New Video - I WILL ----->

[Doug Beaumier]

I just posted a new video on YouTube... The Beatles tune "I Will". It's been one of my favorite Beatles songs since I first heard it in 1968. I notice that a couple of other steelers have recorded it lately, so I thought I'd take a shot at it! 8-string C6 tuning w/high G. Thanks for checking it out!

---click---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUpqHIAlPrc

[Greg Booth]

Sounds great Doug! Did you make the backing tracks too?

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Greg, yes, I made the backing track. I usually start with "band-in-a-box"... bass & drums only. Then I add (I play) guitar, acoustic and electric, usually about four tracks. Sometimes I add uke. I do a rough mix and then record the steel audio as I record the video.

[Patrick Sullivan]

good job, sir

[Daniel McKee]

Very nice. I usually don't think of Beatles songs as instrumentals but I discovered a cool album a while back of Sonny Curtis playing Beatles hits on flamenco guitar and most of their songs actually sounded kinda interesting with just music. Always look forward to your videos!

[Chuck S. Lettes]

Nice job, Doug. You make that guitar sing!
Chuck

[Rick Barnhart]

I always look forward to your videos. Great job, as usual.

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks for the kind comments. Much appreciated! ☺️🎅

[Andy Volk]

You really showcase what a strong melody that tune has. I so admire your whole approach to the instrument, Doug.

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Andy, I guess I'm a melody guy! I like improv too and speedpicking, etc, but a strong melody is what draws the listener in IMO. Something I've noticed... my most popular videos on YouTube feature single note playing of the melody. Not chord style and not a lot of fills mixed in. Just the single note melody. I always felt like that was copping out because the steel guitar offers so many beautiful harmonies and chord voicings, especially the pedal steel guitar. It's very tempting to play harmonies and full chords throughout the song but I think the single note way really makes a statement and grabs the listener's attention. 🎅

[Bob Stone]

Nice job as always, Doug! Keep 'em coming.

Happy Holidays

[Godfrey Arthur]

As usual appetizing videos, sound and gear candy.

Speaking of Beatles, have you done I'll Follow The Sun?

What guitar was Send Me?

https://youtu.be/GO2Tf8KLJ14


Do you have a clip using palm levers?

Your 40's Epi has a dreamy tone. That you played it (Sleepy Lagoon) on top of your amp I think, must've added to the symphony.

https://youtu.be/11GvfD93l44

[Doug Beaumier]

I love "I'll Follow the Sun". It brings back a lot of memories. The guitar I played on "Send Me the Pillow" was a Rogue Jersey Lightning, an entry level, Asian made lap steel that was on the market a few years ago.

I've never used palm levers but I do have a clip where I use a lot of string pulls (behind the bar) ---> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjKdf9NJl4c

[Jack Hanson]

Just a wild guess that Sir Paul would smile if he ever heard Doug's arrangement.

Bravo, Mr. B.

[Doug Beaumier]

I’d like to think so, Jack! Thanks for checking it out.
😁🎅🏻😎

[Mike A Holland]

Great stuff Doug. I am a Beatles fan so anything by the Beatles is usually OK by me. Always look forward to your videos and its nice to see you playing the Fender with the high G. You have been a big inspiration to me getting to grips with the Lap steel guitar.......many thanks, Mike

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Mike! I'm glad you like it. I've been enjoying your videos too. Keep up the good work! 🎅😁

[Joel Meginsky]

Hi Doug,

Nice “melodic” playing and great
background track. I think you are absolutely
right about working with a strong melody
that was built to last. A well constructed tune is
worth it’s weight in gold. You can’t copyright
a chord progression or voicing.

I posted a lap steel-clarinet version of “I’ll Follow
the Sun” on SoundCloud about four years
ago, and still perform it live. The strength
of the melody, along with interesting
chord changes, give this song its appeal.

One of the most appealing qualities of
the steel is it’s ability to “sing”. Listeners
respond to this as much or more than pretty
voicings or flash.

Composers with melodic gifts have graced
the world for centuries. Why not take advantage
of this treasure and use these melodies?

Sincerely,
Joel Meginsky

[Doug Beaumier]

Well said, Joel. I know what you mean about the steel guitar's ability to "sing". And single note playing is a direct, "straight to the heart" way of expressing a melody. Santo Farina comes to mind! Keep up the good work. ☺️ 🎅

[Stephen Abruzzo]

Superlative playing.........great tone.

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Stephen! 😎🎅🏻🎄

[Jim Mckay]

That's beautiful definition in the melody as will as a great sound Doug. Would fit those Shadows nomber's and a lot others.
Keep them coming Doug.

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Jim! I'm glad you like it.

[Peter Lindelauf]

That was excellent, Doug. Your impeccable technique is always inspiring. Great shirt, too, by the way.

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Peter!