Pedal steel guitar

The pedal steel guitar is an iconic string instrument in country music, known for its sliding tones and technical complexity.

About this subject

The pedal steel guitar is a type of steel guitar that uses foot pedals and knee levers to change the pitch of specific strings while playing. Unlike a standard electric guitar, the player uses a steel bar (tone bar) to slide across the strings, while the pedals and levers activate mechanisms that tension or slacken strings, producing smooth pitch shifts and characteristic glissandos. The instrument originated from Hawaiian lap steel guitars, adapted in the United States from the 1930s.

In country music, the pedal steel became an essential element from the 1950s onward, especially in honky-tonk and the Nashville sound. Artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and George Jones incorporated the instrument into their recordings, creating an unmistakable sonic identity. Musicians like Buddy Emmons, considered the father of modern pedal steel, and Paul Franklin, who played with Dire Straits and Sting, elevated its technical complexity.

A typical pedal steel guitar has two necks with 10 strings each, tuned to E9 (for solos) and C6 (for chords). The instrument may include up to 8 pedals and 5 knee levers, requiring advanced motor coordination. Each combination of pedals and levers independently alters tuning, enabling complex chords and fluid melodies.

Beyond country, the pedal steel appears in rock, blues, and even Brazilian music. In Brazil, guitarists like Pedro Sá (from Caetano Veloso's band) and multi-instrumentalist Zé Paulo do Nascimento have experimented with its sound in MPB recordings. Despite its strong association with American country music, the pedal steel remains a symbol of musical innovation and expressiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the pedal steel guitar differ from a regular guitar?

The main difference is in the playing method: the musician uses a steel bar to slide across the strings instead of pressing them against frets. Additionally, foot pedals and knee levers change the tuning of strings in real time, enabling smooth glissandos and complex chords not possible on a standard electric guitar.

Which famous musicians use the pedal steel guitar?

Notable players include Buddy Emmons, Paul Franklin, John Hughey (who played with George Jones and Conway Twitty), and Robert Randolph (who blends country with soul and funk). In non-country styles, BJ Cole (pop and rock) and David Lindley (with Jackson Browne and solo) are well known.

What is the historical origin of the pedal steel guitar?

It evolved from the Hawaiian lap steel guitar, introduced to the United States in the early 20th century. The first pedal-equipped models were developed by Nashville musicians in the 1940s and 1950s to achieve faster and more precise pitch changes. The modern pedal steel was consolidated by Buddy Emmons in the 1960s.