First time lap steel player.

David Hughes · Post by **David Hughes** » 4 Nov 2011 5:58 am

Steve, for the price I thought it was pretty decent as well for the price, I will tune it as you said, I am not even going to try anything on it until I get a tuner and get it tuned properly! Also when I have to re-string it what wire/brand would be the best to use? Thanks again, Dave

Mitch Crane · Post by **Mitch Crane** » 4 Nov 2011 8:15 am

These are a good C6 set, and also helps support the forum.

http://www.steelguitarshopper.com/produ ... wound.html

Tom Baylis · Post by **Tom Baylis** » 4 Nov 2011 2:42 pm

For what it's worth (2 cents, more or less), I recommend choosing one tuning and sticking with it, at least for a while until you get comfortable with it. You'll slowly but surely get used to where to find notes, chord shapes and patterns.

Then once you gain some level of familiarity and comfort, stepping out and trying other tunings can be a real benefit.

I learned a lot from the Cindy Cashdollar and Bob Brozman instruction DVD's, it really helped me to visualize what's going on versus just using my ears.

I agree that C6 is a great tuning to start with, you can do a lot with it. Depending on what type of music you like and want to play, there are plenty of options. I like open E for a lot of stuff, and I've also dabbled with D, G and E7 or E9 too. Regardless, I think you'll gain more starting traction if you stick with one for a while.

You've also opened up a huge can of worms here

, as there are a lot of string gauge variables with various tunings. Here's a handy starter chart for you: http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/graphics/p ... _chart.pdf

Two other very important things to consider:

1. Practice daily, at least a little bit
2. Have fun!

David Hughes · Post by **David Hughes** » 4 Nov 2011 5:47 pm

I appreciate all the feedback, I am planning on sticking to C6 to learn and I have a couple instructional DVD's coming, along with a Korg pedal tuner!

Steve Ahola · Post by **Steve Ahola** » 5 Nov 2011 3:54 pm

David: Your RJL should work great for C6. As I signed for the package from UPS I was wondering why the hell I bought another lap steel- do I really need it???

After playing it awhile I decided that I definitely do need it because none of my 6 string lap steels do open E bottleneck-style blues that well. I like how the strings are fairly high and the neck is hardly any wider than the fretboard (like my square neck dobro). The smooth sides of the neck work great for me because I like to be able to put my left ring finger on the side of the neck, as an anchor and to gauge my position on the higher frets.

My playing technique for open E bottleneck tuning is quite different from how I play C6. Considerably more violent as I slash and beat on the poor thing, strangling the strings as push them down- almost to the fretboard. The Rogue Jersey Lightning can take this abuse- and ask for more!

But I am sure that it can be also played with more finesse and I know that you will have fun with yours!

Steve

David Hughes · Post by **David Hughes** » 14 Nov 2011 8:31 pm

Well I finally got my Mel Bay C6 Lap steel guitar DVD and watched it and I was doing it all wrong! lol I was picking up the slide, now that I know you are suppose to block with your right hand it's kinda tricky just have to get use to it! I was going to comment it's kind of difficult as there is a knob right in the way of your hand!!! I have not looked yet but if there is enough room I might move it beside the other knob so I have room for my big paw!!

Other than that I really enjoy picking on it, does anyone have any easy, easy songs that I could play I have looked on Youtube and there are some lessons but mainly for pedal steel.