FREE Instruction & Articles
No. 1 – The Buddy Emmons’ Toy Box (Interview)
In the 1980s, I interviewed Buddy about his effects pedals. After misplacing the tape, I recently found it again. The interview features Buddy demonstrating a few of the pedals he used in recording and possibly live shows. He surely added more in the following years. Enjoy his insights and listen to a few tunes he created with these effects.
Note: The interview begins with a dramatic “showcasing” of Buddy’s use of effects on his recording of “Witches Brew, from his album, “Emmons Guitar Company” recorded in 1969. Listen to it and be prepared for the interview that follows. …Tom
No. 2 – Chord Construction For The Pedal Steel Guitarist
In the 1960s I wrote an instructional paper on chord construction, specifically for steel guitarists. Recently, I vastly updated it, adding tablature and audio files. It is now a heady instructional course, but if you read and study it faithfully, you just might become the next Mozart of the steel guitar.
My updated version now includes an introduction (with pictures) and the history of how the steel guitar became a chord-producing instrument through the efforts of many notable innovators. …Tom
No. 3 – Tuning Tips & Topics
This essay is the most extensive ever written about tuning a pedal steel guitar. Besides that subject, you will get over 70 years of my experiences trying to understand and solve many other problems we all confront while enjoying our instrument: that includes 32 additional topics that all steelers should know about. And while learning all of this, you will be entertained by the music from many of steel’s greatest players.
So prepare yourself for my challenge to learn some tuning history and be entertained while you do. …Tom
No. 4 – Pedal Steel Guitar Products Catalog 1996
When this 100-page catalog was published in 1996, many felt it was more of a book than a catalog because it was filled with mini biographies and other information about our instrument’s foremost players. It also included the best musical recordings by those players up to that time. Also listed in it were the worthiest instructional materials then available. This information is from a time that I call “The Golden Age of the Steel Guitar.”
No. 5 – Internet Steel Guitar Clubs, Chat Groups & Associations
I’ve collected Internet sites for groups of steelers who share information about their common interest, the steel guitar. They exist as Internet chat groups or are localized groups of steel players who have get-togethers for jam sessions or have group-study meetings. Take the time to check them out and contact them at their email address or website.
Anyone who knows of other such groups, please send me their contact information and I’ll add them to this list.
Any member of these groups who would like to provide a description of their group in 100 words or less, please provide me with that information and I will add it to your group’s title listing. Likewise, if any group disbands, let me know so I can delete it. …Tom
No. 6 – Internet Instructors
The following are individuals or Internet websites that offer mail order teaching aids or individualized online instruction. Before making contact, review their web sites (if they have a site listed) to learn what services they offer. Even though the sites are legitimate for the various instructors and identified sites, for reasons unknown not all will open with the addresses shown. If that happens, try using the instructor’s name for accessing their Internet location. I encourage all readers to send me additions and corrections to this list. …Tom
Mickey Adams: www.adamsamerica.com
Alan Akaka: www.kekulamele.com/
Dave Anderson: https://www.onlinelessonvideos.com/Dave-Anderson/
Mike Archer: ymarcher@embarqmail.com
Doug Beaumier: http://playsteelguitar.com – doug@valinet.com
George Boards – www.georgeboards.com – george@georgeboards.com
Troy Brenningmeyer: www.LessonsWithTroy.com
Brad’s Page: www.well.com/~wellvis/books.html
Patrick Brenner’s “Steel Guitar Academy”: http://steelguitaramerica.com/instruction/tuning/tuninghistory.shtml
Al Brisco: http://www.steelguitarscanada.com/online-store/al-brisco/
Lionel Duhaupas – http://www.lionelduhaupas.com/pedal-steel-guitar/
Mat Davallet: http://pedalsteel.fr – budymat@gmail.com
John Davis: http://www.pedalsteelguitar.co.uk/ – jd@pedalsteelguitar.co.uk
Topics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedal_steel_guitar
Jonathon Gregg: http://www.howcast.com/guides/1096-how-to-play-the-pedal-steel-guitar/
And, there’s more to come…
PEDAL STEEL WORKSHOP by Tom Bradshaw
All the “Workshop” columns I wrote and published in Guitar Player magazine will be available for you to read and/or download. There are over 100 pages to read and review. In addition, I’ve added my recollections of the stories “behind the stories” of the Workshop articles and interviews of many prominent players including Speedy West, Maurice Anderson, Curly Chalker, Buddy Emmons and many more. [Remember, this is not yet available!]
PUSHIN’ PEDALS by Paul Graupp.
Paul was one of the pioneer writers of steel’s advent of pedals. His articles, instruction and many interviews of prominent steelers of the day were published in Fretts magazine in the 1960s. I’ve preserved them for all to read. [Remember, this is not yet available!]
Chord Progression Studies – Text, Tablature & Music
This instruction course was written in the 1970s by Fred Layman. Jeff Newman provided the instrumental demonstrations, while I produced the complete package. It is a study in the understanding and duplication of chord movements on the E9th copedent. The chords covered include the major, minor, augmented and diminished. By understanding the principles of harmony (ably taught by Fred and duplicated by Jeff), you will discover how to work out melodies and harmonies used in most tunes you choose to play. It will be here at some future time and be free to read, study and/or download.
Tom Cattin’ – Tablature and Music
Tom Brumley’s great instrumental recording will be available for downloading of the music and tablature.
Steel Guitar World magazine
All 42 issues of this magazine that was published beginning in 1977 will be provided for reading and/or downloading. Russell Rask tried to continue my efforts in publishing a magazine for steel guitarists. He outlasted me and left a wonderful legacy for all of us to enjoy. Each issue averages 50 pages.
…and there will be other items for inclusion here, so check back occasionally. …Tom
