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Learn.
Something for everyone.
Regardless of skill level.
Multi-Camera Video Lessons
TABs and Document PDFs
Audio Backing Tracks
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JUST GETTING STARTED?
Paul de-mystifies the pedal steel by breaking down concepts into easily learned lessons and gets you playing the right way, right away. No bad habits, nothing to unlearn! -
BEEN PLAYING FOR YEARS?
Check out Paul’s advanced lessons on chords, theory and improvisation. Learn the essential exercises and techniques he uses in his practice routine. -
WONDERING WHAT TO LEARN NEXT?
If you’ve been playing a while and are stuck in a rut, let Paul guide you past the plateaus and help you break through to the next level. -
IN THE MOOD TO LEARN OR PRACTICE?
All you need is internet access and a computer or mobile device and you can start learning – at home or on the go. -
NEED A VIRTUAL PERSONAL TUTOR?
With great camera angles, TABs and step-by-step instruction, it’s like having Paul sit across from you in a one-on-one lesson. -
LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR TONE?
Paul covers the techniques and gear he uses and can help you dial up great tone no matter what amps/gear you are using. -
NEED MORE LICKS?
Paul breaks down some of his classic recorded parts and shows you alternate versions…and how to create your own! -
WANT TO KNOW MORE ON CHORDS? SCALES?
Let us know what you’d like Paul to cover, whether it’s new content or a more in-depth look at an existing lesson, and we’ll add it to the list of future videos.
About Paul Franklin
Paul Franklin began playing steel guitar at age 8. Taking lessons from a Hawaiian guitar master, he quickly progressed and when pedal steel guitars came about, he got one immediately.
Paul was already gigging in local clubs at 11, and a member of the Musician’s Union. Soon calls came to the house asking for a pedal steel player for sessions in the thriving local music scene.
Not only were Pop, Motown and Jazz popular, but the “Hillbilly Highway” of Southerners heading North to build cars fueled a burgeoning Country music scene.
Paul got his first taste of national success as a teenager on Gallery’s “It’s So Nice To Be With You”, a #1 hit single. He also guested on Parliament’s “Country Boy” track and worked with Motown producer Dennis Coffey (of instrumental hit “Scorpio” fame).
The pedal steel was being embraced by Country music, and Nashville was the place for this young prodigy to be, so he headed to Tennessee as a senior in high school to join Barbara Mandrell’s band at the invitation of her father, Irby. He also toured with Dottie West, Lynn Anderson, and Donna Fargo.
Session steeler Pete Drake hired Paul to play on jingles and a few recordings. Franklin joined Jerry Reed’s band and recorded solo albums of original pedal steel instrumentals and Jazz standards. A long stint with Mel Tillis’ Statesiders playing classic country and honky-tonk with an excellent road band was next.
After leaving Tillis, his studio career took off and he was featured in many of the albums of the 1980’s-2000s. In 1991 he took a call from Mark Knopfler that led to playing on The Notting Hillbillies album and eventually with Dire Straits, touring the world and recording On Every Street with them.
In recent years, besides his busy studio schedule, Franklin is a member of Vince Gill’s touring band and holds down the pedal steel seat with the Time Jumpers who showcase Western Swing and classic Country every Monday night at a local Nashville club.