The British Steelies Society

Hi Guys, I'm Mike from Sheffield and I'm primarily a drummer but also play a bit on guitar and had piano lessons as a kid. Im 67 and would like to learn Pedal Steel but before I buy an instrument I would like to take some lessons with a tutor who would provide an instrument for me to try. Any one know of anyone offering this service. I expect to travel. If this is impractical, I do have several electric guitars so would it be better for me to try lapsteel using one of these. I want to play for my own enjoyment rather than gigging. I gig enough playing drums

Hi Mike, John is absolutely right (as he so often is!) - get straight on to a guitar with pedals! I bought a double 10 in the end as I wanted to keep the C6 option, and I find now my E9 playing naturally includes the pedal movement, as that's what I learned right from the start, but my C6 playing (such as it is...) is generally still pedal-free! Plus sometimes I have competition for use of the guitar (see below) which makes practising difficult!

Anyway, my top tip is to get a decent pedal steel - you may as well learn with all four limbs at once
Good luck in your quest,
Sid

PS I am the plank player referred to in John's post - just realised I didn't make that clear!

Thanks guys. However I know how much these things cost and I dont want to spend money on something that is just not going to work out. Thats why I'm looking for lessons with someone who has an instrument I can try out. I already have 5 drum kits 5 guitars and a 4 octive keyboard. So if I get on with the pedal steel I could part fund it by selling some of these.

Hi mate,

Have you thought about attending one of the British Steel Guitar shows/meetups?

There's one in North Yorkshire at a place called Thornton Watlass.

A few guys attend this and I'm sure they'd be kind enough to let you have a go and give you some info regarding the foundations of playing and how to purchase an instrument.

Check out the events page on the forum. The next one is in February I believe as the Christmas, New Year break is on its way.

I think this would be the best route to give you the inspiration. In all honesty, pedal steel is a proper commitment, a lesson every couple of weeks on somebody else's guitar just isn't enough to take you forward. If you buy a good used pro model guitar you will break even if you want to sell so, the risk isn't as costly as me going out and buying a brand new Taiwanese Mandola and finding out that pedal steel is the only thing I'll play... True story .

I'm over in Leeds and will hopefully be attending the Northern meetup someday but currently, my steel is in storage and has been for the last 2 months due to a house move taking too long.

Many thanks

Steven Hicken Jr.

Hi Mike,

I also live in Sheffield, and I have 2 pedal steel guitars. So I would be happy to show you the basics and get you started on E9.

I would charge a fee, but I have been teaching regular guitar for over 6 years, and I have a music degree, and lots of expirience performing in different bands, recording, and songwriting.

If this is of interest to you, PM me.

Cheers

Zak