Lap Steel Guitar Description
The lap steel guitar is a distinctive string instrument known for its smooth, gliding sound. Unlike traditional guitars, it is played horizontally on the player’s lap, using a steel bar or slide to press the strings.
This instrument is prominent in genres such as Hawaiian, country and blues music.
Detailed Instrument Description
| Instrument Name | Lap Steel Guitar |
| Instrument Family | String |
| Alternative Names | The lap steel guitar is sometimes referred to simply as “steel guitar” or “Hawaiian guitar.” In various contexts, it might also be called “slide guitar” due to the use of the steel bar or slide. |
| Geographical Presence | The lap steel guitar is played worldwide, with strong cultural ties to Hawaiian music. It is also widely used extensively in country, blues, and bluegrass music across the United States, as well as in various other musical traditions globally. |
| Instrument Classification | The lap steel guitar falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 321.322, identifying it as a plucked chordophone. This system classifies musical instruments based on how they produce sound, with the lap steel guitar classified as a chordophone where sound is produced by vibrating strings. |
| Unique Features | The lap steel guitar is unique for its playing position (horizontally on the lap) and the use of a metal bar or slide to change pitches. It has a distinct tone characterized by smooth slides and vibratos, offering a rich and expressive sound. Many lap steel guitars also feature specialized pickups and electronic components to enhance their sound. |
| Sound Characteristics | The lap steel guitar produces a smooth, gliding sound with a characteristic vibrato and slide. Its tone can range from mellow and warm to bright and piercing, depending on the playing technique and the type of slide used. The instrument is known for its expressive capability and rich harmonic content. |
| Typical Music Genres | The lap steel guitar is primarily used in Hawaiian music, country, blues, and bluegrass. It is also found in rock, jazz, and various world music genres, adding a unique tonal color and expressive quality to the music. |
| Components | Body, Neck, Strings, Tuning Pegs, Bridge, Nut, Pickup, Control Knobs, Slide/Steel Bar |
| Construction | The lap steel guitar is traditionally made of wood for the body and neck, with metal components for the bridge, nut, and tuning pegs. The strings are typically made of steel. Many lap steel guitars also have electronic pickups and control knobs to amplify and modify the sound. Some models are made from various types of wood, including mahogany, maple, and ash. |
| Size and Weight | The size of the lap steel guitar can vary, but they typically range from 70 to 90 centimeters (27 to 35 inches) in length. The weight varies between 2 to 5 kilograms (4 to 11 pounds), depending on the materials used. |
| Variations and Customizations | Variations of the lap steel guitar include different numbers of strings (typically six to eight), varying scale lengths, and a range of tunings. Customizations might include different types of pickups, wood finishes, and decorative inlays. Some lap steel guitars also feature pedal mechanisms to change tunings. |
| Instrument History | The lap steel guitar originated in Hawaii in the late 19th century and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. It played a crucial role in the development of Hawaiian music and later influenced country and blues genres. The instrument evolved over time with the addition of electronic amplification and various mechanical innovations. |
| Similar Types of Instrument | Pedal Steel Guitar, Resonator Guitar |
| Playing Technique | The lap steel guitar is played by placing it horizontally on the lap and using a steel bar or slide to press the strings. The player uses a combination of plucking or strumming with the picking hand and sliding with the steel bar in the other hand. Proper technique involves controlling the slide for smooth transitions and using vibrato to enhance the expressiveness of the music. |
| Notable Composers | Sol Hoʻopiʻi, Jerry Byrd, David Lindley |
| Famous Works | Hoʻopiʻi’s “Hula Girl,” Byrd’s “Steel Guitar Rag,” Lindley’s “Mercury Blues” |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the instrument, tuning the strings, and occasionally replacing strings. The electronic components and pickups should be checked periodically for proper functioning. Proper storage in a case or on a stand is important to protect the instrument from damage. |
| Learning Difficulty | Moderate to high; requires coordination to manage the slide and plucking techniques simultaneously. Learning proper slide control, tuning methods, and music reading are essential for effective playing. |
| Prominent Players | David Gilmour, Jerry Douglas, Cindy Cashdollar |
| Notable Performances | Notable performances include concerts by prominent lap steel guitarists at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Grand Ole Opry and various steel guitar conventions. |
| Famous Orchestras/Bands | Prominent ensembles featuring the lap steel guitar include Asleep at the Wheel, Pink Floyd, and the Jerry Douglas Band. |
| Price Range | Lap steel guitars range from $300 to $3,000 or more, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and features. Beginner models start around $300, while professional models with custom features can exceed $3,000. |
| Interesting Facts | 1. It influenced the development of the pedal steel guitar, which added foot pedals to change tunings. 2. The smooth, sliding sound of the lap steel guitar is often used to mimic vocal techniques and express emotion in music. 3. The lap steel guitar can be tuned to various open tunings, allowing for different chord voicings and tonal possibilities. |
