| Author |
Topic: learning lap steel c-6 |
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 4:38 am |
|
I am very new to lap steel and i have a question,I have been consetrating on cords and cord positions.My question should i only work on cords or should i expand to playing melodys along with cording.what should i do ???.  thank you Paul fowler.
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
 |
Mike Anderson
From:
British Columbia, Canada
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 8:34 am
|
|
Hi Paul, I don't think there's any reason to think of what you "should" do. Question is, what do you want to do?
Are you playing by yourself/along with records for fun? Do you want to play with other folks? maybe jamming, in which case people will likely be trading solos. Behind a singer? If accompanying a singer, you'll likely be expected to take the occasional solo as well.
Think of what you want to achieve as a player and that will determine what you ought to be working on. Good luck with your steel!  |
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 11:30 am cords and or noting
|
|
Thanks Mike for the response.my main purpose is just learning another instrument.However at 63.I do not think i will ever have much of a chance to do more than play at home or maby with others,for fun.I have been working on major and minor cords,and not really melodies,however it would be great to play some of the older country,and spirituals.  thanks so much Paul fowler.Have a great day.
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 11:48 am
|
|
Paul:
There are the basic chord positions (grips) that you want to learn. Slants can be a bit tricky to get 3 or more strings in tune so I just try for 2 string slants (usually not on adjacent strings).
But I also think it is very important to learn the scales- where the notes are and how to intonate them correctly. Besides single note scales I also work on harmonized scales- like going up and down the scale playing 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, etc.
You might want to try copying some of the classic steel guitar tunes, looking for tablature on this site and the sites of many of the members here.
Good luck!
Steve Ahola
_________________
www.blueguitar.org
Recordings on electric guitar:
http://www.box.net/blue-diamonds
http://www.box.net/the-culprits |
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 11:57 am cords and noting
|
|
Thanks Steve for your advice,i am working on cords,daily and 2 note slants,a bit ,I guess like everything worth while time and patience plus practice.I appreciate what you said.Have a great day.Paul.
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 12:08 pm
|
|
paul, i'm 63 also and i'm far from dead!
try to get a good basic idea of where your simple chords for any given song are and then try throwing in a few simple melody notes as you move to the next chord. just keep it real simple at first until your brain tells you to learn more. |
|
|
|
Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 12:11 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| My main purpose is just learning another instrument.However at 63.I do not think i will ever have much of a chance to do more than play at home or maby with others,for fun.I have been working on major and minor cords,and not really melodies,however it would be great to play some of the older country,and spirituals |
Paul, never underestimate what you can do.
I would encourage you to come to the HSGA convention in Joliet this Oct 6-8. There you will see all levels of players, even some beginners. My interest and curiosity kicked into learning the steel guitar from attending a convention years ago. That was also when I was older and now I play at the conventions, and in various venues in different locations.
Going to a convention is a great learning experience. At the HSGA convention Hawaiian music is featured but there is also old country westerns and gospel songs played as well.
See the HSGA Convention thread if you are interested in registering.
Aloha,
Don |
|
|
|
Mitch Crane
From:
1000 Oaks, CA
|
|
|
|
Frank James Pracher
From:
Michigan, USA
|
Posted 20 Sep 2011 6:44 pm
|
|
| Mitch Crane wrote: |
Paul, I highly recommend Doug B's book/cd set on C6 lap steel
http://www.dougbsteel.com/dougpage3.html
When I was staring out, Doug's material was a great resource to get me playing tunes. Check it out ? You can continue learning the chords as you have and start playing some melody also. The set comes with backing tracks that you can play along wi+th. |
+1 This book has really helped me progress on C6th. After practicing with Doug's book for just a short time, I started getting the highest compliment of all. Request from my wife and son!!!
_________________
"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one" |
|
|
|
Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
|
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 21 Sep 2011 2:18 am cords and melody
|
|
Thanks Chris,Don,and Mitch for all the encouragement,I really like all the things you guys,said.and about the Doug Bs.Book.wish i could go to the,show in Jouilett however family comitments keep me home this weekend.I am practicing daily and will try incorporating,some notes,in with cords.Never thought about that.Have a great day Guys.Paul Fowler.sr
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
Steve Lipsey
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
|
Posted 21 Sep 2011 9:02 am
|
|
Paul- I enjoyed our emails and am glad to see you progressing...
And I also am 63 years old...and I play in three bands, slide guitar in two little ones, and lap steel in the big one, switching to pedal steel in that one today! You will find that lap and pedal steel (and slide guitar) make you very attractive to bands, drop an ad in the Musicians section of Craigslist and you might be surprised at your opportunities....
And don't wait too long - you would also be surprised at how impressed most folks are with even very basic lap and pedal stuff. |
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 21 Sep 2011 9:36 am lap steel coards and noting
|
|
Thanks Steve for the encouragement,have been working hard on cords and the cord positions,I felt i need to work on proper noting.not really good at tabs,other than reading them.I try to equate the note positions to standard notations,maby I am complitating things a bit.I don't know.I have even tried looking at standard notations then try to find where it is on fret bord,in proper key,???.It is always good to hear from you .maby a little later i may try craigs list.Thanks again Paul ps dont be a stranger.Paul fowlerSr.
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
Thomas Temple
From:
Florida, USA
|
Posted 21 Sep 2011 3:42 pm Keep plugging
|
|
| Paul, I am 65 and just got my first lap steel and like you am very green but learning. As mentioned in other's responses I bought Doug B's C6th course and highly recommend it, as it is written not only in tab but in standard notation. What I am starting to "learn" as I am playing chords that I am starting to "hear"melodies and slowly it is starting to come together, BTW I see you have an Allen Melbert, I have one being built as we "speak" and should have it within another week or so and can not hardly wait. Anyway good luck and keep on pickin and a grinnin. |
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 22 Sep 2011 1:44 am lap steel cords And noting
|
|
Thank you Thomas for responding to my question ,You will love your new Allen Milbert.Great guitar.I will have to get the cds and book.working on cords in the different positions,+ noting.is what i am now trying to do.I can see what i need to do.Good Luck on your playing,as well.Have a great Day.Paul
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
Kirk Francis
From:
Laupahoehoe
|
Posted 22 Sep 2011 1:52 am
|
|
the famous cellist pablo casals - who at 93 had a 50-ish year old wife - was asked why he continued to practice 4 hours every day. he thought for a second, and then replied, "i guess it's because i'm learning something."
have fun, amigo! |
|
|
|
Paul Fowler
From:
Louisville,Kentucky, USA
|
Posted 22 Sep 2011 9:04 am c-6 lap steel +notes
|
|
Thanks Kirk for the encouragement, Being motaved to learn is what it is all about for shure,I have never lost that motivation,for learning something new,that to me is very important.The challange.to improve and remember from Day to Day. to me it Keeps the mind fresh,and optomestic.Have a great day .Paul.
_________________
Recently purchased 6 string lap steel hope to learn how to play it.also Allen Melbert 8 string. |
|
|
|
