The Steel Guitar Forum

Lately I've been exploring Hal's playing.His use of 2nd String half/full step use is mind boggling. I'm figuring out intro to "ones on the way" and my admiration for his hands and approach can't get any higher. He was unique for sure.

I have been playing steel for over 40 years; and in the last year or so I have found a deep admiration and regard for Hal’s genius technique of applying his knowledge of steel guitar.

David,thanks for your input. Hal has stretched my abilities with his work.thanks to technology that slows his stuff down,you realize what a monster he was. Tough stuff to copy.

I'm interested to know more about Hal Rugg's tuning on the back neck. I think it was some kind of E6 that extend down to a very low F#?

For the most part, Hal used a pretty standard C6 back neck.
However, he was constantly experimenting with different tunings and pedal changes. That's one of the things that made him unique.

He was a steel guitar genius.


And remember that he actually taught steel guitar at Belmont College in Nashville. Donna Hammitt was, if I remember correctly, his first student to graduate with a degree in steel guitar.

I miss my friend.

I remember him saying to me on this day when I was struggling just to be on the same stage with Hal "we both have the same number of strings and frets, so it's all on there. Practice, practice, practice"
Of course, talent would have helped if I had any.

Great photo Bill. Not many people can say they shared the stage with Hal. Awesome.