New member seeks help!

[Will C]

Harry, your ears will tell you if you are listening to a note or its counterpart an octave above - or below. As you get into things your ears will start to be able to recognise the "distance" between notes, whether a chord is major, minor, a 7th and so on. Many chords and "intervals" (distances between notes) have a distinctive sound.

They do say that the people who live longest are doctors, lawyers and musicians - all that brain activity! That of course is why pedal steel players seem to be concentrating hard...

Nothing else sounds like a steel guitar, you have picked a wonderful instrument to learn. Don't ever be afraid to ask, we don't bite!

Will

[shrub]

Thanks for that - it is like learning a new language!

I will get there, but slowly!

Harry

[sabatica]

D3 and D4

Are indeed an octave different. If you are familiar with music theory then you would represent the difference on low and high ledger lines.

[Glissando]

Sir: I have a progam that I think is the most visual, easy to use and quick programs to help you find the chords on your guitar, and more importantly the scale degree harmonies for play harmony with every chord.
Take a look at http://glissandopsproducts.com

I am a player myself, for a long time, and after I built this, I was learning all kinds of new stuff just using my own program!.
Good luck!.
Dave

[shrub]

I am trying to play 'Amazing Grace' and am confused.

I can't seem to imbed the image of part of the score, but here is the link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/t0k5i3ley3k5n8e/AG1.jpg?dl=0
(It is from Joe Dochtermann's 'Learn to play C6 Lap Steel Guitar')

I understand the first two notes, but I am not sure how to play the A slide to G then F. Do I actually pluck the G or leave the bar on G to make the note?

At the moment, my beginner skills (or lack of) mean I have great difficulty in playing the G, damping the string then playing the F - AND keeping in time.

Am I missing something or, more likely, I just need to keep practising?

[Nick Bidmade]

Hello Shrub. I don't play C6 but I do read the dots (albeit slowly).
Looking at the first few bars of the dots (with tab) on the web link all I suggest you do is keep the melody and the words in your head as you play.
The dots follow the 'vocal' line. There are no 'tied' notes in the dots so they are played as written.
Count 1,2,3 1,2,3 etc and keep it going.
The A of Amazing Grace starts on beat 3 of the bar. Ma holds for 2 counts in the next bar and the 3 count is covered by z-i-ng (the z-i-ng plays twice as fast as the z) (say Hop -a -long) to get the rhythm. 'Grace' would start on the next bar of the 1-2-3 count. 'Grace would last for 2 counts, then on the 3 count you will hear the word 'how'. and so it goes....
Stick with it. It's like hopping, rubbing your head, patting your tummy and whistling all at the same time. Suddenly, you're doing it.
Sing - even if it's only in your head. and keep the counting going too.

Then you're a musician!!!

[shrub]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for the response! I am practising the 'zing' notes (rather slowly) and following your advice.

I like your analogy - maybe that could be my forte!

Shrub