Q. This question is directed to anyone who has played or know someone who plays a lap or pedal steel guitar.
I've been a guitarist for about 8 years now and have played a variety of styles from rock, fingerstyle/classical, singer/songwriter acoustic stuff, ect, and now I've really had an interest in learning how to play a lap steel or pedal steel guitar. I am completely new to the instrument(s), so I'm seeking all the information I can. I do know that a pedal steel is a lot more expensive, so I'm probably looking to start on a lap steel for now. Basically how should I get started? Should I find a cheap lap steel at a pawn shop or purchase something new? Are there any good method books out there? I'm a pretty experienced guitarist, so should I expect to get the hang of it quickly? Is there much of a market for a lap/pedal steel player? haha.
Also, I am left handed. How much trouble would it be to re-string a steel guitar? Or would I be better off getting a left-handed model?
A. Hello Kyle. I've been playing pedal steel on and off since the 1980's so I think I can answer most of your questions. You can't simply restring a pedal steel for lefty....at least not without the help of a machinist and carpenter. Virtually every steel player I've ever seen, including lefties, plays steel the same way. They don't make left handed steels, so you'd have to special order one. The good news is that steel guitar makers are mostly small companies that routinely accommodate special requests for pedal, levers, and tunings. The bad news is that a new pedal steel costs over $2k and there would almost certainly be a premium charge to re-tool for lefty. If you have any more questions in this respect, shoot me an email and we can discuss it. Basically, your chances of finding a left handed steel is going to be about the same as a left handed piano. This is one of the untended consequences of learning guitar left handed.
If you decide to pursue pedal steel, your options are limited. For you, lap steel may make more sense. It's easy to reverse the strings. Lap steel isn't as versatile as pedal steel.....more like playing dobro or slide guitar.
Pedal steel is a fascinating blend of machine and instrument. It's still in a state of evolution. It all started in the 50's when somebody added legs and a pedal to a lap steel. Soon everybody was adding their own pedals and experimenting with extra necks, pedals and levers. Today, the instrument is somewhat standardized, but it's rare to find two that are set up exactly the same.
There are two basic 10 string tunings: E9th (country, rock, pop) and C6th (swing, jazz). Commonly a steel will come as a "doubleneck" E9/C6. There are also "Universal" tunings that combine both tunings by adding extra strings. Most beginners start on a 10 string single E9 neck. The pedals and levers will raise or lower the pitch of individual strings by a set amount. A basic setup should include 3 pedals and up to 4 levers. Your left foot works the pedals, your right foot works a volume pedal. Your knees fit between two levers so leaning your knee one way or the other raises or lowers one or two strings. Combining the pedals and levers allows you to make hundreds of chord changes. Virtually every one of your limbs is involved....can you see why it's really an ambidextrous instrument?
The Carter Starter is a great beginner steel. They were discontinued a few years ago, but sold for $795 new. If you resolve to play right handed and can find a used one, go for it. There are a lot of ShoBud Mavericks around for much less. They're okay, but very limited (only one lever) It's a cheap way to try out pedal steel, but you'll quickly bump up against it's limitations. In addition to the steel, you'll need a volume pedal, steel bar, thumb pick, and two finger picks.
I learned from the Winnie Winston book and CD, which I think is still available. There are a few tutorials on the web, but your best resource for steel (lap or pedal) is the Steel Guitar Forum: http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/index.php That's where all the pro's hang out. There is instructional material for sale as well as free tabs and a lot of good info. They're good folk and always willing to help a beginner.
As far as the market for steel players, it depends on where and what you play. It's usually (unfairly) seen as limited to country and western swing. The truth is that it's an amazing instrument that can play any music you throw at it...even classical. If you master steel and want to be in a country band, you'll always be in demand. It's also handy for country rock...think Eagles, Poco, Pure Prairie League, etc. If you audition for a band as a guitar player who can play pedal steel on a few tunes, it gives you a definite edge over the competition.
Good luck. You can email me (see my profile) if you have any other questions.
UPDATE:
I did some research on lefty steels. GFI is a respected brand, and they claim to have built some custom lefty pedal steels. http://www.gfimusicalproducts.com/Pages/Custom%20Steels.htm
Simmons has a lefty model at an affordable price: http://simmonspedalsteel.com/?page_id=10 I'm not familiar with the brand...it's certainly not commonly played....but it has the features you need for a starter guitar.
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Title : Steel guitar information for a beginner?
Description : Q. This question is directed to anyone who has played or know someone who plays a lap or pedal steel guitar. I've been a guitarist for ...