I am a photoshop beginner trying to learn a little.

http://www.tutorial9.net/photoshop/colorfu...ng-text-effect/

I am following the above tutorial to create a text effect. I am stuck in step 3 and 4. When I create a layer above the type layer and fill it with gradient tool, the text disappears.

In step 4, I am not able to select the type layer and gradient layer and copy paste the selection.

What should I Do?

That's because you are not using a White to Transparent gradient. See image below:





Just Ctrl + Click above your text layer on the thumbnail view (see image):



Then, on the thumbnail view select your gradient layer (just single click on it), and then, with your text selected and the gradient layer too, just use Ctrl + J on your keyboard to duplicate the layer you are in.

I hope it works now, but don't hesitate to ask again if you need it