Pedal steel guitar

The pedal steel guitar is an iconic musical instrument in country and Hawaiian music, known for its glissandos and ethereal sound, widely used in studio recordings and live performances.

About this subject

The pedal steel guitar is a string instrument operated via pedals and levers that change the tuning of the strings, allowing smooth glissandos and complex chords. It evolved from the Hawaiian lap steel guitar in the early 20th century, with inventors like John Moore and Alvino Rey contributing to the development of the pedal mechanism in the 1940s. The instrument became fundamental in country music, especially in the Nashville sound from the 1950s, with musicians like Bud Isaacs and Pete Drake popularizing its use. In Hawaiian music, the steel guitar (without pedals) had been central since the late 19th century, but the pedal version expanded harmonic possibilities.

The instrument is played horizontally, resting on legs, and the musician uses a metal bar (steel) to press the strings, while feet and knees control the pedals and levers that change string tension. This allows the player to produce bends, slides, and chords fluidly, creating a sound that is both melancholic and celestial. The pedal steel guitar typically has multiple necks with different tunings, the most common being E9 (for leads) and C6 (for chords and jazz).

Culturally, the instrument transcended country and Hawaiian music, being incorporated into rock, pop, jazz, and even experimental music. Bands like The Byrds, Led Zeppelin (in "Your Time Is Gonna Come"), and Radiohead (in "The National Anthem") used the pedal steel sound. In Brazil, musicians such as guitarist Chico Saraiva and traditional sertanejo artists have incorporated the instrument into recordings, though it is less common than in the United States. The pedal steel is known for its technical difficulty, requiring years of practice to master the coordination between hands, feet, and knees.

Interestingly, the pedal steel guitar is one of the few instruments that cannot be played standing up due to its configuration. Additionally, each pedal steel is a highly customized instrument, with variations in the number of pedals (usually 3 to 8) and levers (2 to 5), depending on the player's style. Luthier Leo Fender, famous for his electric guitars, also produced pedal steel models in the 1950s. Today, brands like Sho-Bud, MSA, and ZumSteel are benchmarks in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pedal steel and lap steel?

Lap steel is played horizontally on the musician's lap, without pedals or levers, changing pitch only by moving the bar. Pedal steel has pedals and levers that alter string tension, allowing pitch changes with feet and knees, and typically has multiple necks.

Why is pedal steel so associated with country music?

Pedal steel was integrated into the Nashville sound in the 1950s by musicians like Bud Isaacs, creating the characteristic 'cry' of country ballads. Its emotional tone and ability to perform smooth slides fit perfectly into the style, becoming an iconic element.

Is it hard to learn to play pedal steel?

Yes, it is considered one of the most difficult instruments to learn due to the simultaneous coordination of hands, feet, and knees. Months are needed to produce clean notes and years to master advanced techniques like bends and harmonics.