Steve Cunningham - Honky-Tonk Pedal Steel Simulation - Country Lap Steel Guitar

[NorthWriter]

Great video, Steve! Looks like you're not even using finger picks, which is how I usually play. My dad uses them, but I never got the hang of it. Anyway, I just bought a cheapie Rogue console electric steel on Amazon, and it sounds awesome. So now I'm trying to learn all I can, and your video has totally inspired me. Right now I have the lighter strings that came with it that work for the C6 tuning...do you think it'll still sound good to try Open E with those light strings?

[SingingStringsMusic]

@NorthWriter Thanks!

The C6 strings are too light for open E...GHS makes a good set...GHS Electric Hawaiian Lap Steel Dynamite Alloy E Tuning, .013 - .056

Good luck, and have fun!

[1980lnx]

I need a pedal steel player for a studio session in the Atlanta area. If you can help contact me LNX1980@gmail

[everysandwich]

So nice. I think I already learned something here. Never occurred to be to pull with the trailing fingers for the pedally bend. Nice! Can't recall how I got here, but I think you teach in Atlanta, don't you?

[SingingStringsMusic]

@everysandwich Thanks. Yes, I teach in the ATL area.

[eddgong]

well this vid answered a previous question regarding where your right hand style is mixed from , did you build your Lap, I havent seen one like hat before if so i like it

[SingingStringsMusic]

@eddgong I didn't build it...it's a cheapie off ebay that I've customized over the years...a very versatile axe.

[bulbheadmyass]

That is some sweet picking.

[phishallman89]

what tuning are you using here

[SingingStringsMusic]

@phishallman89 Open E

[lastnote]

Amazing playing! Any recommendations on tunning for a new lap steel player? I can't decide between C6 and open E. I bought a lap steel to play in my band some, but we don't play too many traditional country songs. More alt country and americana. Lucinda Williams/ryan adams type of stuff. Any Ideas?

[SingingStringsMusic]

@lastnote Thanks! Try both tunings and see which one "speaks" to you. I personally find that E works better for Americana type stuff, and 6th chord tunings sound more traditional. Very subjective stuff, though.

[huntermdp]

very nice!

[Guitarbque]

I'm pretty NEW @ Lap....really love your playing! Thanks for sharing!!

[SingingStringsMusic]

@Guitarbque Thank you...enjoy your lap steel...it's an instrument like no other!

[danpolicarpo]

Another one from the SGF...pulls behind the strings are one of the hardest lap steel techniques to play convincingly, and you do a great job, man...thanks for giving hope to the rest of us!

[critta63]

Great stuff Steve! Got the link from SGF as well. Thanks and keep posting.

[vantagestudios]

Always love your stuff Steve. I am on the SGF too (J.Wilson)

I want to inquire... is there any advice for the pulls? When I pull I seem to actually push the string a bit too, hence moving it away from contact with the bar. I get super frustrated. I can't seem to get a clean pull. It seems I actually have to pull up a bit to maintain contact but that action feels awkward. You seem to do it very smoothly so I think maybe I am doing something wrong.

[SingingStringsMusic]

@vantagestudios

Thanks J...I'm actually pulling up slightly too, to maintain contact. For what it's worth, I only use my pinky for pulls - when I try my 2nd or 3rd finger (which is much easier strength wise) my bar goes askew. Good luck!