One of the biggest challenges beginners face isn't a lack of ability. It's that so many lessons assume you already understand concepts you've never actually been taught.

An instructor starts talking about lowering your E's, raising your first string, playing with the pedals down, dominant 7ths, chromatic scales, the Nashville Number System, and intervals as though those ideas are second nature.

For someone who has spent years playing guitar, piano, or another instrument, some of the musical concepts may already be familiar. But the language of the pedal steel guitar is an entirely different world. Terms and phrases that experienced steel players use every day aren't common knowledge, even for musicians with decades of experience.

Meanwhile, you're still trying to figure out how to assemble your pedal steel guitar, connect your volume pedal and amplifier, tune the instrument, and simply get comfortable sitting behind it. Before you've even had a chance to understand the basics, the lesson has already moved on to concepts that feel completely out of reach.

When that happens, it's easy to assume you're the one who's behind.

You start wondering if everyone else understands something you don't. Instead of asking, you quietly move on, hoping it will eventually make sense. Over time, that feeling can become discouraging enough to make you wonder if maybe the pedal steel just isn't for you.

That's not fair to a new student.

The truth is, I've met plenty of experienced pedal steel players who have been playing for years and still have gaps in their understanding because they learned the same way. Somewhere along the line, they were too embarrassed to ask what felt like a "simple" question. In reality, those questions weren't simple at all. They were foundational concepts that no one had ever taken the time to explain clearly. In many cases, those gaps could have been filled with just a few minutes of thoughtful instruction.

That's exactly why I built this course differently.

There are thousands of incredible pedal steel guitar players. But being a great player doesn't automatically make someone a great teacher.

My goal isn't to impress you with what I can play. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of videos of me playing the pedal steel all over the internet, which is probably what brought you here in the first place. If you've spent any time watching my videos, you've already seen me perform. You've heard my tone, seen my style, and gotten a glimpse of what I'm capable of as a player.

This course isn't about proving my ability. It's about helping you discover yours.

My mission is simple: to make the pedal steel guitar accessible to anyone who has ever dreamed of playing it.

For decades, the pedal steel has carried a reputation for being one of the most intimidating instruments in the world. Too many people have been told they need to master standard guitar first, have years of musical experience, or simply accept that the steel guitar is "too hard." I don't believe any of that.

I believe the right teacher can make all the difference.

That's why I've spent years developing a step-by-step teaching method designed specifically for beginners. I don't assume you know music theory. I don't assume you've played another instrument. I don't assume you've ever sat behind a pedal steel guitar before. Every lesson builds on the last in a logical progression, so you're never left wondering what to learn next or why something works. My goal isn't to have you memorize songs. It's to help you truly understand the instrument so you can eventually play the music you want to play.

Along the way, you'll benefit from my real-world experience as a professional pedal steel guitarist. I've had the privilege of performing on legendary stages such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, Stagecoach Festival, and Billy Bob's Texas, recording on Billboard No. 1 albums, and working in professional studio and live-performance environments. Those experiences have taught me not only how to play the instrument, but how to use it musically in real-world situations. That's the perspective I bring to every lesson.

Most importantly, I haven't forgotten what it felt like to be a beginner. I know how overwhelming the pedal steel can seem when you're first sitting behind it. My goal is to remove that intimidation, simplify the learning process, and give you the confidence to make steady progress, one lesson at a time.

When you enroll, you're not just getting a collection of videos. You're joining a course built around one purpose: helping more people learn, enjoy, and preserve one of the most beautiful instruments ever created.

I truly believe that if you have the desire to learn, you can learn to play the pedal steel guitar.

My job is to show you how.

I currently offer two separate steel guitar courses: the Beginner Course and Song Tutorials.

These can be bundled together in our All Access plan

The Beginner Course and Song Tutorials are separate, subscription-based products that can be bundled together. Here are the following prices:

Beginner Course: $39 per month or $349 per year

Song Tutorials $49 per month or $449 per year

Yes, you can cancel your enrollment in a course at any time through your Billing settings. Please note, however, that all prior subscription payments, including renewals, are non-refundable, as highlighted in our Terms of Service. Additionally, if you choose to delete your account, you will lose immediate access to all courses you are currently enrolled in.

When you sign up for a course, you will be asked to create a password with the email address you entered. Afterwards, an account will be created for you and instructions emailed to you. You may login through the website by clicking "Login" in the top right corner of of your computer, tablet, or mobile device. To log in and see the course materials, just use your email and password. If you have trouble logging in, you can reset your password.

If you're using a phone or tablet, look for the menu in the top right corner. It looks like three small lines stacked on top of each other (called a "hamburger" menu). Tap that to see more options.

Each lesson is a pre-recorded high quality video that you can watch at your own pace on your own time. That means you can learn anytime you want! In addition to the videos, you will have detailed text documents related to topics on music theory, as well as quizzes to test your knowledge on the lessons you are studying.

In the Beginner Course, you'll establish a solid foundation in pedal steel guitar playing. The course covers essential topics such as instrument setup, tuning, understanding the functions of each pedal and knee lever, and mastering iconic licks.

The Beginner Course is designed for the individual who has never even pulled a pedal steel guitar out of the case. It also serves to fill the gaps that many self-taught steel players encounter. The ultimate goal is to provide you with a firm understanding of your instrument, the fretboard, chords, and common pedal and knee lever positions. By diligently studying and mastering the material in this course, you'll progress to an intermediate level, enabling you to confidently play many of your favorite songs.

Absolutely not.

If you want to learn the pedal steel guitar, don't let anyone convince you that you first need to master guitar, piano, or any other instrument. You also don't need 10+ years of musical experience before you begin.

One of the things that makes this course unique is that I teach as if you know absolutely nothing. I don't assume you already understand music theory or have years of experience. Everything is explained from the ground up in a way that's easy to follow.

Now, if you already play another instrument, you'll probably pick up some concepts a little faster—and that's perfectly normal. But prior musical experience is not a requirement for success.

Every great steel guitarist was once a complete beginner. The only thing you need to get started is the desire to learn.

I will teach the E9 pedal steel guitar. Sometimes called the "E9 Chromatic" tuning. This is the most popular and most common tuning you hear in country music and other genres.

There are a wide variety of brands available both new and used. I recommend you check out Growler Steel Guitars for new and experienced players.

I recommend you get a 10 string pedal steel guitar with 3 pedals and 4 knee levers.

You can begin to play basic chords and simple progressions within the first week of learning.

The pedal steel guitar is known for its steep learning curve due to its unique combination of fretting and intricate pedal and knee lever techniques. While progress varies from person to person, if you practice consistently and remain committed, many students can reach an intermediate level within approximately 6 to 12 months.

If you are a more experienced player, the Song Tutorials course is perfect for learning new material.

If you have previous experience with music, you will be at an advantage when learning steel guitar. I was a piano player for 12 years before I started playing steel guitar. Even today, I think in terms of the piano when I play the steel guitar.

It will definitely help if you understand basic music theory, but you do not need to have any previous music experience for the Beginner Course. While the course will offer some in-depth understanding of music theory, it is recommended that you study other online sources if you are completely brand new to learning music to maximize your understanding.

For those subscribing to Song Tutorials, an intermediate skill level is required to successfully learn the material.

Currently, all of our courses are specifically designed for the E9 pedal steel guitar. It is not intended for lap steel guitar players.

If you have already paid for an annual subscription and wish to switch to a monthly plan, you may do so at any time through the billing section of your account settings. Upon switching, you will receive a prorated credit for the unused portion of your current annual subscription, which will be applied towards your monthly plan. Once the credit has been fully utilized, you will be charged the standard monthly subscription rate. Please note that partial refunds for unused portions of the yearly membership are not available.

As long as you are enrolled, you may go over lessons as many times as you need! In fact, I encourage you to do so!

You can reach out to me directly by emailing freeman@freemanarthur.com