Pedal steel guitar

The pedal steel guitar is an iconic instrument in country music, known for its sliding sound and complex system of pedals and levers.

About this subject

The pedal steel guitar is a string instrument played horizontally, featuring a mechanism that allows pitch changes via foot pedals and knee levers. It originated in the United States in the 1930s, evolving from the Hawaiian lap steel guitar, and became essential to country music, particularly honky-tonk and countrypolitan styles. Unlike a regular guitar, the player uses a steel bar to press the strings, producing characteristic glissandos. The pedal steel gained prominence with artists such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, and later appeared in rock (e.g., Rolling Stones) and jazz. The image uses a tilt-shift effect to give the instrument a miniature appearance, while still highlighting its intricate design with multiple necks and pedals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pedal steel and lap steel?

Lap steel is played on the lap without pedals, while pedal steel has foot pedals and knee levers that change string pitch, allowing more harmonic complexity.

How is the pedal steel tuned?

The most common tunings are E9 for leads and C6 for jazzier chords. Each string can be modified by the pedals.

Which famous songs feature pedal steel?

Examples include 'Teach Your Children' by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 'Together Again' by Buck Owens, and 'The Boxer' by Simon & Garfunkel.