There's a lot to like about this video. Arlen is a very good teacher. He explains things very succinctly and then gives a demonstration of the concept. The video is well produced without being over produced (i.e. no annoying graphics or zooms). The material is geared towards the novice player yet it still should be useful for the more advanced player. I tuned one of my laps to open E and I could follow most of the material in the first two parts (a tablature book of the examples is provided). I didn't sound anything like Mr. Roth, however, which means I have plenty of room for improvement.

I also have a few nitpicks. There's nothing about using a volume pedal or fingerpicks. Although the tablature shows numerous examples, there's no transcriptions of the actual songs he's playing. As long as I'm ranting about tablature, it's a pretty small booklet and a little hard to read. I also found an error. My biggest complaint doesn't have anything to do with the video but with myself. I don't play in open E or G. I'm learning to play in C6th because it's more suited to the sound and style I like. I may someday use these tunings but for now I think I'm probably better off sticking to one tuning until I've got it down pretty good.

The video is geared more towards those with a guitar background than a rank beginner. Mr. Roth talks about voicing, double stops, augmented chords, and so forth that a complete novice might not understand.

Overall, I really liked this video. Besides learning quite a bit from it, it's great just to listen to. Arlen has great tone and phrasing and I played it many times just to listen to him play. I'd recommend this video to any lap steel player or any prospective one. Once they hear how cool these things sound they'll buy one.

On the topic of videos, has anyone viewed the Cindy Cashdollar "Learn to play Western Swing Steel Guitar?" Any comments on it would be most welcome.

As for the Cindy Cashdollar videos, they are an excellent start for someone interested in Western Swing. The version of C6th she teaches, with G on top, is enharmonic to the standard A6th tuning. The video covers the basics quite well.

[This message was edited by Andy Volk on 14 March 2000 at 06:01 AM.]

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Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Mullen D-10, Fender Dual Professional, Dobro, Sierra 8 string

Thanks,

Well, don't forget to let the 2-3-4 l.h. fingers rest on the strings behind the bar. I usually do most of my damping with my r.h. fingers and thumb, as well as some palm muting. Depends on the situation. I learned to r.h. finger block from Classical guitar, so you might want to check out an experienced classical teacher for a lesson or 3 on r.h. damping.

Most of the tape is centered around learning electric blues licks in the E tuning. Even when he switches to G, blues licks dominate.
Not much instruction on playing backup, fills, chord theory/substitution etc.

There are no actual songs transcribed. No simple melodies to help with single note precision.

Only $29.95

Though Arlen Roth has written books and done many tapes on slide guitar, this is the first time he's done Hawaiian Lap Steel video. And even though there are many obvious parallels and cross-overs between learning this increasingly popular instrument and slide guitar, this lesson helps bring into focus many of the properties that the Lap Steel is best adapted for, such as: Chord work, blocking and damping, David Lindley style, harmonic chimes (various types), blues style, Hawaiian style, open E tuing, "high bass" G tuning, open vs. closed position licks, jazz style runs, country and Hawaiin-style double-stop harmonies, advanced behind slide bends, proper techniques and so much more! If you're just getting into lap steel, or even if you've been playing for awhile, this tape will surely help you make the right moves on the instrument, while inspiring you on to greater personal creativity in the process. A true must for all slide players! (1 hr)

#VGR216, LEVEL 2-4

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

[This message was edited by Brad Bechtel on 17 April 2000 at 03:52 PM.]

It really does seem to be aimed at the lead guitarists who are interested in jumping into the lap steel pool, and caters to them without urging any movement into more traditional areas. As a lead guitarist who made the switch to steel, I am glad I started with the cindy cashdollar videos. It gave me a sense of tradition, and urged more technical appreciation.

Arlen is very versitile and an excellent teacher.

I also own many videos by "natural musicians". These are top name players, whose names I won't mention here. The vids are interesting peeks at the players approach, but as far as a learning experience the Arlen Roth lessons are better.

IMO

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j0e