Does anyone play steel and sing at the same time?

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 24 Mar 2018 3:40 am

I found that using a wireless headset help a lot. At lease you did not have to think about leaning into a mic. Still a challenge do do both well. IMHO

Josh Yenne · Post by **Josh Yenne** » 24 Mar 2018 9:58 am

Yes I do all the time. Just keep it simple and you’ll be fine

Steve Spitz · Post by **Steve Spitz** » 24 Mar 2018 6:22 pm

I did, until they asked me to stop.

Jeffery Self · Post by **Jeffery Self** » 24 Mar 2018 8:17 pm

The Big E comes to mind, singing "four five times" at Church Street Station in Orlando.

Stuart Constable · Post by **Stuart Constable** » 25 Mar 2018 4:17 am

Somewhere on you tube you will find Sarah Jory singing while playing, breaking a string and changing it while still belting out the song, tuning up and playing again in time for the end!!! Top marks all round!

P.S. l am very proud to own her old Sho Bud LDG.

Steve French · Post by **Steve French** » 28 Mar 2018 12:52 pm

I’ve been singing at the steel for many years. It never seemed particularly difficult to me. Understand I’m not playing anything challenging while singing, more like a guitar player comping simple chords while singing. With most simple songs you don’t even have to move the bar much, just use the right grips, levers and pedals to get some simple triads.

I do find it much harder on the C neck. On E9,with my hands farther out, I can see just enough of the fretboard to stay oriented. But I can’t see the C neck when I lean into the mic…

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 28 Mar 2018 1:00 pm

Carl Mesrobian · Post by **Carl Mesrobian** » 28 Mar 2018 3:02 pm

I'd say wireless, too, but haven't done it. Busy enough hitting notes..

Tim Herman · Post by **Tim Herman** » 29 Mar 2018 4:42 am

I posted this on another thread as well. Used to front the band from behind a steel and guitar. These days I'm a dedicated sideman. Still do harmonies when needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_PBmKi3xak

Ian Rae · Post by **Ian Rae** » 29 Mar 2018 4:48 am

I play steel and curse at the same time - does that count?

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 31 Mar 2018 11:13 am

Ronnie Miller sings harmonies with Charlie Pride and Arty Passes sings with Kevin Fowler...

Waymond McGee · Post by **Waymond McGee** » 1 Apr 2018 5:28 am

I do play and sing but as others have stated I will sing a line then play a small part between verses. Years ago I went to see Pee Wee Whitewing and the Other Brothers at a club in Lafayette, La. and for what ever reason the lead singer was 30 min. late getting to the gig so Pee Wee kicked off some Merle Haggard and was singing and playing like it was part of their regular set. And that was the night I heard the Brothers play Panama Red by the New Riders of the Purple Sage. My gosh Pee Wee was playing those Buddy Cage licks and playing them hot. Some nights your just at the right place at the right time.

George Duncan Sypert · Post by **George Duncan Sypert** » 1 Apr 2018 8:54 pm

Well I was surprised and honored to be mentioned in this group. Don't know how well it turns out to do both at the same time but I have been doing it for at least 50 years or more. Thanks Ken P. for the mention. Sometimes it is a bit of a challenge.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Does anyone play steel and sing at the same time?

Does anyone play steel and sing at the same time?

singing and playing steel