Easiest Way to Learn Pedal Steel

[@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.

[@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!

[@RDSKITEAM]

me too

[@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.

[@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.

[@joebillmoad3436]

Gilroy I am a 68 year old Tele player now learning pedal Steel. You talk my lingo (Thank You) and appreciate your lessons!

[@digital_urn9250]

Such a beautiful instrument. Mom always called it, “the weeping guitar”

[@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.

[@div.4princegeorgebanjo934]

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

[@DandamanV]

You can do it!

[@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 ..

[@tablature6121]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@aaron19840904]

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

[@Docsjeff]

I’ve been playing for a couple years and I ran across a Jeff Newman teaching video that has helped me tremendously. It’s here on KZbin. It was a DVD series w/a book so I don’t have the book,BUT he shows you everything.

[@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.

[@edrangi4973]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Gail-q9z]

❤❤so great😂

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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!

[@reserrvoirman]

Thanks. Having troubles playing my guitar due to arthritis in my hands. Thinking of doing pedal steel. He’ll been trying to imitate steel in my playing for years. That was a great presentation thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@deancampbell8856]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@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.

[@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

[@Nezscape]

So glad I found this. I am 69 trying to learn Lap Steel right now but I want a really a PSG and this is the most helpful video I have seen on PSG. I am in South Korea and music stores here do not carry them. I could order one but they have to import and it would cost just as much as the guitar in shipping and customs charges so I have to try and find one on my visits to the USA

[@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.

[@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.

[@rockn50s78]

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

[@Blando7887]

I love the sound of steel guitar, traditional country sound

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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

[@donf3739]

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

[@matthewdobsson3883]

Easily the most awesome instrument there is. Been playing guitar for 20+ years and have always admired the pedal steel. Gotta snag me one now.

[@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.

[@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.

[@CzBMusic]

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

[@KarenDrost-m8r]

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

[@jerrycordato3489]

Great teaching! Thanks for such good advice and insight!

[@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.

[@mikedavis7733]

Thank you for explaining these lessons in simple form

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

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

[@doncummings3915]

We have a great well known steel player here in Ontario Canada you may know...Al Brisco...my retirement includes learning to play the pedal steel, I play 5 string banjo and dobro so I do have a leg up, and Al is a great fan of our old country rock band, and I am going to hire him to set me up and get me going with intros endings licks, making it fun...

[@brianmarkey3451]

Excellent, love those scales, they are melodies unto themselves! How about a song using those scales, say Take these Chains, by Hank.

[@charlottebartee]

Most helpful video I’ve found yet as a beginner, and good tips at the end!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jameslawson5772]

Easily the best pedal steel guitar instructional video I’ve seen, hands down. Eye opening and informative. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it

[@michaelbarger9094]

Thank you for another great video Gilroy!

[@kellygleason7642]

Awesome vid btw...I'm sure Hwy 40 Blues will take awhile. You explained your approach extremely well. I'd love to hear you let loose!

[@robertnelson2719]

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

[@ericheld4382]

I love that sound.

[@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.

[@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.

[@markmekailian]

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

[@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!!!

[@robertfair1770]

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

[@jerrycordato3489]

Great lesson, great advice; so musical!

[@pitol678]

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

[@812guitars]

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

[@joecook5922]

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

[@msaradio7455]

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

[@evanpachal2672]

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

[@alanmctavish3628]

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

[@joepeterson1003]

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

[@amacf1]

Thanks mate I reckon I've viewed most videos relating to learning PSG. I'm a 72 year old learner and it's easy to be discouraged. Trying to learn has taught me some valuable lessons to which your advice is invaluable. You did it in such a quiet manner and your encouragement at the end was so reassuring. Many videos I see always includes the author adding fast links etc an myself always feeling I will never be able to do that then you find out they got their first PSG at 12 years old. I'm aiming to be able to play melodies nice and slow and you have encouraged me to do just that. I'm actually thinking of making a video of what I have learned and interestingly enough it's much along the lines of what you mentioned but with a few more ideas that I have developed. Interestingly I bought a GFI EXPO 3P 4L and I am extremely happy with it. Once again thank you for the approach you took with this video. You really are onto something with this style. By the way I have subscribed to your channel for quite awhile. Never commented before and this video is worth commenting on. Thanks and greeting From Down Under Alick. Ps. Keep safe.

[@gilroyhollistermusic9199]

Thanks Alick. Learning at 72... it's never too late!

[@Roadhouse783]

Hi Gilroy, that was an eye opener for me. I've startet 2 Year ago with playin the steel and started watching steel lessons on You Tube much earlier. That Video really showed me a bunch of options to Improvise and back up a Song. I would love to see more Lessons like that. These Lessons on You Tube are very essential for student Players like me. Specially when you're a German guy. Cause there are no teachers here for this Instrument. So thank you very much and Kind Regards from a German Steeler /Student. P.S. Sorry for my horrible english :-)

[@gilroyhollistermusic9199]

Thanks. I took your advice and the advice of others and did a video of simple fills to the George Jones song "He Stopped Loving Her Today". Hope that one helps you along your way to becoming a better pedal steel player!

[@tonytotten408]

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

[@ansol68]

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

[@randyfennell3058]

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

[@timwoodall2838]

excellent playing and advice.....thanks

[@scootermc]

As a keyboard player learning the pedal steel, I find your approach and style the easiest to grasp and apply. I've always loved the steel sound, and as a working musician, it seems good steel players are getting harder and harder to find. Thank you for your channel and your encouragement.

[@gilroyhollistermusic9199]

Yea... most steel players are older guys like me! Hope more of you younger guys and girls are attracted to this instrument and keep it alive.

[@knuckle47]

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

[@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.

[@johncheatham4176]

Great advice! Gives me the motivation to keep going!

[@silenuic]

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

[@frankshanahan2850]

You had mentioned in one of your videos that you used one of the boss katana amps and was wondering what were your settings and if you used any other pedals with it. Im 75 and have been playing the guitar but this has always been my dream instrument. Any help is greatly appreciated and don't stop putting out these types of videos. Cheers for now and take care

[@geraldcox2651]

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

[@RANDALLBEGIN-e8n]

A lot of wisdom there. great job thanks

[@jeff0566jsm]

I have the same Boss Amp could you share your exact settings with me please?. Thanks for a great lesson… I will continue too follow you. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL TEACHER! God has Blessed me with you as a teacher, thanks for your patience and for not making things hard to learn, Thanks again, Jeff Mercer

[@gilroyhollister4155]

Left to right: Amp Type: Clean, Gain: very low, Volume: way high, Bass: 4 o'clock, Middle: 1 o'clock, Treble: 12 O'clock, Booster/Mod: None, Delay & Reverb: about 1/4 of each.

[@marions.120]

Makes me want to drive over to Gilroy/Hollister today! You’re only 443 miles away! Great job!✌️🤪🎸🎶🎵

[@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.

[@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!

[@contraryson4690]

best lesson on KZbin