Lap steel guitar

The lap steel guitar is a string instrument played horizontally on the lap, using a metal slide to produce a smooth, sliding sound characteristic of Hawaiian and American country music.

About this subject

The lap steel guitar, also known as a steel guitar or Hawaiian guitar, is a string instrument played horizontally on the performer's lap. Unlike conventional guitars, the player does not press strings against frets with fingers; instead, a metal bar (the steel) is used to slide across the strings, while fingerpicks pluck them. This technique produces a smooth, gliding sound, free from the abrupt pitch changes caused by frets, allowing for expressive portamento and vibrato.

Originating in Hawaii in the late 1800s, the lap steel evolved from traditional Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele and the slack-key guitar. Joseph Kekuku is often credited with developing the method of sliding a metal bar across the strings, which gained popularity after the Hawaiian music craze swept the United States in the early 20th century. The instrument became a cornerstone of country music, particularly in genres like Western swing and honky-tonk, and also influenced blues and early rock and roll.

Renowned lap steel players include Sol Hoopii, who brought the instrument to international fame, Jerry Byrd, a master of the Hawaiian style, and David Lindley, who incorporated it into rock music with bands like Jackson Browne's. Unlike the pedal steel guitar, which uses pedals and knee levers to change pitch, the lap steel relies solely on the player's hand for pitch manipulation. It typically has six to eight strings tuned to an open chord, enabling easy chord and melody playing.

Today, the lap steel guitar remains popular in blues, country, rock, and experimental music, prized for its distinctive voice. Vintage models from Gibson and Rickenbacker are highly sought after, and modern luthiers continue to innovate. The instrument's simple yet expressive nature ensures its place in both traditional and contemporary music scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lap steel and pedal steel guitar?

The lap steel guitar lacks pedals or knee levers to change tuning while playing. The pedal steel uses a complex system of pedals and levers to alter string pitch, enabling rapid chord changes. Lap steel is smaller and relies entirely on manual sliding of the steel bar.

What kind of picks are used for lap steel guitar?

Traditional lap steel players use fingerpicks made of metal or plastic, worn on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. These picks provide a clearer attack and better control over the strings, essential for the instrument's signature sound.

In which music genres is the lap steel guitar used?

The lap steel is iconic in Hawaiian music and American country, especially Western swing and honky-tonk. It is also used in blues, rock, folk, and experimental music, thanks to its expressive and versatile sound.