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Topic: New to steel/need help! |
TonyL
From:
Seattle. WA
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Posted 3 Jul 2001 1:32 pm |
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After selling a crazy 4-neck Stringmaster (to a member here), I got the bug and took the first step to learning lap steel...
I traded an old electric bass for a 1940 6-string EH-185. Now some questions:
- Any info on this guitar? I'd love to get the matching amp, but I hear they are expensive...!
- What are some good starting tunings?
- What are some good starting books/videos...? Also- any other advice?
Thanks,
TL |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 3 Jul 2001 2:37 pm
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I do not know anything about your 6 string guitar. I would suggest one of the following tunings:
C6th
E
C
A
G
E
C
E7th
E
B
G#
E
D
B
or Amajor (Hi bass)
E
C#
A
E
C#
A
And dont be afraid to change from one to the other as often as you feel comfortable. These 3 tunings were extremely popular before pedals came out.
NOTE: there are many tunings, and even in these three there are differences. BUT as a starter, these 3 will give you a good chance to hear the sounds that so captured all of us.
Don't be afraid to slant the bar. You may throw it across the room a few times til you get the hang of it, but do it! Slanting the bar on a lap steel is integral to finding its secrets. And do both forward and backward slants. Use 2 string or 3 string slants in various combinations.
As you do this your ears will become cultured and begin the long process of hearing things listeners do not hear.
Plus the most important thing of all. You will have periods of frustration. We all go through this. It is part of the package. Don't give up. Sometimes just walking away from it, does wonders the next time you sit down to it. If I told you how many times I have wanted to take an axe to mine.......
Enjoy 
God bless you, and much good luck,
carl |
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TonyL
From:
Seattle. WA
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Posted 3 Jul 2001 3:28 pm
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Thanks a bunch- oh, and that's a GIBSON EH-185... !
TL |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 3 Jul 2001 3:33 pm
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Hi Tony. Go to Brad's page of steel which you should find if you click on "links" at the top of the Forum's home page. You will find a plethora (like that word?) of information including instructional materials and tunings. This should keep you busy for a while.
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