The Steel Guitar Forum

It has been 25 years since I've picked up a steel guitar. I've been playing a standard all this time. I really want to get back on the Steel. Can't believe I don't remember much. I learned Steel before Standard. It's age I guess. LOL
Can anyone recommend a good book or cd on learning to play? I am hoping once I get started it will come to me, like riding a bike? I still have my old bar it was made by Nick Manoloff? It feels pretty heavy now but it was fine 25 yrs. ago. hope you guy's will be patient with me if I post too many dumb questions.

What are you calling a "steel guitar"? Did you play a lap steel?

I'm sorry.
Yes, I played a Lap Steel.
Never cared much for pedal steel.

The book/CD question really depends on the type of music/tuning you're going to play/use.
If it's C6, country swing type music, Scotty's Music has a C6 Non-pedal method (with CD) which is pretty good. Herb Remington has a tab collection for A6 (or C6 with a high G string). Scottys also has a Don Helms/Hank Williams book/CD.
For "dobro"-type G tuning, there are a number of books around, of which I only really know Stacy Phillips' books, which are quite widely available in music stores.
And of course, for general advice and information - right here (Don't forget the "search" function at the top of the page - you'll find a mass of information in the archives)
Have fun
Nick

I'd go with a video. Cindy Cashdollar, Herb Remington, and Bobbe Seymour all have a non-pedal series.

The Jerry Byrd course and video are well worth the investment. It's the most complete steel guitar course you'll find...it covers all the major tunings and techniques. If you're going to spend the money for the book and cassette course, pay a little more and get the video, too. It complements the book course perfectly.

IMHO, Video has an advantage over book courses, in that the viewer can actually see what to do.

Don't be shy to ask questions. The only dumb questions are those that aren't asked!

Hope this helps

Videos are great, but there's no substitute for a good teacher and a few lessons.

Cindy Cashdollar's two videos are #1 on my list.

Cindy, while not non-pedal related, if you want to hear some pedal steel, my band is playing not too far from you at the Texas Star this Friday and Saturday. It's at the southeast corner of Ferguson and Gus Thomason. I haven't played non-pedal for over 30 years, but I'll be glad to talk steel guitar with you.

Thanks for all the great info. You guys are great!
I think I will look for Stacey Phillips' book.
(Dobro G tuning)
I am gonna get a few lessons in too.
Thanks Jim, I didn't know the Texas Star was still there. Went there years ago. Maybe we'll come up Saturday night. What's the name of your band?

It's Sweatin' Bullets. Their website hasn't been updated in a while, but you can check it out at http://www.sweatinbullets.com

Hope to see you there!

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Jim Smith jimsmith94@comcast.net
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880

I am going through the same process of learning after not playing since 1958. I am amazed at how much is coming back now that I am playing again and how fast it is coming back.

I 2nd the vote for the Cindy Cashdollar, Remington & Symore video's. I haven't gotten Bobbies yet, but am fixen to order it up soon as I can get around to it.

I think Herb Remington hit the nail on the head when he said, "remember, the point is to have fun" and boy am I finding that the steel guitar is providing me with lots of fun!

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Remington Steel T-8 Steelmaster
Gibson Console Grande<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Chuck Halcomb on 26 September 2003 at 01:03 PM.]</p></FONT>

One more thing. Don't forget that learning a bit of theory will go a long way in helping you get back on your feet with this or any musical instrument!!

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Remington Steel T-8 Steelmaster
Gibson Console Grande

What kind of Lap Steel are you playing?

I got a new Roustabout acoustic steel.
It was only 129.00. I don't need an amp.
So when I want to practice I can play anywhere.

Okay ya'll can stop laughing about my inexpesive little lap.
I think it is very good for the price. And for a beginner and just stompin' around ya can't beat it.
If anyone knows of a better deal please let me know.
I hope to get a good Dobro later. I love the dobro sound. But they ain't cheep. I hope I am not goin' about this back wards-by picking back up the steel then movin on to Dobro?
I do have a nice standard though-
Gibson Songbird.

No one's laughing. I can only speak for myself but I'm sure many will concur that it's good to see you are having fun.

I wish I still had my first 'inexpensive' guitar from back in '65- a Sears/Silvertone. I'm sure others can relate with tales of their first guitars.

Cindy, how is the volume on that Roustabout? Does it get pretty loud? I'm interested in playing in the back yard or while camping and such. What kind of strings do you have on it?

Hey Justin.
That Roustabout isn't real loud.
We have a little travel trailer out on some land in Wills Point and I take that Raustabout out there.
It is small and easy to carry around.
It isn't as loud as my Regal.
But it is a standard not a Resonator.
As far as the strings I still have the original ones on it.
I think they are standard steel. Flat wound .012 ect.
If you get one and don't like it, Chuck is a great guy and stands behind everything he sells.
I took a short video of me playin it.
I'll post the link. But don't laugh I'm a beginner.