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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 9, 2011 13:44:12 GMT
It is my pleasure Marco.
Fingerpicks/thumbpicks - We all have our favourite tools to use. I use Fred Kelly 'Delrin' large heavy gauge white 'Slick Pick' thumbpicks, and Dunlop white heavy gauge plastic fingerpicks. I have tried the half metal/half plastic thumbpicks and I cannot get on with them. I think the people who make the thumbpick you like also make fingerpicks.
Holding the 'steel' - My hand is very relaxed, I am gripping the steel, but only just gripping it. It is more like guiding it than gripping it. Of course this changes all the time, because to play a full clear sounding chord I need to grip it tighter. I think the only answer to your question is >watch and play with my DVD and practice as much as possible. It just takes time and there are no quick easy methods. In my DVD I say 'watch HOW I play, rather than WHAT I play', and I believe this to be very important. It is not important to copy my licks and tunes when you are watching the DVD, but is important to watch how I play.
Have a look at some films of Bashful Brother Oswald, Debashish Bhattacharya, Bob Brozman, Jerry Byrd, BJ Cole, Ken Emerson, Sol Hoopii, and other players who use a Hawaiian bullet steel, and you will see similarities in our playing styles. Players who use a Stevens Steel have a different touch and approach, their body language is different; Jerry Douglas, Rob Ickes, Josh Graves, David Lindley, etc...
I hope that makes some sense?
Shine On Michael
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Post by marcobellani on Jan 10, 2011 6:09:24 GMT
Thank you again for your very accurate and kind answer.
I have understand, now I must give the time to my hands to understand it.
All the best
Marco
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 10, 2011 11:11:12 GMT
Hi Marco,
That is exactly the right answer. It will take time, but it will be worth it.
Best wishes,
Shine On Michael
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 20:23:00 GMT
Will this DVD play on American machines? The provided link [euro blues] does not seem to have an overseas shipping option. I'm in for a copy if it can ship and play in the US. You can never know too much;-)
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Post by Michael Messer on Mar 28, 2011 23:26:11 GMT
Hi Eric,
I will send you a copy today. Tribo-Tone is credited at the end of the film, so you really must have a copy. I do apologise, I should have sent you one earlier.
I think it will play on American DVD players. If not it will play on your computer.
Shine On Michael
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2011 1:53:45 GMT
This makes my day!!! Thank you kindly. I recently received my first custom steel guitar built by John Allison of Allison guitars here in Austin. The wood is Texas Mesquite, the pickups are Rio Grande's made in Houston. It's a string-master type and has 3 removable legs. I also bought an English made Bristolian last year and enjoy it as well. Needless to say I'm looking forward to the lessons and tips. I need them! There's only one 20 second clip on YouTube of your steel playing... and it kicks you know what Every musician should try a steel guitar (it will help your guitar playing) and I'm betting your DVD will bring many more into the fold. Thanks for making it. All the best from Texas!
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Post by Michael Messer on Mar 29, 2011 14:54:31 GMT
The DVD is on its way to Texas! Shine On Michael.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2011 4:24:37 GMT
I can highly recommend this DVD to any beginning 6 string steel or Dobro player! This DVD hits on what people want to learn. They want to know how to play! No songs taught- just great styles of music: mostly Blues, Country, and Hawaiian. Well filmed (split screen) and 100% instruction with no “fillers,” showing-off, or lots of stories (thumbs up!). It’s exactly what you pay for… how to get up and running on this wonderful instrument.
BASICS I’ve started newcomers on Dobro before and can see the insight Michael's acquired from years of instructional experience when it comes to his presentation on basics: How to hold the guitar, how to hold the bar (he calls it a slide), a bit about picks, and getting that fluid steel guitar sound. The DVD begins in low bass “G” tuning and ends in a high bass “Dobro” tuning. All the basics are here: hammer-on’s, damping, rhythm, vibrato, double-stops, harmonics- with several progressions accompanied by rhythm guitarist Michael Roach. This is where you actually learn to play with others or for others. [hint, hint]
THE STEEL GUITAR SOUND Michael does not neglect the unique voicing and flavor of the steel guitar! He makes it a point to express that aspect of this instrument in both instruction and because he says so right on the DVD! The concept of this DVD is basically three part: A) To get you up and running quickly on the instrument with a fluid sound. B) Learn some progressions and stylings you can immediately impress your friends with. C) Prepare a road that leaves the student in charge of their direction; “Don’t copy what I do, do what you want to do.” Not just a toolbox for steel but so much more because you actually learn to play the instrument. This is what I liked most. If you've dabbled with steel guitar or play a bit now, this DVD will keep you interested. This is where you'll learn to expand your current skills as well.
I’ve played steel guitar and Dobro for 25 years and can highly recommend this DVD to any beginning player. There are others I like as well that teach 1 specific or advanced style (Hawaiian or Western Swing for example) but this is by far the best introduction for the beginning player. Branch out from this DVD. Start here and end where you want to go. Michael has struck bedrock in this introduction to steel DVD. It’s all you’ll need to get started. Trust me- Learning steel guitar will improve your playing on any other instrument including bottleneck guitar;-) That's my tip! Thanks for making it Michael!
See you on the strings, Eric Ebner Austin, Texas
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 1, 2011 10:26:31 GMT
Shine On Michael
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Post by billzabozo on Jul 1, 2011 15:49:22 GMT
I'd just like to add my few pence worth here. Although the dvd says an introduction to lap steel it will still benefit many accomplished players. I particularly found the point stressing the importance of maintaining a light touch with the bar. Although I was aware of this before hand I had picked a couple bad habits up & just that little reminder (let alone the rest of the disk) has improved my tone & feel noticeably.
A 1 hour private lesson would cost you more than this dvd so a bargain in my opinion.
Thank you Michael.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 1, 2011 17:07:38 GMT
Billzabozo, thank you very much for your comments - much appreciated.
Shine On Michael
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Post by jonnybees on Jul 3, 2011 21:32:22 GMT
hi really silly Q - what tuning is used for the DVD? there seems to be no real standard tuning out there for lap steel - seems to depend on what you want t play etc. thanks
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 4, 2011 8:18:27 GMT
Hi Johnnybees,
The guitar is tuned to low bass G (DGDGBD) for most of the lesson and for the last part is tuned to high bass G (GBDGBD).
While I agree there are numerous tunings that are used by lap steel players, I believe that low bass G tuning is the place to start. Most, if not all, of the great players who use different tunings started out in low bass G or A tunings.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by jonnybees on Jul 5, 2011 22:41:06 GMT
great thanks along with learning the banjo (did I just admit that??) getting to grips with lapsteel is my aim while over in USA for the year. Your DVD sounds like just the ticket, many thanks
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creedt
MM Forum Member
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Post by creedt on Jul 14, 2011 22:09:28 GMT
Michael im ordering your dvd during the week, it looks great i have aquestion, where can i buy fingerpicks (if that is the right expression) for slide guitar?
would this dvd also be useful for standard slide playing? thanks again Michael and well done on the forum its great
tadgh Ireland
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