Lap steel guitar

The lap steel guitar, also known as Hawaiian guitar, is a string instrument played horizontally with a metal slide, essential in Hawaiian and country music.

About this subject

The lap steel guitar is a string instrument characterized by its horizontal playing position, with the instrument resting on the player's lap or a stand. Unlike conventional guitars, the strings are pressed with a metal slide, typically made of stainless steel or chrome, while the right hand uses picks or fingerpicks to pluck. This technique produces a smooth, sliding sound typical of Hawaiian, country, and blues music.

Its origins date back to the late 19th century in Hawaii, where Portuguese immigrants brought the cavaquinho and guitar, adapted by natives. Legendary Hawaiian musician Joseph Kekuku is credited with developing the slide technique around 1885 by using a metal bar to glide over the strings. The lap steel became popular in the United States during the first half of the 20th century, influencing genres like country and Delta blues.

Notable musicians such as Jerry Byrd, Don Helms, and Santo & Johnny Farina helped define the lap steel sound. In Brazil, the instrument found its way into genres like sertanejo and choro, with musicians like Waldomiro Leal. The lap steel is often confused with the pedal steel guitar, which uses pedals and levers to change tuning. Key differences include the absence of pedals in lap steel and its simpler tuning, usually in open major or minor chords.

Notable variations include the console steel guitar with multiple necks and the acoustic lap steel with a resonator body. The technique requires great precision, as the slide must maintain constant pressure on the strings, and the left hand controls intonation through small movements. Despite a decline in mainstream popularity, the lap steel maintains a dedicated fan base and is rediscovered by new generations in indie rock and folk genres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lap steel and pedal steel?

Lap steel has no pedals or levers; notes are changed only by the slide. Pedal steel uses pedals and knee levers to alter string pitch during play, allowing more complex chords.

Is lap steel guitar hard to learn?

Lap steel requires fine motor skills to keep the slide straight and play in tune, but open tunings make chord formation easier. Many beginners find it easier than standard guitar for slide sounds.

What tunings are common for lap steel?

Common tunings include C6 (C-E-G-A-C-E), G6 (G-B-D-E-G-B), and Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D). The choice depends on musical style, such as Hawaiian, country, or blues.