Lap steel guitar

The lap steel guitar is a string instrument played horizontally with a slide, originating from Hawaii and essential in country and blues music.

About this subject

The lap steel guitar, also known as the Hawaiian steel guitar, originated in the late 19th century in Hawaii, inspired by the technique of playing a guitar with a metal bar called a steel. Unlike a standard guitar, it is placed horizontally on the player's lap, and the musician slides a steel bar along the strings to produce sliding notes and characteristic vibratos. This sound became emblematic of Hawaiian music and later was absorbed into American country music, especially in honky-tonk and Western swing styles.

The instrument gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, with players like Sol Hoopii and Dick McIntire. The lap steel directly influenced the development of the pedal steel guitar, which added pedals to change tuning during performance. Notable lap steel players include Jerry Byrd, Don Helms (musician for Hank Williams), and in more modern contexts, David Lindley and Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, who used it on various albums.

Technically, the lap steel is tuned in an open tuning, allowing major or minor chords with a simple slide of the bar. The player uses one hand to hold the bar and the other to pluck or pick the strings, often with fingerpicks for a sharper attack. Although somewhat overshadowed by the pedal steel version, the lap steel maintains a strong niche in genres such as Delta blues, psychedelic rock, and traditional country, prized for its expressiveness and melancholic tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lap steel and pedal steel?

Lap steel is played without pedals, with the bar slid manually. Pedal steel has pedals and levers that change string tuning during play, allowing more complex chord changes.

Is lap steel difficult to learn?

It requires practice to control the bar precisely, but open tuning makes chord formation easy. Beginners can produce pleasant sounds quickly, but mastering vibrato and bends takes time.

Which famous artists use lap steel?

Besides Hawaiian pioneers, names like Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) on 'High Hopes', and Ben Harper have incorporated lap steel into their music.