Pedal steel guitar

The pedal steel guitar is a string instrument operated by pedals and levers, essential to the sound of country and Hawaiian music.

About this subject

The pedal steel guitar is an evolution of the Hawaiian steel guitar, introduced in Hawaii in the late 19th century. Unlike lap steel models, the pedal steel features a complex mechanism of pedals and knee levers that allow the player to alter the pitch of specific strings during performance, enabling precise bends and sliding tones. The instrument is played horizontally on adjustable legs, with the musician using a steel bar to press the strings while the right hand picks or strums.

Its construction involves a wooden or metal body, steel strings, and a traction system connected to the pedals. Each pedal and lever can be configured to raise or lower one or more strings, creating characteristic chords and melodic passages. The resulting sound is clean and expressive, with long sustain, ideal for emotional solos and harmonic support in bands.

The pedal steel guitar gained popularity in the United States from the 1940s onward, particularly in country music, with legends such as Bud Isaacs, Ralph Mooney, and Buddy Emmons innovating techniques and styles. In Brazil, the instrument is less common but appears in recordings by artists like Sérgio Reis and in certain strands of sertanejo music. Internationally, it also made its mark in rock (e.g., albums by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones) and jazz.

A technical curiosity: pedal steel guitars can have 10 to 14 strings, each with adjustable tension, and the most sophisticated models feature up to 12 pedals and 8 knee levers. The most common tuning is E9, offering a bright tone ideal for solos, while C6 is preferred for denser chords and jazzier styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pedal steel and lap steel?

The pedal steel has pedals and knee levers that change string pitch, allowing chord and note changes without moving the steel bar. The lap steel lacks these mechanisms, relying solely on bar sliding.

Which musical genres use the pedal steel guitar?

It is essential in country music, also appears in rock (e.g., The Beatles and Rolling Stones), jazz, blues, and Hawaiian music. In Brazil, it is used in some sertanejo styles and MPB recordings.

How many strings does a pedal steel guitar have?

Typically 10 or 12 strings, but 14-string models exist. The most common tunings are E9 (for solos) and C6 (for chords and jazz).