lap steel guitar

[Tonebitch]

I recently purchased a lap steel guitar and have been trying different tunings and just trying to teach my self the best I can. I'm still can't seem to get a hold on it, does any one have any tips or tricks, or ideas of what books, or dvds I could pick up to help me learn this thing.

[puckhead]

Pick an open tuning (mine is in E), and aim for the dots!

Spend some time sliding into each note, and stopping the correct pitch.
Once you are at the correct pitch, you can control your vibrato from there.
That was a big first step for me, anyways.
Made everything sound better when I was aiming for precise notes instead of approximating.

good luck, have fun!

[Neer]

I have a blog called Lap Steelin' http://www.lapsteelin.com
Check it out, you might find some helpful tips. I also have an online store selling my own instructional material: http://www.steelinfromthemasters.com

My advice to you would be to try to get a footing by learning to play a traditional steel guitar tuning, such as C6. If you are coming from a guitar background, it will seem like a foreign language, but any kind of music can be played with this tuning and there is a lot of instructional material available. Resist the urge to think like a guitarist if you are serious about learning--if you don't, you will more than likely end up playing slide guitar with it.

[Neer]

Almost forgot--the single most important thing you can do to help you learn is to visit the Steel Guitar Forum. That is a repository of the most information on the steel guitar anywhere in the world. Players of all genres, every level, every decade--it wouldn't have been possible for me to become the player I am and what I strive to be without it.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/index.php

[Dashface]

I bought a lap steel specifically because I am in a Floyd tribute act and therefore had to learn to play one. I have to say, there is lots of incentive to get good quick when you have theater gigs booked and you know you're playing songs with lap steel in 'em at the show

Without that kind of incentive I'd still recommend a bit o' the Floyd. Why? Because nothing will get you enjoying it more than to rock over a One Of These Days backing track - just work on building your pentatonic chops before you go further.

Enjoy the lap steel - that stuff can be a real riot

[lonejackrd]

There is a lot of good dobro instruction (try Lessonswithtroy.com) that will give you bar control, tilting, etc. YOu can also steel the tunings. Most PF is probably in open E Learn to "pick block" by muting notes after you hit them by either slightly lifting the bar or damping with your right hand. Getting control of this technique is the biggest thing that separates casual playing from quality playing.

[Hoos]

Hi,
Anyone know where I can find a schematic for a 1951 National New Yorker Lap Steel? I have one but someone messed up the wiring etc. So I need to re-wire it properly.

Thanks for the help!

Hoos

[bigdaddy]

These are great for a beginner: http://www.freewebs.com/groovymusicl...steeldobro.htm

Also google GeorgeBoards. George's Lap Steel Guitar 101 is another good place to start.

I agree with Mr. Neer about C6, especially if you are listening to any "traditional" steel music.

That said, I would add technique, technique, technique. Practice palm and pick muting, this is the hardest part, IMHO.

Also, use your ear. There are lots of albums out there that have moved into the public domain and are available to download on blogs. Google "Cecil Campbell", "Jerry Byrd" or "Jackie Phelps.

[Hulakatt]

Originally Posted by Hoos

Hi,
Anyone know where I can find a schematic for a 1951 National New Yorker Lap Steel? I have one but someone messed up the wiring etc. So I need to re-wire it properly.

Thanks for the help!

Hoos

Try asking in the Technical Section. I'm not familier with that lap steel but most of them really aren't too complicated, most are simple volume and tone controls for 1 pickup and info for that can be found on Acme's website as well as Seymour Duncan's website.

[Sweetfinger]

Originally Posted by Hoos

Hi,
Anyone know where I can find a schematic for a 1951 National New Yorker Lap Steel? I have one but someone messed up the wiring etc. So I need to re-wire it properly.

Thanks for the help!

Hoos

That's one of those instances where you'd be better off wiring it with a more conventional circuit. The original is very limiting as it has a 3 setting tone switch, which only seems to sound good and usable in the middle position and makes traditional tone swells impossible.