I used the "help" section on photoshop and while it shows how to do it, I can't get it to work. I apply the gradient as stated, then it just covers the text and the entire background. Any tips?

Could be that you at the same time has applied a layer of color? If you click on "add layer mask" you can see the effects applied. Remember to uncheck "colour mask" - The graident layer mask should then work.

the way I would do it is this:The text needs to be on its own layer... right click on your text layer in the layers pallet, and choose 'blending options' then click on the 'gradient overlay' option.... from here you can create whichever gradient and whichever colour you would like.
hope this works for you mate.

I use the same method as Deds. It offers the best versatility.

I just wanted to say thanks.I was going to ask how do I outline text but using the advise I found here I figured out how to do it.