Archive: How do the greats become so great?

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How do the greats become so great? (Page 2)

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Author	Topic: How do the greats become so great?
Jim Bob Sedgwick Member Posts: 1234 From: Clinton, Missouri USA Registered: JAN 99	posted 18 January 2002 06:27 PM I've found that playing with musicians that are better than I am, helps my creativity and gives a jump start to improving. BE said something similar on the liner notes of his Bob Wills singing album. Buddy also stated that he had been practicing 4 to 6 hours daily for many many years. Now THAT's Persistence. JMO
Bill Hankey Member Posts: 1680 From: Pittsfield, MA, USA Registered: APR 2001	posted 19 January 2002 01:09 AM Lem S., While in the process of relating to one another, steel guitarists have similar tendencies of the national weathermen. That is to say, that some are vague, while others are inclined to overstate. We have a coined phrase here in New England, with emphasis on the unpredicted forecasts that have the greatest impact, before weathermen have a clue. These are traits found in the steel guitar developmental process. Silence can be the most devastating of all, in the making of a great steel guitarist. The term "woodshed" says it all. Bill Hankey [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 19 January 2002 at 04:36 AM.]
Dirk B Member Posts: 454 From: Columbia, MO, USA Registered: SEP 98	posted 19 January 2002 10:52 AM I'm sorry to have been away from the Forum since Ricky added his post -- glad someone like him agrees with me! I meant the same thing you mean by "persistence" when I said "determination."
Cal Sharp Member Posts: 731 From: Gnashville Registered:	posted 19 January 2002 02:35 PM I don't think anybody's mentioned LUCK. Yeah, I know, "you make your own luck", but were you lucky enough to have a Dad who started you out on steel as a child, like Buddy and Paul? Were you lucky enough to live somewhere where there were good musicians who would take the time to help you along? Were you fortunate enough to have any good teachers? No matter how much natural talent you may have, it's not likely to come to full fruition unless you get a good early start, and you can't pick your parents or your hometown. C#
Ron Shepard Member Posts: 144 From: Easthampton, MA, USA Registered: DEC 99	posted 19 January 2002 03:42 PM Bill, I've always thought it comes from the heart first. Without that a player could not progress to higher level. The greats have that heart.
Bill Hankey Member Posts: 1680 From: Pittsfield, MA, USA Registered: APR 2001	posted 20 January 2002 06:49 AM Ron S. I've heard about your dedicated practice sessions, and the amazing progress you've made. Your home is near the Northampton area where hundreds of national entertainers visit each year. It is by far the variety center for every musically oriented person seeking to observe at close range, great artists, with a lifetime of accomplishments. The steel guitarists, usually featured in visiting bands, have been seen on numerous occasions. These visits provide the additional incentive, that could prove to be helpful in maintaining a vigorous approach to overcoming difficult aspects of steel guitar developmental stages. Wear out your picks, pedals, and strings! The more you care, the more you wear! Thanks for your input. Keep up the good work. Bill H.
RON PRESTON Member Posts: 742 From: Dodson, Louisiana, USA Registered: FEB 2001	posted 20 January 2002 08:35 AM Jonny Carson ask Joe Cocker once on his show, "Joe, why are you still on top, and most of the other "GREAT BANDS" have faded out"? Joe simply replied...(and I LOVE IT) "I am not the worlds greatest musician, I just mean it"! That has always stuck with me through the years. Sacrifice, IMHO, has a lot to do with it, I belive also.
Bill Ford Member Posts: 1724 From: Graniteville SC Aiken Registered: DEC 99	posted 20 January 2002 06:47 PM Bob G. Has a good point,when I was playing on a regular weekend gig,I found that the more I played the better I was,wheather it's play time or practice time you still exersise and try new things and when you do practice you remember your mistakes and correct them. I also agree with natural talent,musical family,and practice.Also it helps to be lucky enough to land a playing job you can make a living at. Bill
Bill Hankey Member Posts: 1680 From: Pittsfield, MA, USA Registered: APR 2001	posted 21 January 2002 10:05 AM I'm beginning to believe that steel guitarists who have a good handle on the steel, should refrain from spending interminable hours trying to work their way up the ladder of accomplishments, by obtaining the most advanced methods either in written material, or attending a seminar that points out difficult techniques. Go predetermined, that you will not take no for an answer. The solution to flying with eagles, is to go visit those heights, and don't give in to seemingly arduous tasks, by looking for early results in the upper echelon division. Try to keep in mind that the greats of steel guitar are just as prone to error, as all others in the human race. There is a need to rekindle the confidence, that will drive out any hidden intimidation, that may be blocking progress in reaching designated goals. Try to identify one's most proficient style, go with it, and never look back. Bill H. [This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 22 January 2002 at 06:48 AM.]
Phil Coontz Member Posts: 6 From: Branson, MO, USA Registered: JUL 2001	posted 21 January 2002 10:19 PM Many,many years of six and seven nite a week beer joint jobs.A whole lotta gittin afterit. Keep diggin you'll git yer hole dug... Phil.
Bill Hankey Member Posts: 1680 From: Pittsfield, MA, USA Registered: APR 2001	posted 22 January 2002 07:19 AM Phil C. The last hole that was dug, took place in Alaska, when the steel guitarist who gave up playing after 6 years on the road, to pan for gold in Alaska. He buried his steel guitar deep, and placed a tombstone inscribed, "Here lies the heart of" of which he added his name. Perhaps someone on the forum knows his name. I read the account in a hard cover book over 15 years ago. The book was written solely about the eariest modes or techniques, to most modern steel guitar developments. I wish there was some way to check on the rest of the story. Bill H.

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