Easiest Way to Learn Pedal Steel

This video allows beginning players have a better understanding of the pedal steel neck. It uses 2 easy scales to help you progress faster and reduce the frustration that many new players experience. I hope you find it useful.

[@sledge1960]

Buddy, this is solid gold, nobody ever seems to give the beginners simple scales. Thank-you.

[@ericmulkey]

I cannot echo your comment enough! Gilroy seems to possess an exceptional knack for teaching.

[@bobsfunkymusic]

I still say this is the most insanely beautiful instrument known to man. When someone knows what they are doing playing a SPG, it truly must be what heaven sounds like.

[@terrythompson472]

Many thanks Gilroy...starting out at age 77 and love your way of making me feel like this is something I can learn. I have played guitar for many years but in my heart always wanted to learn the pedal steel. Tried once before with a little Shobud but back in those days the internet didn't even exist or at least not as we know it today. I had a guy tell me that if I really was serious about learning it the only way would be to go to Nashville and get tutored. Sold it a week later. Tks to guys like you and Doug Earnest this time I will make it happen. Giving myself a year and again many tks. You are a great inspiration to people like me. Learning on my brand new ZUM Stage One.

[@musikskorpion]

Don't worry. I am 80 and also started to learn pedal steel.I cannot agree that I did not learn it earlier. It is the best instrument I ever had and I have a lot. But here in Germany the pedal steel is very seldom.

[@jerrypredmore8793]

I’m starting at 73. Played drums for 65 years went to Bass 3 years ago cause the group I was in had a drum machine, which I can easily out play. But picked up bass and took to it like water and a duck. Now I want to be in demand more so looking at steel. I have a Robro to trade made by Gretch. But going with a entry level steel.

[@geoffreyschofield8539]

​@@jerrypredmore8793, I bought a Stage One from the guy that builds them in Branson Missouri. Just wish I had the patience to learn to play it!

[@johnCORNER-dx9uu]

This is the best teaching lesson I have ever seen I am so glad that i have found it. Thank you very much.

[@jimmcclelland2643]

You are a teacher, best I've seen.

[@malcolmhelmuth760]

I love the sound of the steel guitar and would love to learn how to play. You make it seem possible even at my age 79. It’s something I’ve wanted to try. Even though I don’t have a formal music background, I love country music and especially music that features the steel. I may indeed give it a try.

[@tablature6121]

You just inspired me to take a crack at it one more time. Thanks.

[@div.4princegeorgebanjo934]

Started steel then stopped. This video is exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@DandamanV]

You can do it!

[@Dannykhc]

Been playing pedal steel since 2011 when I started at the age of 42 after ordering a GFI student model from the US.I knew how to play guitar before so I had some musical knowledge under my belt. Anyway bought the classic 1975 textbook Pedal Steel Guitar to go through. I soon got tired of the exercises and decided that listening to Sweetheart of the Rodeo record and Buck Owens tunes would be more helpful in learning pedal steel licks. I think it took me 2 years to remember what pedals and levers did what. Now I prefer playing pedal steel to just playing normal guitar.

[@rgvt5638]

I hear ya, similar story here. I’ve found that deconstructing classic tunes and solos taught me more than any one lesson ever did. The trial and error of “how is he doing that” on a given lick made me understand the pedals and levers, and how to combine them. About six years in now and am happy to have stuck with it.

[@bobstar76]

Good shout man. been yo-yo-ing an old Sierra steel for ages and I got more ‘’sense’’ out of this 15 mins than I did 15 years!

[@jeffwombold9167]

I bought and sold one for the very reason you spoke about. I found a dozen ways to tune them, a hundred ways to play them, and had no idea where to start. I flat gave up. Even in this video, I don't know how you have it tuned or how the pedals and levers are set, unless there's a new standard I've not seen. Thank you.

[@DeanSimmons]

I only have about a year under my belt learning steel and this was the perfect lesson to open up the neck for me. So very helpful and encouraging. Thank you so much for this and all you do for fellow steelers!

[@Jimmyvidkids-ht4hl]

82 1/2 years old .. 13 kids and a great wife .. I have an EMMONS push-pull double neck steel and I was ready to closet it. Your method works well and it iks alot easier than trying to figure this on your own. Thanks for sharing your talent ..

[@deancampbell8856]

This is exactly what every new pedal steel player needs to know!! Just Great!!

[@steelnbassman]

Thank you for your contributions. You have helped me grow as a player. I have been playing for 15 years and sometimes it is good to go back to basics and simplify what you are trying to do. This is one the best videos that I have ever seen on playing steel guitar.

[@joecook5922]

Great lesson and advice! Thanks for helping keep pedal steel alive. My favorite instrument.

[@danielphillips1534]

Gilroy, you're nailing it for me. Coming back to it after 20 years away from the band I am inspired. It'll be me and the guys in the garage from now on but like you say that's where the fun is if you've already seen your share of the road. Thanks to you and the internet I am learning things about the instrument I never knew.

[@eddiebenson2777]

I find that this guy has a better understanding of what new guys to the steel are thinking. He described what I have been going through with getting frustrated and laying off practicing. Very good with his instructions.

[@richruttenberg7831]

Thank you many times over for this fantastic video! I'm a beginner, but I already feel like I'm not flailing on the instrument as much as aiming for the right stuff. This is truly solid gold, as another comment says.

[@frankortega4280]

Good information for beginners. Instrument can be frustrating at first but is also quite rewarding when things start coming together. It’s important to work on the basic techniques.

[@peterklein4517]

Guitar player who recently picked up psg, and this lesson was a revelation! Thank you!

[@CzBMusic]

Thank you for this lesson. I just bought my first steel yesterday and this is a very helpful place to start!

[@frankfurter5895]

I can not thank you enough - I have been trying to break through on the PSG for a couple of years without much luck and this is unlocking some of that - the scales are SO useful - thank you from London.

[@pitol678]

Great video and lots of great advice here as far as not getting discouraged and managing expectations. Thanks!

[@CleberHarrisonGuitar]

Great, great lesson! I'm from Brazil and there are no pedal steel tutors around here at all. Thank you so much for taking the time.

[@joepeezy4sheezy]

You’re a great teacher and a great player too. The way you speak is very inviting. I appreciate your help, b0b (Pedal Steel Forum founder) has lent me a pedal steel to learn on and your videos are helping immensely.

[@robertnelson2719]

Great advice from an experienced player and great guy. Thank you.

[@markmekailian]

Appreciate you Gilroy! Got my first steel early 2021 and I been digging the shed and tracking for artists I work with!

[@nqbraun]

Thank you thank you thank you. You make this playing sound very easy, even if we all know it is not. I found your videos and at 80 years old, I dug my guitar out of the closet and am inspired to try it again. I love the fact that you are talking to us that love the instrument but gave it up from all the technical theology many instructors use. Please continue to KEEP IT SIMPLE, their are more like me out their than studio professionals.

[@janechristian9130]

...just don't give up your theology! lol

[@MangoDaVille]

Aloha Gilroy. In this day and age, aside for being a practical and pragmatic teacher, truth, normalcy and sanity are also much appreciated! Mahalo for a very informative tutorial! Johnny Kealoha Pal

[@joepeterson1003]

That was the most helpful advice for me as a beginner on steel guitar. THANKS A LOT.

[@edrangi4973]

For your information you’re a really great teacher of the instrument and thank you for the time you put in.

[@bobbyorr3873]

I've played pedal steel guitar for many, many, bands for many, many, years, but, your technic of "simple" teaching, has opened my understanding, to things on this instrument, I would have never learned on my own. Thank You .

[@michaelbarger9094]

Thank you for another great video Gilroy!

[@seapilot4042]

Wise words. When learning to play the Banjo, with basic tab style lessons self taught, it sounded like something then once my speed and picking improved, I was able to get out of the barn. Cheers Enjoyed watching this video.

[@allenevans3047]

You and Tony Browne are the only two that shows the neck and knee levers . Most videos show only the neck view and this is very helpful; however, they use the knee levers but don’t show or explain it. Thank you for your instructional videos. They are great and very informative!!!

[@evanpachal2672]

Thank you for the great video Gilroy! I really appreciate your help and will put this instruction to great use...

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Great video. Chock full of great advice regardless of what instrument you play.

[@gilroyhollister4155]

Thant you everyone for your kind comments. If my videos encourage even one person to take up the pedal steel and stick with it, then I have been repaid in full.

[@MarkBurdickPhD]

Too much work, but I could use your help nonetheless. Please see my previous comment

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Thank you!

[@agilmanta5254]

Thanks for the lesson, I also appreciate your performance advice.

[@ronniebush2430]

I've been playing bass guitar in country bands since I was about 12. Now it's 30 years later, and I like the steel sound so much that I want to play it. I've always heard how hard it is, but this video makes me think I can do it. The bass is a about positions and scales, and it sounds like the thought process will transpose easier than I thought. I did want to commend your comments at the end of the video. Truer words have never been spoken! A mediocre player of ANY INSTRUMENT that has a good attitude and is a team player will be called before the most technically correct person that nobody can stand to be around.

[@sledge1960]

Whether it's a ukelele or a PSG you are going to get nowhere without knowing scales and chord progression. You address that straight away and make sense of a very difficult instrument. No-one else seems to have got that reality on YT. Thanks again buddy, keep the lessons coming, I'm a fan already.

[@silenuic]

Thanks for the optimism at the end of the video! What you reap is what you saw :) Great lesson!

[@user-lc3nt1jk9c]

Thank~you very much for your lesson! I’m looking forward to starting my journey playing the steel guitar!

[@TroyBlandbham]

That’s right this is solid gold. Thank you so much for posting this, taking the time to do it and share your knowledge.

[@aaron19840904]

Thank you for posting these videos. It helps more people than you know.

[@msaradio7455]

looking forward to part 2 on this.. great job!

[@Pamelawilk]

Thank you so much for the lesson and even more for the encouraging words. I am more confident now that I know I don’t have to play like a professional to be be “good enough”. I am 75 so I don’t have enough time left to play that good. 😊

[@jimhuskins8506]

An excellent video presented with good attitude and sage advice. Thanks for your presentation. I do not play steel and do not intend to, but I wish I’d had something similar when I took up Dobro.

[@thebooda]

Thanks for this video! Really relaxed my own expectations with my pedal steel. Just starting and this video made it clear using 2 strings and a couple scales for now is OK! Thanks again!

[@Junior-jw1bb]

Been playing the guitar most of my 72 years. Took up the steel late in life and I’m struggling to find decent instructions. Here in NYC this instrument is far and few in between with even less pedal steel teachers available. These lessons are not only helpful but much appreciated. Thanks for posting this video and please make more videos for entry level players.

[@sledge1960]

Try Skype lessons with John McClung out of Oregon, the guy is great. get him on the Steel Guitar Forum or his own website.

[@jerrycordato3489]

Great lesson, great advice; so musical!

[@tonytotten408]

Top class instruction and sounds great 👍👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@jameslawson5772]

By far one of the best videos on pedal steel. Especially the words of advice toward end of the vid pertaining to sticking with melody and know straying away to far. This goes for any lead instrument in a working band. Great video

[@johncheatham4176]

Great advice! Gives me the motivation to keep going!

[@randyfennell3058]

Good job, Gilroy. I’ve learned a lot from you in past year or so. Thx RF/

[@michaeltooley7573]

Excellent advise...learned alot just watching.....thanks!!

[@ansol68]

Great vid. I wish more players would keep it simple. Thanks.

[@jimu57]

Just bought a GFI Expo from Billy Cooper in Orange, VA. Ive played guitar and bass for over 40 years. I know music theory, chord structure very well. Got the fever for pedal steel again.

[@hoospie]

I bought an Expo from Billy Cooper last summer. I have enjoyed learning the instrument.

[@donf3739]

This is a great learning tool for novices like myself, and it's making it easier to learn where there chords are.

[@glenngibson9201]

Thanks for posting this. I'm just learning PSG (not even a month into learning). For decades my main two axes were banjo and dobro (even played professionally on the bluegrass circuit) but the PSG is something totally different. Your expertise is much appreciated.

[@user-vk8gk1tx9o]

A lot of wisdom there. great job thanks

[@kevinraabe457]

Beautiful baby!! That first 2 notes major scale you sbowed is exactly what I been trying accomplish!!! Just started a few months ago...got major, minorand7th chords in several positions and trying to figure out "fills"....so THANK YOU so much!!!

[@MrWeedpatch]

Wow that lesson was a bit of alright....stumbled on you by accident. After that first scale you showed us I immediately went into the bedroom and uncovered a steel I've had for 5 or so years. There may be hope after all. Best lesson ever...thank you so much....

[@sterobe122155]

Awesome

[@mikedavis7733]

Thank you for explaining these lessons in simple form

[@bdavismartin2234]

I'm a guitar player and came across this video and I have to say your advice about staying to the melody and keeping it smooth and simple during lead breaks is spot on for Guitar players also. Great video, love your style partner. Thanks.

[@wayneshook6968]

Thanks buddy, I learned stuff! Now...practice big time!

[@martinluthierking]

this is a great video amd has helped me connect a few more dots...subscribed and look forward to anything else you share on your channel.

[@cmguitar50]

This is a great video - I remember once saying to a Nashville steel player "I need to just sit down and work on 3rds all up and down the neck".. His reply "You and me both!" Sometimes we're thrown in front of an audience too soon (or throw ourselves there). I came from a background in 6 string jazz guitar, and don't even want to try C6 - country swing is jazzy enough for me right now. Your teaching style is great - don't stop :)

[@Paul_Hinton]

Many thanks Gilroy, this is fantastic!

[@knuckle47]

You’ve got me...! I’m all in, thank you

[@sonicmilk]

Thank you so much for this. There's so much instruction about intro's and breaks but few with examples that show what we should be doing during the song. I really just want to sound good playing over a simple three chord country song. I love what John Hughey did on those Conway Twitty albums and Ben Keith did on some of those more deep cut Neil Young songs like Tired Eyes.

[@scotolson8734]

This vid is great and has some great advice I guess it 67 its not too late to start learning something that I have always loved Thanks Gilroy

[@Blando7887]

I love the sound of steel guitar, traditional country sound

[@stebunn]

Excellent instruction and advice!

[@ChadRevels]

I’m not even a steel picker, but watched EVERY single second of this sir, and I am inspired by your instructions that I want to purchase one and give it a go! I’ll be checking out your other videos soon. God bless

[@joepeezy4sheezy]

Can you do a video on how to attach the finger picks? It is such a weird concept and everyone seems to wear them differently.

[@gilroyhollistermusic9199]

Thanks Chad...If you love the sound a steel guitar don't be afraid to get one and give it a go. Keep things simple at first, then progress as your natural talent and practice time permits.

[@geraldcox2651]

Very good instructions , I'm trying to teach myself, this is very helpful 👍

[@timwoodall2838]

excellent playing and advice.....thanks

[@robertfair1770]

Very encouraging thanks!! I'm just starting out got my first steel guitar GFI S10 student model.. Thanks!!!

[@jorgieklan]

Thanks for the helpful video!

[@pegreenwood]

Wow! I've played keys, guitar, you name it. I'm 70 and have had my pedal steel for over 10 years and about to let it go. This video gave me inspiration and a new direction. Listen to this video again and again. Practice it. Apply it to the music you already know and it will become second nature. Solid advice! Thank you, Gilroy!

[@user-sc3ig5id9f]

❤❤so great😂

[@2GoldensTosa]

Great lesson! Thank you!

[@alanmctavish3628]

Feet AND Hands, That's what we need. Well done!

[@karl-heinzfuchs8133]

Hello Mr. hollister. i'm writing here from germany. am unfortunately already 70 years old. but i have been trying to tame this infernal machine for two years. unfortunately there are no teachers for this instrument to be found here. now that i have found your yutube canal, a little light comes into the dark. I hope I will get a little further with your lessons. Thanks a lot for this. Stay healthy.

[@kirbylinjer7604]

Excellent teacher!! Thank you very much!

[@kmcdawg1]

Very nice, best I’ve heard.

[@ericheld4382]

I love that sound.

[@comefindme13gaming32]

This is by far the best sounding instrument when played right. I’ve always wanted to learn to play this. However I probably wouldn’t even know how to set it up and or tune it. I recently bought a Banjo and I’m struggling to learn that. Hopefully 1 day I will master it and will move on to the Pedal Steel.

[@rockn50s78]

I am 71. Just. Got a Sierra Artist. Love your videos

[@JoeyCarroll]

Thanks for your time sir! It is appreciated

[@AhrenField]

Such a great video! Thanks so much!

[@brianbarrett4192]

Really good lesson.

[@thomaspick4123]

Very nice lesson. Also, starts us out with Welcome to My World, a positive song. And, Silent Night, a beautiful religious song. Good job. Realistic advice.

[@jimffra8584]

This was a very good explanation. Thank You! Another man said you need 10,000 hours to learn to play. Total bummer. It seem like simple works for many things other than music.

[@davidmckee1676]

I really do appreciate the video.. thanks.👍

[@endtimejunkie]

Great beginner lesson sir. Thank you. It is always nice to hear all psg lessons played to a song for the beginner so that he could practice along to a song. Seems to be something most psg teachers don’t do? Please do a lesson on which strings to play and also the string groups to play for the 4 levers and how they are connected to string groups? Thanks for the lesson.

[@dwaynewilliams6334]

Thanks for the advice. I play the guitar and the bass. I'm thinking about learning to play the Steel Pedal Guitar as well.

[@jimharris8135]

Thanks for sharing . Great advice ..

[@guitymon]

This is a great video. Thank you for putting it together

[@jackiel279]

Thank you, always wanted to learn.

[@josephstrange2305]

Great advice

[@paulwilliams8763]

Veey well explained. Good Job.

[@dglspres]

great video. Very well stated it has helped me get a better hans (no pun) on playing. Thanks a lot

[@812guitars]

"Tasteful" is the key takeaway here. Goodd video man!