question about lap steel

Eric Davidson · From: Kentucky, USA

I want to learn to play country lap steel. I know little about the instrument so I am wondering, if I want to play a classic country sort of style like buddy emmons, don helms or the guy that plays with Hank III etc. (even though they may have only played pedal, you get the idea.) Which tuning is that, C6? E9? Both? can any lap steel be tuned either way? Does number of strings matter? I apologize for my lack of knowledge but I dont know anyone who plays steel and want to learn.

Billy Tonnesen · From: R.I.P., Buena Park, California

You're not going to be able to play on a 6-String lap Steel like what you hear some of the one's you mention in their early non-pedal years. Get at least a two necked 8-string consule. Try to find someone to mentor or teach you where you want to go.
What part of the World are you locsted in ?

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

The "guy that plays with Hank III" is Kayton Roberts, who traveled with Hank Snow for many years.

If you are going to use one single six-string tuning for 40's and 50's country, you will probably gravitate to C6 as Jerry Byrd used. He played on some of Hank I's recordings (the ones were Don Helms didn't), and was able to find all the notes that anyone would ever need.

If you continue in this vein you will probably want double-eight guitar with some combination of 6th and 13th tunings. This is oversimplified, but a 13th tuning typically adds a 6th in the treble part of the chord and a 7th in the bass part of the chord.

Typical choices are C6, A6, E13 -- but there are lots of other options. Good luck on your quest.

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

A good lap steel, even just a six string with a C6 tuning will makes lots of good music, without breakin the bank, then down the road if your still motivated you can consider a double neck.

Eric Davidson · From: Kentucky, USA

wow, thanks everyone there's a lot of information to get started with. Ive done a lot of reading on line but havent found anyone yet in Lexington that knows a lot about steel so I appreciate the forum and being able to talk to steel players.

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I'd sure like to play like Buddy Emmons, Don Helms or Klayton Roberts. Been trying since 1942. Anyone know the secret ?
Laughing

Mark Roeder · From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Altough an 8-string non pedal would be what was used on Don Helms' playing with Hank, you could do alot of what he does with a 6-string in the E6 tuning with that G# on top. I've seen some how-to CDs on Don Helms on the forum to help you get started. Alot of classic licks to be learned from Don.
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D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

Eric, if you look at the top six strings of Don Helms E13th (as Mark R suggests) you will find that it's the same intervals as C6 but 4 frets higher.

1st string....mi....E....G#
2nd string....do....C....E
3rd string....la....A....C#
4th string....sol...G....B
5th string....mi....E....G#
6th string....do....C....E
7th string....x.....x....D
8th string....x.....x....B

Mark Roeder · From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Yes the lessons learned in C6 and the E6 are interchangable. The only thing that you may consider is that if you play the Don Helms stuff in C6 you are way up in the high stuff, that makes it harder to be accurate. He played pretty high to begin with and you would be two steps higher in the small frets.
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Ulric Utsi-Åhlin · From: Sweden

George,I´m beginning to fear there is no specific
secret...and that´s no comfort...McUtsi

Charley Wilder · From: Dover, New Hampshire, USA

I'm interested in the E6 tuning. Is there a commercial set available or if not could you give me some gauges? (and wound or unwound where they could be either) Thanks,
Charley

Benjamin Franz · From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Hey Charley,

http://www.scottysmusic.com/nonpedsets.htm

the 6 string E13 set is third from the bottom.

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

Eric Davidson · From: Kentucky, USA

Does anyone have a type of guitar thats great for a beginner? Or better yet one that I should just stay away from? What about Gretsch? I ask because I actually saw one in a store here. I'll probably begin with a six string as a lot of you all have suggested. And again Thanks so much!

Charley Wilder · From: Dover, New Hampshire, USA

Thanks, Ben and Doug!

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

Peter Lindelauf · From: Penticton, BC

Here's another lap steel recommendation. I started out with a Chinese Recording King. Fair to middling quality and planning to give it to my kid so he can try Death Metal slide guitar. (I think they make the strings from recycled chicken-wire.) On the other hand, Tremblay guitars are made in Quebec. Bought this walnut one for about $250 on EBay. You can find his guitars in the $150 to $250 range. Excellent quality.

http://www.tremblayguitars.com/ebay/ls6m019.html

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...but you are the music / while the music lasts (TS Eliot)

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

Peter, do you have a better link for the Tremblay steel guitar. It looks very interesting!

Peter Lindelauf · From: Penticton, BC

Here's his seller's profile on eBay (Tremblay Guitars). Doesn't have any lap steels listed right now but you can contact him if interested. Nice guy and very helpful.

http://myworld.ebay.ca/huguitar/
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...but you are the music / while the music lasts (TS Eliot)

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