Lap steel guitar

The lap steel guitar is a string instrument played horizontally, famous for its sliding sound and its connection to blues and Hawaiian country music.

About this subject

The lap steel guitar, also known as a steel guitar played horizontally, is a stringed instrument distinguished from the conventional guitar by being played in a horizontal position, resting on the musician's lap. Instead of pressing strings against frets, the player uses a metal bar called a steel to slide over them, altering pitch continuously. This technique produces a characteristic glissando sound, smooth and melancholic, which became a hallmark of Hawaiian country and American blues.

Originating in Hawaii in the late 19th century, the lap steel guitar evolved from Portuguese guitars brought by immigrants. Hawaiian musician Joseph Kekuku is often credited as the pioneer of sliding a metal bar across strings. The instrument gained popularity in the United States during the early decades of the 20th century, especially with the spread of Hawaiian music on the mainland. Great names like Sol Hoʻopiʻi and Gabby Pahinui helped solidify its sound.

The lap steel guitar strongly influenced the development of the electric guitar. Models like the Fender Stringmaster and the Rickenbacker lap steel were precursors in the use of magnetic pickups, paving the way for the solid-body electric guitar. In blues, artists like Bukka White and Muddy Waters adapted the slide style of the lap steel to the vertical guitar, creating what we now know as slide guitar. In country music, its sound is associated with countrypolitan and Western swing, with musicians like Speedy West and Jerry Byrd mastering the technique.

Today, the lap steel guitar is valued both by traditional country and Hawaiian musicians and by experimenters in genres like alternative rock and folk. Modern instruments often feature open tuning, allowing full chords with a simple slide of the bar. Construction can vary from acoustic models with hollow bodies to fully electric versions with multiple pickups. Although not as common as the conventional guitar, the lap steel guitar maintains a dedicated enthusiast base, serving as a symbol of musical innovation and cultural fusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a lap steel guitar and a slide guitar?

A lap steel guitar is played horizontally with a metal bar over the strings, while a slide guitar is played vertically with a slide (tube) on one finger. Both produce a glissando sound, but the technique and instrument are distinct.

What are the most common tunings for lap steel guitar?

The most common tunings include open G (GBDGBD) and open C (CEGCEG). These open tunings allow full chords to be played simply by sliding the bar.

Is the lap steel guitar still used in contemporary music?

Yes, the lap steel guitar appears in genres like alternative rock (e.g., Ben Harper), folk, and indie, while maintaining a strong presence in traditional country and Hawaiian music.