Steel licks for the newby!
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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Greg Wisecup
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Steel licks for the newby!
So, to make a long story short I was going to bring this back to Life on YouTube but have changed my mind and will be doing it on Facebook. Stop by and read about it. Here's the link
https://www.facebook.com/share/182HzHM5ee/
Well; a cold snowy day here in Ohio has put my boredom level at an all time high so I decided to try and do something constructive so here goes.
I have spent a lot of time learning licks, steel rides, runs etc. and I've spent MANY hours doing so. "I" learn by watching and listening. I'm not much in to tab, not much theory, self taught, and plenty of time on the bandstand.
If there are green, new, beginners, what ever the correct terminology is; my plan is to help you get off the ground with some very easy licks, some rides, and such and start getting some pleasant sounds out of your guitar. No fancy terminology, no speed picking, no Chinese arithmetic. Just easy explanations to some of the most popular country licks that are immediately recognizable.
I don't claim to be a teacher; just a hack with a nack for being able to learn and explain on a level that someone new can follow.
This first one is very simple to follow. It is one that you may not have heard before but it's a very good one to get started with and you can use it in many places in lots of songs.
It's from the Faron Young song Stop to take the time. Our buddy Cal Sharp is playing the break in the youtube video.
I will continue to post these as long as there is any interest. I hope you enjoy. Let's have some fun!
http://picosong.com/CKV
https://www.facebook.com/share/182HzHM5ee/
Well; a cold snowy day here in Ohio has put my boredom level at an all time high so I decided to try and do something constructive so here goes.
I have spent a lot of time learning licks, steel rides, runs etc. and I've spent MANY hours doing so. "I" learn by watching and listening. I'm not much in to tab, not much theory, self taught, and plenty of time on the bandstand.
If there are green, new, beginners, what ever the correct terminology is; my plan is to help you get off the ground with some very easy licks, some rides, and such and start getting some pleasant sounds out of your guitar. No fancy terminology, no speed picking, no Chinese arithmetic. Just easy explanations to some of the most popular country licks that are immediately recognizable.
I don't claim to be a teacher; just a hack with a nack for being able to learn and explain on a level that someone new can follow.
This first one is very simple to follow. It is one that you may not have heard before but it's a very good one to get started with and you can use it in many places in lots of songs.
It's from the Faron Young song Stop to take the time. Our buddy Cal Sharp is playing the break in the youtube video.
I will continue to post these as long as there is any interest. I hope you enjoy. Let's have some fun!
http://picosong.com/CKV
Last edited by Greg Wisecup on 15 Jan 2026 4:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Larry Baker
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Roger Dillingham
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Steel Rides for Beginners
Hey Greg! I really appreciate someone breaking it down to simple laymen's terms and instructing in a very basic manner for those of us who don't read Tab and don't know a lot about music theory. I think what you're doing is GREAT! Please continue to post anything that you have the patience and time to put out there for us "newbies". I have a lot of experience in country music, but mostly on the six string Tele; only been trying PSG for a little over a year. I can use all the help anyone can throw my way! Thanks again, great job!! Roger

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Robert Murphy
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Greg Wisecup
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Well; I'm really surprised at the response guys and I'm humbled. I'm gonna get back in the office tonight and get another one ready. If you have any suggestions as to how to make it easier let me know. I'm no teacher and I'm not trying to to get in teaching business. I just figured there were others that could use some simplified learning. I'll get you all another one in a day or so. My buddy; the President and CEO of Dickfer Mfg.
(Dick Sexton) has offered to tab these if the interest is high enough. Thanks, Greg
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Robert Murphy
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TAB! I don't find tab inspiring. When I spend hard earned money for my biweekly music lesson I have Ernie talk his way through the lick and play slow and at speed while I record and attempt to play along. You should give yourself credit since you've learned this stuff the hard way it comes across as humble advice given to a friend.
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Greg Wisecup
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Well; here's another one. The ending outro lick to Pick me up on your way down!
http://picosong.com/CTJ
http://picosong.com/CTJ
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Todd Nalley
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i like it !
please keep them coming !ill be playing five years
this is great to have for any level ! of learning.
to learn a new way is aways great if nothing else.
great job GReat!!!!!!!!! Greg thanks

this is great to have for any level ! of learning.
to learn a new way is aways great if nothing else.
great job GReat!!!!!!!!! Greg thanks
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Greg Wisecup
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Greg Wisecup
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Thanks for all of your comments and emails. I appreciate them! I'll keep 'em coming as time allows.
This next one isn't much but it will get you used to using your B&C pedals which you may not be doing much with. The next one coming I'm sure you will enjoy!
Thanks, Greg
oops! http://picosong.com/CaH
This next one isn't much but it will get you used to using your B&C pedals which you may not be doing much with. The next one coming I'm sure you will enjoy!
Thanks, Greg
oops! http://picosong.com/CaH
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Dick Sexton
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For those of you who use tab w/audio files...
Lick #1
1______________________________________3________________________________
2_______________________________________________________________________
3_____________________3B_________3B--3___________________________________
4__________________3__________3____________3___________________3________
5____________3--3A_________3A_________________3A---3______3---3A__________
6______3--3B_________________________________________3B__________________
7____3__________________________________________________________________
8__3____________________________________________________________________
9_______________________________________________________________________
10______________________________________________________________________
1_______________________________________________________________________
2_______________________________________________________________________
3_______________________________________________________________________
4_______________________________________________________________________
5___3A____3A----5----8----8A_______________________________________________
6___3B____3B----5----8----8B_______________________________________________
7_______________________________________________________________________
8_______________________________________________________________________
9_______________________________________________________________________
10______________________________________________________________________
Lick #2-Outro to Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
1_______________________________8______________________________________
2______________________________________________________________________
3__________________________________8--8B____8___8--8B___________________
4____8______________________8 ______________8___8--8____________________
5_____________________8--8A_________________8___8--8A___________________
6_______________8--8B__________________________________________________
7____________8_________________________________________________________
8_________8____________________________________________________________
9______________________________________________________________________
10_____________________________________________________________________
Lick #3-B&C Pedal Lick
1______________________________________________________________________
2______________________________________________________________________
3___5_______5----5B___6B----7B___6B----5B___5~___________________________
4___5_______5----5C___6C----7C___6C----5C___5~___________________________
5_______5___5----5C___6C----7C___6C----5C___5~___________________________
6______________________________________________________________________
7______________________________________________________________________
8______________________________________________________________________
9______________________________________________________________________
10_____________________________________________________________________
1______________________________________3________________________________
2_______________________________________________________________________
3_____________________3B_________3B--3___________________________________
4__________________3__________3____________3___________________3________
5____________3--3A_________3A_________________3A---3______3---3A__________
6______3--3B_________________________________________3B__________________
7____3__________________________________________________________________
8__3____________________________________________________________________
9_______________________________________________________________________
10______________________________________________________________________
1_______________________________________________________________________
2_______________________________________________________________________
3_______________________________________________________________________
4_______________________________________________________________________
5___3A____3A----5----8----8A_______________________________________________
6___3B____3B----5----8----8B_______________________________________________
7_______________________________________________________________________
8_______________________________________________________________________
9_______________________________________________________________________
10______________________________________________________________________
Lick #2-Outro to Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
1_______________________________8______________________________________
2______________________________________________________________________
3__________________________________8--8B____8___8--8B___________________
4____8______________________8 ______________8___8--8____________________
5_____________________8--8A_________________8___8--8A___________________
6_______________8--8B__________________________________________________
7____________8_________________________________________________________
8_________8____________________________________________________________
9______________________________________________________________________
10_____________________________________________________________________
Lick #3-B&C Pedal Lick
1______________________________________________________________________
2______________________________________________________________________
3___5_______5----5B___6B----7B___6B----5B___5~___________________________
4___5_______5----5C___6C----7C___6C----5C___5~___________________________
5_______5___5----5C___6C----7C___6C----5C___5~___________________________
6______________________________________________________________________
7______________________________________________________________________
8______________________________________________________________________
9______________________________________________________________________
10_____________________________________________________________________
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Greg Wisecup
- Posts: 1422
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Ok. I may have short changed you a little on that last one, but I know a lot of don't mess with your B&C pedals too much. Coming up I'll share a few things that uses them that you'll like.
Here's a good ending I borrowed that can be used in many instances, and will be tied to the next lesson that has some B&C in it. Greg
http://picosong.com/CaM
ps: I called that lesson # 3 on the audio. It is actually # 4. Sorry!
Here's a good ending I borrowed that can be used in many instances, and will be tied to the next lesson that has some B&C in it. Greg
http://picosong.com/CaM
ps: I called that lesson # 3 on the audio. It is actually # 4. Sorry!
Last edited by Greg Wisecup on 18 Dec 2010 7:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Dick Sexton
- Posts: 3554
- Joined: 2 Oct 2006 12:01 am
- Location: Greenville, Ohio
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Gregs, Steel Licks For The Newbie
Lick #4….......(8E) = Alternate ending!
1_________________________________________8~~________________________
2_________________________________8~~________________________________
3 _______________________________________________8~~____(8---8)________
4_____________________________________8~~_______8~~____(8E--8)________
5___1-----3-----3A----8____8----8A~~ _________________8~~____(8---8)________
6______________________8----8B~~______________________________________
7____________________________________________________________________
8___1E----3-----3-----8 ____8----8~~~_____________________________________
9____________________________________________________________________
10___________________________________________________________________
1_________________________________________8~~________________________
2_________________________________8~~________________________________
3 _______________________________________________8~~____(8---8)________
4_____________________________________8~~_______8~~____(8E--8)________
5___1-----3-----3A----8____8----8A~~ _________________8~~____(8---8)________
6______________________8----8B~~______________________________________
7____________________________________________________________________
8___1E----3-----3-----8 ____8----8~~~_____________________________________
9____________________________________________________________________
10___________________________________________________________________
Last edited by Dick Sexton on 18 Dec 2010 8:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Carl Kilmer
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Greg and Dick, you fellows are doing a great thing for sure.
Wish I would've had help 2 years ago after my accident, and
I had to relearn from the start after my memory was destroyed.
Between you fellows and Mike Archer, I'm gonna play good again.
Was just thinking, this outro would sound pretty on songs like
Release Me and Storms Never Last. I'll have to try that on them.
Thanks guys, appreciate your taking the time to help others.
Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
Wish I would've had help 2 years ago after my accident, and
I had to relearn from the start after my memory was destroyed.
Between you fellows and Mike Archer, I'm gonna play good again.
Was just thinking, this outro would sound pretty on songs like
Release Me and Storms Never Last. I'll have to try that on them.
Thanks guys, appreciate your taking the time to help others.
Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal
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Greg Wisecup
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Thanks Carl. It will work on many songs and that is what I try to put up. Things that can be used regularly. You are playing great Carl. I heard your last tube. You should be teaching us! Greg
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
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Bob Callaway
- Posts: 191
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Many thanks for sharing these licks with us. I really like the K.I.S.S. method. It works for me!
Bob.
Bob.
Derby D10 Serial No.8 - Derby 10 String Lap Steel
pair Nashville 112s
President of Louisville Metro Steel Guitar Club
Member LMSGC, NTSGA, ASGA, OzarkSGA, PSGA,
www.BobCallaway
pair Nashville 112s
President of Louisville Metro Steel Guitar Club
Member LMSGC, NTSGA, ASGA, OzarkSGA, PSGA,
www.BobCallaway
-
Greg Wisecup
- Posts: 1422
- Joined: 22 Oct 2007 6:55 am
- Location: Troy, Ohio
- State/Province: Ohio
- Country: United States
Thank you Bob and to all of you.
This will probably be the last one till after Christmas. I may sneak another one in there if I get a chance. http://picosong.com/CHn
I apologize for my bouncing around in this one. I did all of these in the same night and it was a little late. (Plus I can throw the "I am not a teacher") disclaimer out there.
Take care friends, Any questions just shoot me an email. Greg
This will probably be the last one till after Christmas. I may sneak another one in there if I get a chance. http://picosong.com/CHn
I apologize for my bouncing around in this one. I did all of these in the same night and it was a little late. (Plus I can throw the "I am not a teacher") disclaimer out there.
Take care friends, Any questions just shoot me an email. Greg
Derby SD-10 4&5 Black!(duh)/
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!
Derby D-10/Steelers Choice/GHS Strings
Goodrich 120/ 2- Katana Boss 100's
Nashville 400/Nux Atlantic/Strobo Stomp HD Boss RV 3
As long as I'm down in the mix I'm Fantastic!