Archive for pedal steel

Alternating Movements

by Joe
August 28th, 2011

Part of my 32 movements are those of the alternating category. Once you learn to use your thumb, index and middle as separate digits, then you can start to use them against each other. The most basic move is a single one so we now apply to singles to create an alternating move. Our first to study is the thumb against the index finger. The thumb picks the string and then the index finger picks a string. For instance, if you have thumb, index and middle on strings 4, 5 & 6 then with your thumb pick the sixth string. Now when you do that the other fingers should remain on the strings ready to go. At the same time you get ready to pick with your index finger the thumb should return to the string.

This process should alternate between each one over and over. When you are repeating the move you really are blocking when you pick it the next time. If you’re having trouble with this then you should slow way down and do the following:

  • Pick with your Thumb
  • Set it back down
  • Pick with your index
  • Set it back down
  • Repeat

The reason for slowing things down is to gain control over the exact movement you want to execute. Then when that is in place you can start to speed up the correct moves. The same exact movements are taking place but at a faster tempo. This makes your tone and execution improve by doing perfect practice.

I’ve got lots of technique exercises in the free teaching pages area of the website. A good drill is located at: Alternating Exercise

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Ten Wires

by Joe
July 9th, 2011

After all the lessons I’ve taught over the years I’ve come to some conclusions. The best way to teach this instrument is to show the student ten wires and hands that have to manipulate the wire. Most people try to learn through the sound and develop their hands with all of the errors that accompany a bad set of hands. My way is to stop the fumbling and start working on the moves that combine to play any licks. I break them down into small parts and start assembling.

That is why I’ve decided to redo my first DVD that covers the right and left hands. It was recorded in 1995 and since then I’ve created a new studio that is capable of multiple camera shoots. I want players to realize that your hands do all the work. The guitars only work when someone touches them and I’ve never seen no one play one with their ears!! The new right and left hand videos will be available soon as downloads or on DVD.

Remember, wires have to be manipulated by hands. Picks and bar are the tools that are attached to the machine (hands).

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Hand Position

by Joe
February 1st, 2010

There are two ways to look at your hand position. We can look at how picks go towards the strings. I call this the angle of attack. We also can look at where are palm or side of hand is located across the strings. One way is to have the hand laying next to the strings. This is what I call a traditional method. We can see how this would allow for utilizing the side of the hand as a block or damper to control the strings. This places your hand at in a position that has your first knuckle higher than the rest. To describe it as a 45 degree angle is appropriate.

Another method that is used I call the modern. This is with the top of your hand in a flat position. This places your picks on the strings with all of the pick in play. The traditional rotates the hand and puts the edge of the pick on the strings.

The thumb angle is different with both because of the rotation. With the hand in the traditional position then you have the thumb pick attacking the strings at a slight angle. In the modern method the thumb pick is placed flat across the string. A good way to see is how well your thumb pick looks. A chewed thumb pick usually comes from the angled attack created by the rotation of the right hand.

All of this also relates to the position of the rest of the arm. We will break it all down in later posts. But for the most part this video will get you started on your way. I talk about the different ways that you can hold your hand. The WebVideo is dated December, 19 2009. It also has a section on scales using Excel and recording the screen on my computer.

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Changing Strings

by Joe
October 19th, 2009

I was giving a Pedal Steel Lesson the other day and the student asked about changing the strings on his Pedal Steel Guitar. I instructed him to consider how much he actually used them. If you are playing your steel a few hours a week then your strings should last at lot longer than if you are playing 8 hours every day. I like to keep the strings “fresh” sounding. The key to look for is when they start to buzz or whine. When they do this they are getting ready to break.

One tip for changing strings is to hold the string at the wind end and with a rag go the entire length of the string like you were cleaning it. This will get the winds out of the new string so when you put it on to the guitar it is not twisted. This will also help to give your strings more life than if you just put them on without getting the winds out. You can get your lesson with me on Skype. Check it out!!

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