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Topic: Help For a Beginner |
Charlie Campney
From:
The Villages, FL
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Posted 13 Jul 2004 8:36 am |
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Greetings to everyone. I am a beginner and already have found a lot of information in this forum and on other links. I am retired and want to learn to play the steel guitar. I have a guitar that my Dad played Hawaiian back in the 30's. It is a Regal acoustic (non resinator).
I have it tuned to dobro tuning G B D G B D if for no other reason than I have found a lot of tabs for that tuning. I am practicing scales every day and am getting used to fingering and using the bar. I am almost afraid to go much further yet for fear of developing bad habits. I think just practicing scales is an excellent way to get familiar with the instrument and get the basics down.
Is there another tuning besides dobro that would be better to learn with? The number of different tunings leaves me confused.
Can anyone recommend any instructional material for a beginner?
I am about 50 miles North of Nashville and the next time I am there I plan on stopping at Bobbe's.
I have two bars. One is a round bar with squared off ends made by Elton and is difficult to hang onto. The other is one that my Dad used use. It is brass and is stamped "ree-lax" add is kinda triangular in shape and too small for my hands. I have a little arthritis in my fingers and maybe playing will be a little therapy. Can anyone recommend a good bar?
I am determined and have a lot of patience as well as a lot of time.
This forum
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John Pelz
From:
Kettering, Ohio, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2004 8:53 am
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Hi Charlie,
As you already know, I don't know diddley about dobro/resos/acoustic steel, etc., so I'll forgo trying to give you any advice -- I'll leave that for folks here who actually know what they're talking about.
I did want to say "hi," though, and welcome you to the Forum. It's good to see that you're on board here!  |
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Rick Alexander
From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2004 9:20 am
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Charlie,
If you are getting proficient on Dobro playing the G major tuning, you should have little if any difficulty moving "up" (literally) to one of the world's most popular lap steel tuning:
E
C#
A
E
C#
A
In fact probably most of us ole timers started on this or used it as one of our mainstays when we growing up in the 30's and 40's.
Because the A (high bass) tuning was one of 3 of the all time popular tunings. The other two were E13th and C6. The latter one being the standard tuning on modern D-10 pedal steel guitars on their bottom neck.
If you would like a little embellishment once you move up to A major tuning, do this:
E
C#
A
F#
E
C#
This will introduce you to a combined relative minor chord to its companion major chord. IE, A major and F# minor. This means at any fret you have a major chord AND its relative minor chord. Together they form what is called (incorrectly, IMO) a 6th chord
As time goes, by if you still wish to join the steel club as well as the "Dobro bluegrass" club, you can maybe get an 8 string and if it is a double neck you may wish to tune the two necks as follows:
E
C#
B
G#
F#
E
D
B
E
C
A
G
E
C
F
These tunings will give you soooooo much. And could easily become the final tunings you will ever need, unless you join the final club. IE, the PSG club. 
May Jesus richly bless you in your quests,
carl |
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2004 9:25 am
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Hello,
It was not too long ago that I was where you are: retired, 6 string Gibson dobro, and the desire to learn steel guitar.
For bluegrass style playing, GBDGBD (lo to hi) is a very common tuning. For western swing, Hawaiian style playing, a 6th tuning is very common. G6th, C6th, A6th, etc. are often used. I think you will find more instuctional materials for C6th than any of the others.
A good instructor is the most important element. Good techniques for the right hand and left hand are more valuable than all the guitars and gear that tempt all of us.
As for bars, there are many styles shapes and sizes. Different tools for different styles and hand sizes.
The stevens-type bar is used for ease of picking up the bar and placing it back down.It is commonly used bluegrass style.
A round bar is easier to do forward and reverse slants, and is commonly used in all styles of playing. Depending on your hands and general comfort, consider a 3/4 diameter bar or a 7/8 diameter. The length should be for 6 or 8 strings. The bigger and longer bars are for 8,10,12 strings and just too big and heavy for a 6 string. I went through several several bars until I found the one I like.
Enough for now. Glad to see you on the Forum,and you are wise to seek out some professional help. (best money you will ever spend)
I hope this has helped.
Ron |
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