I can play few easy songs from Tabs and is a good felling , Thank you for sharing your skills and the chat is very encouraging . D10 Sho-Bud S Pro 👍
Hey (Bob here) I am 77 and used to play a 6 string lap steel @12 and picked up the pedal steel at 73 and played the Wisconsin Steel show in March 2019 I play in a band of old timers in a basement so content to stay there I love the sound and and friendship , keep up the video's !!
Lloyd Green is a super talent for sure. The green Sho Bud I sometimes use on these videos was the first prototype Lloyd Green guitar. It was built in 1975 and he wrote some comments and signed it under the cabinet.
I thank you so much for the information you provided both 1 and 2. you cleared up a lot of questions I had about the pedal steel guitar. Much of your techniques and guidance are predominately common sense. I use Coopers of Va. for my supplies, and Billy is my instructor. A lot of what you covered was covered by him at my instruction sessions. In other words if you love playing the pedal steel you will learn all your need know by PRACTICE. I use GFI Expos both a S10 and D10. It is a great thing to learn and enjoy as you progress. Thanks for the total directions you give.
Joining the club... 62, a 55 year guitar player but always loved pedal steel. To me, it’s near impossible to remember the key points since I can’t dedicate much time...but that changes eventually. I smell retirement around the next few corners
keep the tips coming--very useful--almost 72 and have a Mullen Discovery 10 string--sessions 400 amp--boss delay and reverb--hopefully one I will achieve the goal of what I call dinner music--maybe in a small club or cafe--just love the pedal steel guitar
I think with this instrument (and similarly complex instruments), your ability is a function of the amount of time you can spare to practice, practice, practice. I thought I’d never get anywhere on the steel until I had a lull of down time that made me break through a wall and make huge leaps on the instrument. I do agree with the “great players are born not made” to a point, but so far as I can see it, something made is all pick up a six string at one point, as kids or whatever, and many of us wouldn’t put it down until we could play the damn thing. If that sounds like you, you can play and furthermore excel on the steel if you simply practice.
You and I are not too far apart on this. Thousands of young men are football quarterbacks.... only a handful are talented enough to play in the NFL. But that doesn't stop any of them from playing the game!
Ever since I first heard Jerry Garcia play with CSNY on ‘Teach Your Children”, I have loved the pedal steel. I tried teaching myself, but I think that’s IMPOSSIBLE! Your intro and perspective are RIGHT ON! May be it’s time to pick it up again. RIP Rusty Young!
Thank you sir for your insights and advice. I just bought my first PSG and at 72 look forward to learning this thing of beauty. I especially appreciate how you advise to shape the right (picking) hand.
Your philosophy about how well one plays or doesn't helps. I struggle with what it takes to be a GREAT steel player and I seriously don't think I am capable of doing what many I see and hear do. But, many love the emotion and sound I evoke from the instrument.Thanks!
Hi Gilroy! Thank you for making this video series. I just purchased my first pedal steel after a long search for a left-handed pedal steel. I'm currently 22 and have been playing guitar for over 10 years, so I cannot wait to dive into the world of pedal steel. I stumbled on your videos hoping for a brief introduction to pedal steel, but the advice you gave at the end of this video meant the most to me. In my search for my true passion, guitar has been right in front of me and I'm finally figuring out the ways to turn that passion into a career. I'd love to talk with you sometime and ask if you offer lessons for beginners. Thanks for your time and I hope you continue to make videos like this one in the future!
Hi from England, I'm 73 and I've just started playing pedal steel. I play six string guitar fairly good, but I find steel difficult. I've loved the sound of the pedal steel since I was a kid. There is no way I'm giving up. Thank you for sharing your skills with us. For me there is no other instrument that sounds so beautiful. I should have started earlier, but it is what it is I guess.
I'm 62 and been playing since I was a teen. It's a wonderful, difficult, rewarding lifetime adventure. Welcome to the brotherhood, you'll never get another chance to do it while your still this young! Don't give up....nobody ever masters it, but it sure is fun.
Keep at it, JJ! Never give up. It is a beautiful instrument like no other. Best of luck to you!
I just turned 71 and waiting for my first steel guitar which I ordered from Mullen Guitars. I've been playing guitar for over fifty years and can't wait to start learning the PS. Any advice for a newbie? Thanks, Tom
I’m also in the UK and have just bought a GFI. For the first time in my life I’m going to do something properly and take time to learn the pedal steel. It’s a great instrument and, like you, I’m not going to give up. It’s a journey and I’m happy to travel.
Great steel players are born, not made...
You can be what you were meant to be.
I love it❤️
Your lessons are excellent!
Bless you for taking lessons from Jeff Newman. Jeff figured out the 12 string steel with E9/B6 tuning. The B6 was hard, because one had to adjust the thinking mentally of what chord was on what fret. Jeff was about the only man who tried to hold group lessons for pedal steel guitar. Now the instrument is dying, even Mr White admits it. I want it to continue. It sounds great. Even bluegrass musicians will not accept an electric pedal steel.
I love you dude. This was as valuable as getting advice from myself from the future.
Hi Gilroy ,I was reading some comments and notice the older guys are in full force learning this amazing instrument I'm 74 and just starter learning to play pedal steel I'm retired and have the time to practice and love it in about 3 mounts I can play few easy songs from Tabs and is a good felling , Thank you for sharing your skills and the chat is very encouraging . D10 Sho-Bud S Pro 👍
Hey (Bob here) I am 77 and used to play a 6 string lap steel @12 and picked up the pedal steel at 73 and played the Wisconsin Steel show in March 2019 I play in a band of old timers in a basement so content to stay there I love the sound and and friendship , keep up the video's !!
Loyd Green was really awesome on the Byrd’s “ Sweetheart of The Rodeo “..!
Lloyd Green is a super talent for sure. The green Sho Bud I sometimes use on these videos was the first prototype Lloyd Green guitar. It was built in 1975 and he wrote some comments and signed it under the cabinet.
Fantastic - down to earth with tips I can use in my daily playing here at the house.
Gilroy I do appreciate what you do for the common manor woman. Every thing you do is greatly appreciated
Great players are born not made....Ain't that the truth
I truly like your philosophy on playing.
Great advice.
I thank you so much for the information you provided both 1 and 2. you cleared up a lot of questions I had about the pedal steel guitar. Much of your techniques and guidance are predominately common sense. I use Coopers of Va. for my supplies, and Billy is my instructor. A lot of what you covered was covered by him at my instruction sessions. In other words if you love playing the pedal steel you will learn all your need know by PRACTICE. I use GFI Expos both a S10 and D10. It is a great thing to learn and enjoy as you progress. Thanks for the total directions you give.
Thanks for your insights and opinions. Keep ‘em coming.
Awesome presentation. Down to Earth, clear, concise and very meaningful. Thank you for taking time to share this priceless advice on these videos
Joining the club... 62, a 55 year guitar player but always loved pedal steel. To me, it’s near impossible to remember the key points since I can’t dedicate much time...but that changes eventually. I smell retirement around the next few corners
Excellent videos sir. Right on about life.
keep the tips coming--very useful--almost 72 and have a Mullen Discovery 10 string--sessions 400 amp--boss delay and reverb--hopefully one I will achieve the goal of what I call dinner music--maybe in a small club or cafe--just love the pedal steel guitar
Another great video Gilroy! Lots of great tips I need to learn. Thanks for sharing!
I think with this instrument (and similarly complex instruments), your ability is a function of the amount of time you can spare to practice, practice, practice. I thought I’d never get anywhere on the steel until I had a lull of down time that made me break through a wall and make huge leaps on the instrument. I do agree with the “great players are born not made” to a point, but so far as I can see it, something made is all pick up a six string at one point, as kids or whatever, and many of us wouldn’t put it down until we could play the damn thing. If that sounds like you, you can play and furthermore excel on the steel if you simply practice.
You and I are not too far apart on this. Thousands of young men are football quarterbacks.... only a handful are talented enough to play in the NFL. But that doesn't stop any of them from playing the game!
Ever since I first heard Jerry Garcia play with CSNY on ‘Teach Your Children”, I have loved the pedal steel. I tried teaching myself, but I think that’s IMPOSSIBLE! Your intro and perspective are RIGHT ON! May be it’s time to pick it up again. RIP Rusty Young!
Hi Paul. Jerry played the perfect steel part on that song. Rusty Young did some crazy stuff on steel.
I really enjoyed your, "Be as good as you are meant to be", statement. Very true. Thank you for this. God bless you.
Good on you mate, wise words and great information, cheers
Thank you sir for your insights and advice. I just bought my first PSG and at 72 look forward to learning this thing of beauty. I especially appreciate how you advise to shape the right (picking) hand.
thanks for sharing. great tips.
Your philosophy about how well one plays or doesn't helps. I struggle with what it takes to be a GREAT steel player and I seriously don't think I am capable of doing what many I see and hear do. But, many love the emotion and sound I evoke from the instrument.Thanks!
Hi Gilroy! Thank you for making this video series. I just purchased my first pedal steel after a long search for a left-handed pedal steel. I'm currently 22 and have been playing guitar for over 10 years, so I cannot wait to dive into the world of pedal steel. I stumbled on your videos hoping for a brief introduction to pedal steel, but the advice you gave at the end of this video meant the most to me. In my search for my true passion, guitar has been right in front of me and I'm finally figuring out the ways to turn that passion into a career. I'd love to talk with you sometime and ask if you offer lessons for beginners. Thanks for your time and I hope you continue to make videos like this one in the future!
Thank you for sharing your insights. Very useful information and much appreciated.
Good advice, this was helpful.
I noticed your katana amp in the background.... Having just purchased one for my steel, I was wondering if you could share your settings?
Can you tell me the strings and pedals your using to do that fast run?
Life tells me I shouldn't play steel guitar.....
But I still try....hahaha
"... Your mama lied to you..." Can I quote on that? Wait, already did.
TMJ, BRASIL.