I play Pedal Steel, Dobro, and Lap Steel.
However during the past few years it has been mostly lap steel. I am fascinated with the simplicity of just six strings/ and having to slant the bar to get "special" chords.
It's easier to get complex voicings, on the pedal steel, but now that I have gotten so used to my A6th tuning, I prefer the pure tone and subtle texture of two and three note slants.
In a recent post (Why I love the A6th tuning) I shared my discovery of the similarities between
A6th hi-low E C# A F# E C# and E9 Chromatic with A-B pedals engaged.
Since then I have tried to look at the Pedal steel differently, and use more slants and less pedals. It works in theory, but feels so un-natural. I tried transfering songs and licks that I have worked out on the lap steel to my 10 string Shobud LDG.
I GIVE UP!!! I am just going to have to re-think the whole thing, and consider the two steels as totally different instruments. (like mandolin and guitar)
I made a little progress, but it seems like it would take years to truly be able to "transpose" instantly between the two.
Besides, It is so much easier to pack up and transport the lap guitar. My only regret it that I am getting stale and sloppy on the Pedal Steel now.
Any thoughts?
How do you guys that play both handle it? Do you have to sacrifice one for the other?
Do you dedicate certain songs or styles to one or the other?
Thanks for listening, and God bless
Dom Franco
[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 08 May 2006 at 11:48 PM.]
[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 08 May 2006 at 11:49 PM.]
