The British Steelies Society

So I’m an absolute beginner with a background in guitar and a good knowledge of theory.

What books could you recommend for someone in my position?

Ideally something that shows me the theory side of the instrument and how to utilise an already existing knowledge of music on it, rather than lots of pages filled with beginner songs.

It’s for an E9 emmons style steel.

Thanks!

Alex, a friend of mine is making great headway with these......
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deluxe-Pedal-Steel-Guitar-Method/dp/0786686251

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Back-Up-Pedal-Steel-Guitar-DeWitt/dp/0786697083/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535534565&sr=1-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=DeWitt+Scott&dpPl=1&dpID=51mepNz3ZcL&ref=plSrch
.....and he's a heavy, theoried-up, jazzer on guitar.

I can't get along with tab, but I've found plenty of inspiration from YouTube. (I've just noticed John's post, and that's great advice)
Good luck

Hi Alex. Here's another good direction; let's know whereabouts you live and we might well have some member(s) in the vicinity prepared to help out and show you things. There are several informal meet-ups around the country and a few players you'd be welcome to visit. All best, Tony

Thanks for the help guys, I think it’s worth looking into a bit of both things concerning YouTube and books.

Tony I’m based in Leeds, tried looking for a teacher a while back but nothing came up

Hi Alex, as far as I know there are no in-print books that really fit your description regarding theory. That said, the Winston/Keith book is probably your best bet, there are some useful theory sections and a good mixture of beginner and intermediate exercises. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pedal-Steel-Guitar-Winnie-Winston/dp/082560169X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535542207&sr=8-1&keywords=pedal+steel+guitar+winston

A quick reference for chords might be up your street, not sure if you can still get it but Buddy Emmons "E9 Chord Vocabulary" might be helpful, it's just a two-sided card. Or Jeff Newman's Chord Dictionary goes into more depth.

Here's a really useful video for guitarists moving to E9 PSG:


This is a great website with tons of theory https://steelguitaracademy.com/

Your big challenge is going to be physical: how to get everything coordinated, in tune, with good tone. Use anything that inspires you to sit down and practice, whether that's playing along to records, being in a band, Skype lessons, watching youtube, getting in on jams etc... up to you. I would include some general tab/song books in that picture just for variety. Plus learning to read PSG tab is going to be an important skill in it's own right.

Best of luck with it,
Jonathan

I would add more;

Chord Construction For The Pedal Steel Guitarist by Tom Bradshaw
http://www.songwriter.com/bradshaw/__bradshaw.php?cc=11

Alex_fletcher96 wrote:Thanks for the help guys, I think it’s worth looking into a bit of both things concerning YouTube and books.

Tony I’m based in Leeds, tried looking for a teacher a while back but nothing came up

And I'm in Thornton Watlass (2.5 miles from Bedale). Depending on which side of Leeds you are give or take 40 miles from me. I'll keep you posted when we have the next "irregular" Sunday lunchtime meeting.

Alex_fletcher96 wrote:Thanks for the help guys, I think it’s worth looking into a bit of both things concerning YouTube and books.

Tony I’m based in Leeds, tried looking for a teacher a while back but nothing came up

Where in Leeds you based?

Steve I'm in Rothwell, sat right on the border between Leeds & Wakefield!