Western Swing Rules #6 by Robert Huston Productions

Episode six of Western Swing RULES continues with another great "Lick of the Week" segment. Today we feature Asleep at the Wheel steel guitarist Eddie Rivers sharing some of his musical knowledge with us all. Eddie is helping us with one of our goals here at Western Swing RULES which is to help keep the genre alive by teaching how to play it.
Thanks Eddie and all you viewers, please let us know how we can make the program better.

[@thomasmartinscott]

I immediately went to my Pedal steel that's tuned in E9, and without touching the pedals, this worked perfectly. So, C6, A6, or E9... it works! Very cool! Thanks Eddie!

[@roberthuston331]

Yes, Eddie is superb. And just like my program says, "Western Swing RULES!!!"- R.H.

[@MrPatdeeee]

I mean NO disrespect atoll towards any one, when I say, "The reason that Western Swing almost died, was because of the entry of the "Pedal Steel Guitar". For when Bud Isaacs in 1954 introduced a sound that NO one had ever heard in recordings, it begin a new era in music. IE: It was Bud's "bending" the strings using pedals; when he recorded with Webb Pierce's "Slowly"." It became "The Nashville sound" and MOST steelers, etc, loved it. Singers, Producers, Directors, etc, demanded that the steel play that "Nashville Sound". (Note: Western Swing players also used PSG's...BUT... they did NOT setup their guitars like the Nashville bunch did. Herb Remington (dear friend), Bob White and man others kept the Western Swing tunings A6, C6 and E13th; NOT E9th that is for pedals.) The Nashville sound was dubbed, "The moving tone". Later when Floyd Cramer stole the lick (oh indeed he did, as did many other musicians to this day) that Bud Isaacs had come up with, they called it the "Bent tone". Yes, Western Swing was still popular; but the amount of fans began to diminish. They wanted to hear that sound of moving/bending those strings. Of course when Jimmy Day and Buddy Emmons, etc came on the stage; with their sounds which had NEVER been done on a guitar of any vintage; it changed everything. This evolving of the PSG has not stopped. For even the R & R bunch gotta hold of it and today, that created the "Multibender" that substituted the pedal for the palm of the players hand. IE: Instead of the player pressing a foot pedal to "bend" the string; they simply used their palms. Same sound. Today there are ardent fans that will NEVER forget Western Swing. I am one, like this video. Sadly, the number is not like it used to be. Woe-be it go like the Accordion, WOW! End of story. Again, I meant NO disrespect. Just saying the truth IMHO.

[@roberthuston331]

No disrespect taken. That is a great explanation of how the "nashville" sound helped drive the nail in Western Swing's coffin. There were a lot of factors as you pointed out but one of the biggest was the nashville music machine controlling the airwaves and program directors. Dance and alcohol levied taxes during and after the War didn't help. I could go on but you have made a good point. Thanks for watching.- R.H.

[@hootinouts]

I could listen to you all day. I love western swing

[@ktommycary]

Eddie and Robert, I've been playing for years and this has to be the most useful single thing anyone's ever said about C6/A6 (and I suspect a lot of the other tunings). I've been doing this myself but never thought about it in quite this way. Many thanks! --- And man, what beautiful tone you get!

[@PandaWingTsun]

Uh where the hell have you been my whole life Mr. Eddie? My grand dad passed away last hear and left me an old Gibson lap-steel and I've been trying to unlock some of its secrets but really to no avail. As a old-school proponent of country music I find it difficult to find any solid information of the good ole days. Thank you so much for doing a video for these guys! I'm gonna be watchin for you :)

[@TheNitsua59]

Thank you so much, I was just about to give up on my C6 eight string and go back to a six string open E. This has been very helpful.

[@maltevolkeroelze6634]

TheNits

[@roberthuston331]

Stay tuned. More steel lessons with Eddie are on the way.

[@fiddlefolk]

Thank you Eddie! I love pedal steel but nothing sounds like 1940’s unless it’s a lap steel.

[@platevoltage2011]

Man this is great stuff. Probably the best lesson I’ve ever heard. I play pedal and lap.

[@roberthuston331]

Joshua Hicks Thanks Joshua. It’s nice to hear that. I would love to hear your music sometime.-R.H.

[@bluespoppa]

You know, you could have kept that secret secret. But you shared it, and I'm grateful. thank you.

[@sinistral71]

Thanks for this! I'm just starting on lap steel, this is just what I needed.

[@gitan68]

Just found your series, Robert! I like your mix of "Lick of the Week" and a cut from a live performance demonstrating it on stage. Your series keeps getting better and better!

[@TheMrEdAdams]

Thank you for this. Just started playing console steel in April of last year.

[@joebillmoad3436]

Eddie Rivers is a Talented Player Bob Wills would Enjoy!

[@MiTeeVideeO]

Mr. Eddie, you have done an excellent demonstration on this video with the LS Guitar. Let me know, if you don't mind, if you could and would be willing to assist me with a transitioning, on the steel guitar. Thank you, in advance. Howard

[@robbourassaguitarist]

There were 19 people that came here and left a thumbs down. They are deaf or jealous. Go Eddie, Go.

[@ckh57]

bless you brother Eddie that was just and amazing lesson, YOU JUST LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. MANY THANKS FROM A GRATEFUL PICKER.

[@chrismcloughlin163]

Such good info. To double check I could slide D, Eflat notes into E and the same on the IV and V... in that A6 tuning? (Sounds so nice and looks doable even for me.)

[@midcenturymachine5307]

Hi...same boat as guitarfend except I just want to use 6 strings......Any additional pointers from 8 to 6. Thanks...love the tips!

[@dweishome]

Thanks Eddie, I love your playing. I am just getting started on A6 and your tips are the best. I'm looking for your album tonight!

[@roberthuston331]

David, This is Robert Huston, creator & executive producer of Western Swing RULES. I will pass along your comments to Eddie. I believe you can find his CD on iTunes or at Asleep at the Wheel's website. Thank you for watching Western Swing RULES. Please inform all your musician buddies and subscribe.

[@bobbyblackburn1647]

Thanks Eddie I'm a new beggner an I'm wanting to learn about th lap top steel we love th music.

[@sesa2984]

Hi, I’m just starting out. I have two lap steels, both 6 string. I have one tuned to c6th and I’m trying to decide what to do with the other one. I play a variety of country styles, all old though, and my fiancees favorite music is Hank Williams (she plays the fiddle and bass). I think the c6th will get me a good ways to the swing and honky tonk. I also have a couple of palm b-benders installed, and I would like to be able to sumulate some pedal steel sounds for certain songs, so I’m wondering what will be the most versatile second tuning to add. Do you think E7th would get me closer to the pedal steel sound? My first instnct was to do a6th so it would be easier to play both and I’d have an increased chord range. Any suggestions would be so appreciated. Aren’t alot of players up here in Massachusetts to ask, so we’re kindof on our own for questions. Keep up the good work.

[@roberthuston331]

Hi, thanks for watching Western Swing RULES. I certainly hope all our video lessons are helpful to you and make you aware of the significance of preserving Western Swing. Your best bet for your second tuning is E7, that is standard nashville tuning. Eddie prefers A6 is what he told me. Keep up the good work and swing on!!!- R.H.

[@awatson1968]

Swell job, Eddie. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Steel guitar, one off the most beautiful sounds there is.

[@russelledwardsedwards144]

Thank you ! A simple visual that i can use to get me started without having to learn every note in every scale forward and backwards . Not that thats a bad thing but i know some very trained knowledgeable , technical musicians that really aren't that good at playing. "My opinion". Lots of lessons are given in that way and it's so hard just to start doing something... So Thanks alot.

[@78tag]

I wish I had him as an instrctor when I made my attempt to play pedal steel back in the day. Thanks, this is so helpful.

[@beckycification]

I bought Eddie's new c.d. through the AATW site and I love it. Great for steel players and just for listening too.

[@DeadKoby]

I just acquired a 1947 Dickerson lap steel... I'm fixing it up, and some folks I play with want to add this sound to the band... so Thank you sir! Once I get this Dickerson singing again (It WILL happen)... we'll get going.

[@basundharamedical5256]

DeadKoby

[@davidcapper4559]

Bruh, dis video low-key blew my mind. I just bought a Shubb SP2 tone bar this afternoon aaaaaaand I’m pretty sure I know what I’ll be practicing with it first!

[@Ironlakgrafff]

Dude has the perfect deep singing voice

[@78tag]

...before I saw his face I thought I was hearing Jr. Brown.

[@Amoeba744]

Eddie you are awesome at teaching! Thanks for this series.

[@samking73]

I dont play (couldnt carry a tune in a bucket) but I love the steel. I hear a lot of Bob Wills and some Buddy Charleton towards the end. I'll check out your music, Eddie.

[@samking73]

Btw, I've seen you play with AATW at Buffalo Run in OK. Great stuff!

[@gibbs3042]

I for sure hear crazy by Willie Nelson in some of those licks

[@jimffra8584]

Best advice yet. 50’s was the best.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I'm getting my 1956 Gibson Century w/P-90 out of the pawn shop, and give it another try - thanks to you Eddie!

[@roberthuston331]

Pharmer David, I'm glad my program has inspired you to play again. That is it's purpose. Thanks to Eddie and all the professionals for their willingness to share their talents with us all.- RH

[@tobyman7]

What tuning is this

[@roberthuston331]

Jeanne, Thank you for your kind comments. I sincerely appreciate the feedback. I'm doing my best to keep them coming. I would also appreciate you sharing your newest discovery with everyone from western swing fans to musicians and event promoters.

[@MiguelTalaveraguitar]

Wonderful playing! This lap is it made in Usa? Perfect shape!

[@bassoneman]

Thank you very much for your time putting this video on. I am just a beginner on the lap steel.. This really helped. Now I can almost sound like I know what I am doing ..

[@marvinsturgill985]

You should be wearing a leash for playing such nice stuff Eddy..... Keep em coming.

[@awatson1968]

Thanks to Bobby H too, you have a new subscriber!

[@MattLeGroulx]

More Eddie Rivers!

[@Oddie99000]

Aye my name's Eddie :)) also nice editing with Final Cut Pro X, that's what I use!

[@self4autism333]

This guy likes both kinds of music, western and swing.

[@beckycification]

Got to meet and talk with Eddie after one of AATW shows up at Tupelo Music Hall. I found him to be gracious and helpful and very down-to-earth. Great guy and fantastic steel player. Thank you for the lesson here and I will be looking out for your c.d. as well.

[@IvesMarcelin]

Absolutely Famous and Originale

[@awatson1968]

Swell job, Eddie. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Steel guitar, one off the most beautiful sounds there is.

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

That is quite a sweet spot - who would have known? Does this work the same with a 6-string tuned to C6?

[@revdippermouth9032]

Great to see Eddy again sounds great....Rev Dippermouth

[@charlessmith3727]

Put the turning you’re using on the song you’re playing

[@kurtozan251]

Do y'all temper 2 c6 or 16 tunings?

[@guitarfend]

I'm in C6 tuning with just 6 strings. Just started and have some limited ability. Is this a better guitar with the 8 strings? Best to change sooner then later.

[@roberthuston331]

Not being a steel player myself, I'll ask Eddie and get back with you. It may take a while as he and the Wheel are out on the road. Thanks for subscribing and for your excellent question.

[@phataton8206]

Keep both and use as a double neck. Tune the 8 string to C6 then use the 6 string for alternative tunings like 13th etc. things that aren’t possible on a single lap

[@TheNitsua59]

I'm sorry, which two frest?

[@78tag]

....yes and does this apply to each chord in the progression? I guess I'll try it and find out. EDIT; My bad - I watched this again --- each chord of the progression, between the chord and each of the two 1/2 steps down from it. It looks like the saying is true - "if you're talking you're not learning". I should have been listening mo' betta'.

[@roberthuston331]

I believe Eddie tunes A6

[@jckelley4198]

Yah, he said at 1:30 that he was in A6

[@skellez83]

Oh man that sound! I really want to buy a lap but can't make up my mind about which one...I want something like this...which doesn't sound too Hawaiian and more like a pedal...somewhere in between. But I guess that $500- would be mission impossible. Airline? Morrell?...and then Fender...Derby, Sierra......

[@roberthuston331]

Eddie uses Fender.

[@skellez83]

yep, I can see. I was wondering what other less pricey brands have a sound that gets closer to Eddie's lap. But thanks!

[@jaysterdude]

I have one of these I bought as a beater, it ends up being one of my most played steels, and I also own the big makers- fantastic guitar for the money: www.rondomusic.com/lap8na.html

[@sc7prim]

I don't think steel guitars sound Hawaiian on themselves, that's just tuning and phrasing you use.

[@skellez83]

yeah...but maybe also the pickups can have an influence, I wonder...? There is a certain mellow essence in certain "Hawaiian" steel music. But I agree with you.

[@garyrue1551]

Nice common sense lesson you can have fun with.

[@michaelcraig9449]

How much does one go for like this Fender in the video? I play guitar, wanting to maybe play one of these, maybe dobro..OK, so are they tuned the same or played with the same technique? I see some of these look like this, some have more of a guitar looking body.. Which design sounds better? Never played on one of these yet. Advice, thoughts, recommendations?

[@roberthuston331]

Michael, I do not play steel. I am only the producer of Western Swing RULES. The only thing I can tell you is Western Swing steel guitar is completely different from nashville style and dobro. Compare the two styles side by side and you'll hear the difference. Western Swing steel guitarists prefer C6 tuning over nashville E tuning. In Eddie's case, he likes A6 tuning. Thanks to Eddie Rivers I have several Western Swing RULES segments that feature him. I hope this helps. R.H.

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

Great tone and excellent playing.

[@jorgeblessed3563]

hello send me the key of the 8 strings

[@secondvisions9759]

Helpful thanks 😊

[@paulineduguay3080]

-0 By using the latest news, I have been ××0

[@gittarr]

I was given a lap steel guitar 45+ years ago and have never touched it.... until now. Thanks for this video :)

[@roberthuston331]

Thank you gittar!!! I'm glad we've inspired you. Please consider contributing to support our program continuing via the PayPal link on my dashboard page. I'd appreciate anything.-RH

[@Thunder-yl9zl]

Robert this is my favorite kinda of steel sound,,,i was told cgace tune,,your a 6? new here so excuse the ignorance please advise

[@roberthuston331]

Hi Thunder. Sorry for the delayed response. Eddie uses an A6 tuning. I am a video producer and piano player, not a steel guitarist. So, I can't tell you how to tune to A6. However, there is a great steel guitar forum online, bb.steelguitarforum.com/index.php. I'm sure you can get some advice from these guys. They're great. Thank you for supporting WSR. I hope it has been beneficial and helpful.- R.H.

[@only_sony7412]

what model lap steel is that?

[@jmcq931]

For example “Ode to Joy” can be played between two frets!

[@johnkobialko4765]

Great licks thanks

[@ktommycary]

Guitarfend, lots of guys, including me, started out with C6 on 6 strings. You can still do most of the stuff Eddie was doing, not to mention learning blocking and how to hold your bar, etc. You can tune it either C-E-G-A-C-E or E-G-A-C-E-G (bass to treble). I like having that 5th up top so that's the way I started. Either way is fine, just play a lot and listen to the masters. And keep your eye out for an 8-string. (They're not hard to build, by the way.)

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Nice guitar

[@craig7102]

thanks for the tips, i personally like the non pedal sound the best but guitar prices are way to high probably due more to collectors than players

[@Melvvynfirmager]

Craig7102 Have you thought of building your own? After all, basically a lap steel is just a plank of hardwood (maple would do nicely), with strings stretched across. Tuners can easily be purchased, and so a pickup, though even they can be hand wound, needing some magnets, coated copper wire and some thinnish plastic (or even wood) to sandwich top and bottom. Cost just a few bucks. A pedal steel is another matter altogether, requiring many skills. I built my own pedal steel - took a lot of time, heart ache and fun. But a lap steel would be a cinch

[@phataton8206]

Makes it look easy.

[@kevdean9967]

This guy is awesome!!!

[@bughat1]

Yes,i'll be checkin in.

[@rhllnm]

Thanks for this. Great lesson.

[@dekzan]

Please, which tunning do I use to practice this on a six stringer ?

[@wildeman1253]

He's in A6 tuning, low to high F# A C# E F# A C# E so on a 6 just disregard the lowest two strings. A C6 string set will work.

[@glenstice5017]

DOWN TO EARTH, I LIKE UM!

[@jeffa6780]

Yes! Western is pure magic.

[@johnmitchelljr]

Thank you.

[@tonytotten2133]

Great lesson cheers tony

[@gautexrex]

Does he say straight A6 tuning og E6 tuning?

[@roberthuston331]

A6

[@AanDahliansyah]

I remember spongbob...

[@oldgittarist]

Magic!!

[@willford8302]

Where can I buy one of those, please ?

[@roberthuston331]

Not exactly sure Will. Guitar stores, online, Amazon, eBay, etc.

[@phataton8206]

Herb Remington just died.

[@roberthuston331]

Yes, a sad day for Western Swinger's worldwide. RIP Herbie.

[@alarconclaudio]

great!.... what tuning does he uses?

[@roberthuston331]

Hi Claudio. Eddie uses an A6 tuning.-R.H.

[@alarconclaudio]

@@roberthuston331 thanks

[@bigredwanderer]

Intro song?

[@roberthuston331]

Ironcrest 63 "Mean Woman with Green Eyes."

[@butteredbiskit3497]

THATS A LESSON! Thank you.