The British Steelies Society

Good morning, everyone.

My name is Will and I'm a new member of the group.

Who am I?

Well, I'm in my mid-50s, already play lap steel and dobro with a trio in my local area (Somerset), and have been playing things with strings or mouthpieces since childhood. Like many of you, if it makes music, I'm interested in finding out more.

I've been lurking a short while here on the forum, trying to build up some knowledge of the instrument, and am looking forward to getting more involved.

What do I play?

I have a really lovely Sho-Bud Super Pro (built Feb 1980) that I bought from John Davis (what a kind and helpful gentleman indeed) that I can now get around well enough on that I can gig with it, but of course I'm keen to improve.

For smaller gigs (or gigs at the top of flights of stairs) I play a Recording King Phil Leadbetter Signature dobro. I think it's a great little instrument and has a really nice sound.

What am I looking to do?

Although I've got a good handle on the most common chords (maj, minor, dom 7), I want to expand my playing to include more pedal steel-specific stuff. I'm not necessarily looking to play faster (it really wouldn't suit the Americana and folk thing our band does), but I would like to learn how to play stuff more like this:



But again, it's not the speed I'm looking for, but the melodic element. I'm learning a variety of harmonised scale runs, but none of them so far some to have this sort of sound. I'm assuming it's half confidence (fluidity) and half an experienced use of chromaticism. If any of you have any advice regarding videos on YouTube to watch or affordable book/CD sets to get, please let me know.

What am I studying?

I'm watching quite a few YT videos and also slowly working my way through Bruce Bouton's lessons on Homespun and Modern Music Masters.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to getting to know you all as time goes on.

All the best,
Will

Hello Will,
I don't know if you've already checked out Joe Wright's lessons on Sierra's site, but I found them very helpful.
http://sierrasteels.com/lessons/e9th-lessons.html
I reckon you're on the right track anyway. I don't think there are any shortcuts on the steel, it's Perseverance, Patience and Seat Time, all the way!
Good luck!

Hi Danny,

Thanks for your message.

And thanks for reminding me about those lessons! I found that link several months ago, added it to a list of stuff and then promptly forgot about it.

I'll go back and have a closer look at those. I remember thinking that was some really solid information.

Many thanks,
Will