How to get started on Lap Steel!

Free guitar tone guide: bit.ly/toneguidePDF
A quick introduction to playing Lap Steel! The gear you need and some playing tricks!
this is a sponsored video
Used lap steels: reverb.grsm.io/lapsteel
Lap steel and tone bar: reverb.grsm.io/tonebar
Volume pedal I use: reverb.grsm.io/VP
Reverb I use: reverb.grsm.io/reverbhall
Compressor I use: reverb.grsm.io/compressor
Price guide on Reverb: reverb.grsm.io/lapsteel1109
Sign up Reverb: reverb.grsm.io/signup7442
🎥EVERYTHING I USE FOR FILMING:
Filmed on this camera -- bit.ly/2DZNnBf
and this -- bit.ly/2nuScIp
and this -- bit.ly/2GAA5tp
lens -- bit.ly/2nr7jmS
lens -- bit.ly/2Fw9DQe
lens -- bit.ly/2FtP3zV
tripod -- bit.ly/2rVMyV3
Lap Steel: Songhurst
Amp: Tone King 20th Anv. Imperial : reverb.grsm.io/toneking
Cables: Sinasoid Pro Audio Couture - www.sinasoid.com/
Patch cables: Mulder Audio - www.mulderaudio.com/
Contact: [e-mail]
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[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Stuff I use at Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/P1KkY Stuff I use at Thomann: bit.ly/mythomannstore

[@marleyjagger3693]

you prolly dont care at all but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@christopherbrennan5287]

@Marley Jagger instablaster =)

[@marleyjagger3693]

@Christopher Brennan i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@marleyjagger3693]

@Christopher Brennan It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@christopherbrennan5287]

@Marley Jagger No problem =)

[@saddad6601]

i found one of those slide things in my wife's bottom dresser drawer so i used that. i didn't even know she played lapsteel.

[@sethreopelle2015]

I got it man lmfao

[@remotegod255]

bet it provides a great vibrato with fresh batteries!!! XD

[@whiskeyinthewatercoolerpod576]

HAHAHAHA! TOO FUNNY!

[@fenderstratguy]

Sad Dad Thats called a Lap Steely Dan

[@WhippJunior]

Sad Dad My wife's tone must be awful. Her's is made of plastic and sounds terrible when I use it. Maybe I'm missing somehting......

[@twoys440]

You’re with Reverb now!! Nice!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

😉

[@generalkenobi6869]

I’ve been listening to a ton of spongebob production music lately for nostalgia and just cause it’s great Hawaiian/blues slide playing, and now I’m seriously considering getting a lap steel! Thanks for the great video as always 🙏

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Cool! I like every album from Christine Bougie and Daniel Lanois.

[@bradbutler7911]

Same here! Jeremy Wakefield is a god!!!

[@kolbesanford9936]

Literally same

[@thebeast9242]

My great uncle had a lap steel from the 60s I think. It’s now been passed down from my grandpa, to me and it’s pretty cool to learn how to play. Thanks for the video!

[@mikes062]

My dad had an Oahu Tonemaster when he was a kid, I found a good deal on one a few years ago. It's pretty cool!

[@jakemitchell1671]

Awesome info here, thank you! I got a Melobar 6-string lap steel about 20 years ago, and I've spent a good amount of time on it. BY FAR the most difficult part for me is the intonation when I'm playing with others. Playing by myself I get a false sense of awesomeness. Then I try to play with my band, and usually after about 20 seconds I claim the tuning keys are slipping and put it away.

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

I hear you! It's difficult, indeed.

[@mrfender7193]

This is one of the most helpful lap steel videos I’ve seen. Thank you!!

[@pixamaniac]

Always appealed to me so this was so useful as a guide, keep up the good work.....

[@tunnis7us]

excellent point using volume pedal after compression. It makes huge difference since the volume can be controlled very precisely when the volume is controlled after compression.

[@FaustPoon]

been waiting for you to do something like this

[@IPLAYLOUD]

Thank You for the start. Great work!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thank you too!

[@Baltihunter]

Best tuition video I’ve seen for someone who’s thinking of getting one but knows nothing. Well done 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@PatFlanigan]

Getting a Baritone was a similar experience where it opened up a bunch of new sounds on guitar. Lap steel is definitely next on the list of new instruments to try out!

[@JacobH93]

I dabble in lap steel but haven’t spent much time on it... the tip about the tuning is pretty nice! I have been using C6 so I could get major and minor chords under the bar but it was so far away from open E tuning on a guitar that I was getting more confused than anything and was struggling a bit. Your hybrid tuning seems to make sense though! Same principal as C6 but with a tuning closer to a standard guitar. I may have to try it! I’d love to see more lap steel videos in the future!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@gameboypaul1702]

This was very resourceful. thank you

[@stephen285]

like the tuner idea! thanks

[@Moykel]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@voltaspeeder17]

Such an amazing instrument...

[@MikeMurdochMusic]

Nice video and tips. Thanks

[@spotteddogmusic6147]

Terrific video, thanks for sharing! Wondering what tuning pedal/tuner you're using here? I've always used by-pass tuners (Snark) but see the logic in using a "dynamic" one w/ lap steel. Thanks again!!

[@DarrenPriest73]

Good tips!

[@jtarrant74]

Great video. i inherited my Aunt's 1946 Tonemaster and am a guitarist learning to play. This video was very helpful. Can you send me a link to where you got your glass slide? I can't seem to find one like that anywhere. Help!

[@pelicatband]

Great video man!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

😘

[@bradmiddleton412]

I'm sure you can get a special nut for your electric guitar that raises the strings specifically for playing with a slide. I'm not sure how that'd compare to a lap steel though

[@reinaldosilveira8162]

ótima explicação! obrigado

[@timraybouldguitar]

Great video!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thanks Tim!

[@MrSkeyxc]

Thank You so much for all of your time and effort in making these "Excellent" videos. I'm a guitar player, with (No) Slide background, that has recently gotten this, "Overwhelming", desire to learn to play Lap Steel Guitar; I've been spending hours deciding which one to buy. Your video has been very helpful and enlightening my friend. If you have any suggestions on a good mid-range Lap to start with please let me know, thanks again.

[@johnlittle2217]

Roland, I bought a lap steel kit from Amazon, and built it. You need a piece of 2x4, everything else is provided. It made a nice instrument. Now I have to learn to play it.

[@AarionBose]

great video, thank you. Could you please tell me which Lap Steel you are using in the video? It looks great

[@lemuelconnell1753]

Great video!!! I'm looking to start playing and this video is a great help! What lap steel is it that you are playing in this video?

[@AnnieMcKinnon]

Great video! Sorry if I missed it, but what strings do you use? Flatwounds? 😊

[@deddyhansmeiser4451]

I heard what you were playing. "A long slow goodbye", by QOTSA

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

correct sir

[@deddyhansmeiser4451]

@@LivingroomGearDemos lovely song, lovely instrument. I like the way you play it.

[@christmeister]

@@LivingroomGearDemos can we get a long slow goodbye cover? 👀

[@JEDIMasterVanDer]

Fuckin' cool. I happened upon a 1937 Gibson Lap Steel Guitar. I'm'a have the luthier down the way look at it, & what may come will most assuredly be heartily welcomed. Thanks for the advice, this shit here's where it all starts. May The Force Be With You. -MasterVanDer

[@jeanlucchouteau1282]

whaou the nice sound ,i used a lap steel to play the solo of high hopes de david gilmour and i have a same pedal of you ,a compressor cali 76 ,please can you give what the preset do you used with this pedal , i play with the group of sounds of floyd in belgium ,see you,thank you

[@SCWood]

Can a lap steel do all a standard guitar can do? I'd reckon a bar would be limiting in terms of the chords you can play.

[@violinsane108]

How did you obtain that Organ Sound, Please. I want to use it for the Hymens I play. Thank you in advance.

[@stevenhickenjr]

Nice video mate, will hopefully get some people into the instrument!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thanks!

[@valentinheyn4298]

which tuning is the best for beginners and advanced players and which model?

[@bmask4731]

In your opinion... What is the best top 3, starting with the top, lap steel? Thx for the info.

[@marioolivo859]

Hi friend, I would like buy one songhurst lap steel. There is no contact in the website. Where can I find it? Thank you

[@jakeelmore8799]

Hi ur were really good! Also I just ordered a Cozart lap steel. So I was what is the best tuning seeing that all my other musician friends play in open standard G?

[@vincentlamb3436]

GBDGBD is pretty okay, but if you want to do c6th you would have to change strings.

[@koenroels4549]

I have a question: I play 6 string lapsteel C6 tuning and I wonder if its possible to play a Major 7th chords on it when you a in a c6 tuning? Thanks! GREAT playing!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Not sure, I don't know the C6 tuning very well...

[@Bastet674]

What amp would you recommend for those that don’t have one?

[@KountryCuz1]

Sound and Tone built in Some Lap Steels Good Talk !

[@derrickmclendonmusic]

Was that a Kings of Leon song at 6:30?

[@dalodeper]

Does Troy can Leeuwen use the tuning C6?

[@Sam-jc3wu]

Anyone know where that little lick he played at the start comes from? shit was slick

[@benspinks342]

Cool video and a good idea. What’s the lapsteel you’re using? I have a few vintage ones, but that one looks quite cute 🤘😜.

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thanks! This is a Songhurst lap steel. Love it!

[@tanguydelooz2881]

What about simply tuning my guitar in C6 and play with a slide ?

[@calinguga]

that red single cutaway songhurst looks beautiful

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

it does indeed. Great instrument!

[@mikeciul8599]

I'm curious to try C6 but I'm scared to tune the 6th string up so high! Won't it break? Edit- looks like C6 uses lighter strings on the low end. Would it be dangerous to use strings made for open E? I'm guessing that's what's on my instrument.

[@evovanner]

i would like to build this can i have plans and dimensions please

[@alvertskaunang4947]

i just interest brand guitar lap steel you use for this video, simple,modern and clean :D , please share that guitar link

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

It's a Songhurst.

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

Question I am disabled, and also Left handed can I still play this instrument?😊

[@markaochoa2017]

Lapsteel with the mel9 pedal is the bee’s knees.

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Oooh, yes, that sounds great!

[@Mattbuchanan71]

Young John Malkovich! Great video!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

thanks!

[@joalco3]

How the hell do i get one of those lap steels.. they are made by Songhurst?

[@thegreat8982]

I got mine for 110, I know it’s not the nicest one I could get but I just wanted to learn how to play on it, then I’ll buy a nice one

[@belo1971]

Great ! Which lap steel do you use, I love the look and tone too...Thanks a lot, regards

[@scotto0010]

Pretty good intro to lap steel guitar. One thing that would have been great is a description and example of how tuning to C6 would work in real time. Otherwise, nice job.

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

thanks, I'm not very experienced with the C6 tuning though

[@joseivesamanciopinheiro6926]

Long slow goodbye at 05:50 !!! I was waiting for some QotSA stuff ☺

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

🤟🏻First song I learned on lap steel!

[@marcelriemer3696]

Troy's slide playing is so damn cool

[@mattvgyo]

I was waiting for QOTSA too! After watching this once... I went on reverb and bought a nice used Chandler RH-2 (same model as my hero, Troy Van Leeuwen). Speaking of TVL, do you know what tuning he uses on his lap steel for most of their songs?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

AWESOME dude! I want one of those too! I think he tunes to open E, without the mod I mentioned. So just open E.

[@mattvgyo]

Cool thanks. I always enjoy stuff you put on your youtube channel. Ha... I've bought so much gear because you make it sound so good!!! Check out my QOTSA tribute band if you ever get a chance man: facebook.com/lullabiestoparalyzeband/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJS9gWZrZrV7qMk

[@williamcall1967]

Stupid question but is there much of a difference between lap steel vs slide guitar on a normal electric guitar?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

I talk about this a bit in the video I think

[@jamesduffy7549]

I use one in a shoegaze band, you can do anything with these

[@TheHUhelps]

Thanks for the video! One question: Is your right-handed thumb the shape it is due to playing the lap steel for so long?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

haha no, I was born that way. Looks like a toe

[@TheHUhelps]

@@LivingroomGearDemos Thanks for your reply! I was genuinely curious. I just discovered the lap steel and your video was really helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@MiguelMarques-lk2re]

Which tune are you using at the video?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Songs or tunings?

[@peteraddison4371]

... Just found a 1950-60's Maxim LapSteel in old wares store with its original old beat up cardboard case and was wondering what it be worth now. Anyone-? ...

[@Nettavis]

Fantastisk

[@Sebrav]

Regarding tuning; I really like the top-end of lapsteels, but I ran into the same problem with the E-open-tuning: Hard to do minor chords. So, I simply tuned the top e-string a half step down, and boom, I now have a G#minor on the top 3 strings, and a major on the buttom 5 strings I have an Emajor, as I can move as I please with the tonebar. Granted, the minor chords will be bright, but in my case I'm supported by a guitar, so the lapsteel adds texture in the top-end. Lapsteels are a blast!

[@scottschmittmusic]

Cool

[@bringbackthe1960sppl]

Around 6:40 I thought you were going to start playing "here comes the bride" from weddings LOL! Nice vid man! You always post great stuff, are you going to get either the jazzmaster or jaguar from the new fender player series soon? I'm hoping to see what's under the hood (routing inside the bodies) to know what I'm dealing with when I get them to install the rhythm circuits they are lacking, which is annoyingly common when they make cheaper ones. Thanks!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Thanks! I don't think so. I have more guitars than I actually need at the moment, so can't justify buying another one.

[@bringbackthe1960sppl]

Totally understandable! I sold all of my gear because of a recent relapse, so i cant wait to get a guitar again. if you happen to find out any info on those guitars and remember this random message (i know, expecting too much haha) please let me know, thanks for the reply! have a good one!

[@3theorymusic]

Love this! Very helpful. What was that effect around 6:30 of the video? Sounded like a harmonizer with delay?

[@crackulla]

I think it’s an octave pedal with shimmer reverb

[@solarflare4345]

4:57 super smart

[@bigb0oski]

one of these days by pink floyd is the reason i wanna buy a lap steel

[@soul2squeezy439]

Pink Floyd here I come!

[@earlfloyd4076]

or Harrison

[@dionrichard6225]

Hope you'll be able to play like gilmour, Shine on you crazy diamomd 💎

[@Aufek]

Which tuner are you using?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Sonic Research Turbo Tuner

[@marcomilo94]

music genre at 6:54?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Blues I guess?

[@generalkenobi6869]

Any recommendations for some albums with great lap or pedal steel? I lover the Hawaiian sounds

[@stevenhickenjr]

Buck Owens has some great stuff. Country but old style pedal steel which is just beautiful! Together Again is probably the best.

[@kingstumble]

Look for albums by Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant.

[@generalkenobi6869]

Steven Hicken Jr Pedal Steel Guitar Kingstumble Thank you guys Those are both great

[@stevenhickenjr]

You're welcome!

[@lukeanniss]

Have a listen to some Bahamas (the band) especially the album Bahamas is Afie as that has some great lap steel playing

[@jules_h]

Makes me want to get a lap steel so bad

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

do it

[@buddhamus]

Nice video. What kind of lap steel are you playing?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

It's a songhurst lap steel. Made by the guy who makes the Rock Slide.

[@buddhamus]

Thanks. It is a very cool looking lap steel.

[@KunchangLeeMusic]

👌🏿

[@dkeefe4068]

I'm in a wheelchair, and I could handle the picking and slide parts, but forget about any special effects controls where a normie would use his feet. Can I still play effectively?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Hi, yes I think so! I often play without a volume pedal. The playing style will be a bit different, but I also think there can be too many volume swells with a pedal, so I think you'll be good!

[@jjhtr]

Sonny Moorman out of Cincinnati is one of the baddest lap steel player I've ever seen

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Like the worst, or badass?

[@jjhtr]

Baddass

[@iradonaldwallsjr.9223]

Practice,practice,practice,,lol

[@rkdynamics9994]

Is there something wrong?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

I was anticipating this comment

[@FuzzballSounds1]

2:37 decipher that word and i'll get you a '58 les paul

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

"Straightforward route". I'll PM you my address so you can send med the LP!

[@FuzzballSounds1]

Haha you got me! Enjoyed the video tho. Cheers

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

😃Norwegian guy with a broken english!

[@marklevinson5335]

By see no

[@danemichael83]

If you want a more straightforward route...

[@koenroels4549]

What lapsteel do you use in this video?

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

A songhurst

[@koenroels4549]

@@LivingroomGearDemos That slapsteel sounds amazing!

[@ttarabbia]

+

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

🤟🏻

[@grungekid1539]

EDIT: i can’t believe I used to do these firsts…. First.....again!

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Congrats to you and your family!

[@amiruladli1506]

came here because of Phoebe bridgers live set

[@Whattheheckdude02]

Which one ????

[@poob7836]

yes she’s amazing

[@KenBraun-rj2go]

A 9/16 socket will work and cheap..

[@MrPinkfloydian]

I already tried to buy a lap steel but none of the girls knew what it was. One even answered: - Why would you want me to be still, old man? Go figure!

[@Cloakdagger639]

All I need now is $600+ to get all this stuff.... Ughh I hate money

[@Cavemanfbs1]

I got a recording king lap steel for 200$

[@fergheinman394]

sponge

[@user-hb2rd8yp7l]

2:20 6:30

[@UncleTacoBell]

Great and informative. But...the...pauses...in his...speaking...are...painful

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Agree. I hate myself too

[@elrico1364]

bad bad sad dad

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

hmm?

[@Pearth2000]

This seems to be missing large portions of learning.

[@LassetUnsSpielen]

it sounds really cool, but I dont think its a good instrument to play on stage. would look really awkward sitting in that "virgin stance" for the whole concert

[@LivingroomGearDemos]

Put it on a stand then. You can even stand up playing it.

[@wecameasdonuts]

This is such a stupid take

[@TheBossKids100]

His English sounds like a drunk uncle