How To Play Lap Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide For Guitar Players?

Playing lap guitar opens a world of unique sounds and musical possibilities, and at guitarplayers.net, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey. This comprehensive guide will cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques, ensuring you can master this instrument and create beautiful music. Let’s explore How To Play Lap Guitar effectively!

1. Understanding Lap Guitar: What Is It and Why Play It?

Lap guitar, also known as lap steel guitar, is a unique instrument that offers a distinct sound and playing style. It is played horizontally, typically on the player’s lap, and uses a steel bar to slide across the strings to create notes and chords.

1.1. What Sets Lap Guitar Apart?

Lap guitar differs from standard guitar in several key ways:

Playing Position: Played horizontally on the lap, as the name suggests.
Steel Bar: A steel bar is used to create smooth glides between notes.
Tuning: Often uses open tunings for rich, resonant sounds.
Sound: Produces a characteristic sliding sound ideal for various genres, including Hawaiian, country, and blues.

1.2. Why Learn Lap Guitar?

Learning lap guitar offers many benefits:

Unique Sound: Adds a distinctive voice to your musical repertoire.
Versatility: Suitable for multiple genres, expanding your musical horizons.
Creative Expression: Encourages experimentation with slides, vibrato, and other expressive techniques.
Accessibility: Relatively easy to get started, even for those new to stringed instruments.

Alt Text: Musician holding a lap steel guitar

2. Getting Started: Essential Gear and Setup

Before diving into playing, you need the right gear and setup. Here’s what you’ll need:

2.1. Choosing the Right Lap Guitar

Types of Lap Guitars:
- Electric: The most common type, offering versatility and amplification options.
- Acoustic: Provides a natural, unamplified sound, great for practice or intimate settings.
- Hybrid: Combines acoustic and electric elements for varied tonal options.
Factors to Consider:
- Budget: Entry-level models are affordable, while professional-grade instruments can be a significant investment.
- Brand: Reputable brands like Fender, Recording King, and Rickenbacker offer quality instruments.
- Materials: Wood type, pickup quality, and hardware all affect the sound and playability.

2.2. Essential Accessories

Steel Bar:
- Material: Steel, glass, or ceramic.
- Shape: Bullet, rounded, or angled.
- Weight: Lighter bars for faster playing, heavier bars for more sustain.
Picks:
- Thumb Pick: Provides a solid bass tone.
- Finger Picks: Typically metal, used on the index and middle fingers for picking individual strings.
Amplifier (for Electric Lap Guitars):
- Type: Solid-state or tube amps.
- Size: Practice amps for home use, larger amps for gigs.
- Features: Reverb, EQ, and other effects.

2.3. Setting Up Your Lap Guitar

Seating Position: Sit in a chair that allows your thighs to be at a right angle to the floor, ensuring the guitar sits balanced on your lap.
Guitar Placement: The headstock should be to your left and the pickups to your right.
Comfort: Ensure you’re comfortable and can easily reach all strings with the steel bar and picks.

3. Tuning Your Lap Guitar

Tuning is crucial for lap guitar, and different tunings create different sounds and playing possibilities.

3.1. Popular Lap Guitar Tunings

C6 Tuning (C6th): E-C-A-G-E-C (from highest to lowest string). This is the most common tuning for Hawaiian music and is versatile for many other genres.
E13 Tuning (E13th): E-C#-G#-F#-D-B (from highest to lowest string). Popular in country and jazz, offering rich chord voicings.
A6 Tuning (A6th): E-C#-A-F#-E-C# (from highest to lowest string). Another common tuning, great for blues and western swing.

3.2. How to Tune Your Lap Guitar

Use a Tuner: An electronic tuner or tuning app is essential for accurate tuning.
Tune Each String: Pluck each string individually and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates the correct pitch.
Double-Check: After tuning all strings, double-check each one to ensure they are still in tune.

4. Basic Techniques for Playing Lap Guitar

Mastering the basic techniques is essential for playing lap guitar.

4.1. Holding the Steel Bar

Grip: Hold the steel bar between your index finger and thumb.
Pressure: Apply enough pressure to create a clear note without pressing too hard.
Positioning: The bar should be directly over the fret you want to play.

4.2. Picking Techniques

Single-Note Picking: Use the thumb pick for bass notes and finger picks for melody lines.
Chord Picking: Strum across multiple strings to create chords.
Alternate Picking: Alternate between up and down strokes for a smooth, consistent sound.

4.3. Sliding Techniques

Gliding: Smoothly slide the steel bar between notes to create a seamless transition.
Vibrato: Wiggle the steel bar slightly to add expression and warmth to your notes.
Slants: Angle the steel bar to create unique chord voicings and sounds.

5. Essential Lap Guitar Chords and Scales

Understanding chords and scales is crucial for playing lap guitar.

5.1. Basic Chords in C6 Tuning

C6: Open strings
F6: Bar at the 5th fret
G7: Bar at the 7th fret

5.2. Basic Scales in C6 Tuning

C Major Scale: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
C Minor Scale: C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C
C Blues Scale: C-Eb-F-Gb-G-Bb-C

5.3. Chord Progressions

I-IV-V Progression: C6-F6-G7
ii-V-I Progression: Dm7-G7-C6
I-vi-IV-V Progression: C6-Am7-F6-G7

6. Advanced Techniques to Elevate Your Playing

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore these advanced techniques:

6.1. Harmonics

Palm Harmonics: Lightly touch the string with your palm while picking to create bell-like tones.
Artificial Harmonics: Use the steel bar to create harmonics by lightly touching the string at specific points.

6.2. Muting Techniques

Palm Muting: Dampen the strings with your palm near the bridge to create a staccato sound.
Left-Hand Muting: Use your left hand to mute strings you don’t want to ring out.

6.3. Tone and Volume Swells

Volume Pedal: Use a volume pedal to create smooth swells and fades.
Tone Knob: Adjust the tone knob on your guitar to create dramatic tonal shifts.

6.4. Bar Bouncing

Technique: Quickly lift and lower the steel bar to create a shimmering effect.
Application: Adds texture and interest to chords and melody lines.

Alt Text: A vintage Rickenbacker B6 lap steel guitar

7. Exploring Different Genres with Lap Guitar

Lap guitar is versatile and can be used in various genres.

7.1. Hawaiian Music

Characteristics: Smooth slides, lush chords, and a relaxed tempo.
Key Players: Jerry Byrd, Sol Hoopii, Alan Akaka.
Essential Songs: “Aloha Oe,” “Beyond the Reef,” “Hukilau Song.”

7.2. Country Music

Characteristics: Twangy tones, bluesy licks, and pedal steel-inspired sounds.
Key Players: Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, Speedy West.
Essential Songs: “Steel Guitar Rag,” “For the Good Times,” “Crazy.”

7.3. Blues Music

Characteristics: Slide guitar riffs, soulful bends, and improvisational playing.
Key Players: David Lindley, Ry Cooder, Sonny Landreth.
Essential Songs: “Statesboro Blues,” “Dust My Broom,” “Cross Road Blues.”

7.4. Jazz Music

Characteristics: Complex chord voicings, improvisation, and a focus on melody.
Key Players: Jerry Byrd, Herb Remington.
Essential Songs: “Autumn Leaves,” “Take Five,” “Fly Me to the Moon.”

8. Maintaining Your Lap Guitar

Proper maintenance ensures your lap guitar stays in top playing condition.

8.1. Cleaning

Strings: Wipe down your strings after each playing session to remove dirt and oil.
Body: Clean the body with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Fretboard: Occasionally clean the fretboard with a fretboard conditioner to prevent it from drying out.

8.2. Storage

Case: Store your lap guitar in a case to protect it from dust, humidity, and temperature changes.
Humidity Control: Use a humidifier in your case to maintain proper humidity levels, especially in dry climates.

8.3. Repairs

Professional Setup: Have your lap guitar professionally set up by a qualified technician to ensure optimal playability.
Repairs: Address any repairs promptly to prevent further damage.

9. Finding Resources and Community

Connecting with other lap guitar players and accessing resources can greatly enhance your learning experience.

9.1. Online Resources

guitarplayers.net: Offers lessons, reviews, and a community forum for lap guitar enthusiasts.
YouTube: Numerous tutorials and performances by renowned lap guitar players.
Websites: Sites like steelguitarforum.com provide a wealth of information and community support.

9.2. Books and Courses

Jerry Byrd’s Instruction Course: A comprehensive course covering various tunings and techniques.
Online Courses: Platforms like TrueFire and ArtistWorks offer structured lap guitar lessons.

9.3. Local Communities

Music Stores: Connect with local music stores that offer lap guitar lessons or workshops.
Jam Sessions: Attend local jam sessions to meet other musicians and practice your skills.

10. Tips for Continued Improvement

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your lap guitar skills.
Listen Actively: Listen to a wide variety of lap guitar music to develop your ear and expand your musical vocabulary.
Set Goals: Set achievable goals to stay motivated and track your progress.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tunings, techniques, and genres to find your unique voice.
Seek Feedback: Ask other musicians for feedback on your playing to identify areas for improvement.

FAQ: Your Questions About Lap Guitar Answered

10.1. What is the difference between a lap steel guitar and a pedal steel guitar?

A lap steel guitar is played horizontally on the lap and uses a steel bar to slide across the strings, whereas a pedal steel guitar includes pedals and knee levers to alter the pitch of specific strings, allowing for more complex chord voicings and melodic possibilities. Pedal steel guitars are typically larger and require a stand.

10.2. Can I use a regular guitar as a lap steel guitar?

Yes, you can convert a regular guitar into a lap steel guitar by raising the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) and using a steel bar. However, a dedicated lap steel guitar is designed specifically for this playing style and will offer better tone and playability.

10.3. What is the best steel bar for lap guitar?

The best steel bar depends on personal preference. Steel bars are popular for their durability and sustain, while glass bars offer a warmer tone. The shape and weight of the bar also affect playability, so it’s best to try different options to find what works best for you.

10.4. How do I prevent my lap steel guitar from slipping off my lap?

Some lap steel guitars have a felt or rubber backing to prevent slipping. You can also use a non-slip mat or towel on your lap. Ensuring you are sitting in a chair that allows your thighs to be at a right angle to the floor can also improve stability.

10.5. What are some common mistakes beginners make when learning lap guitar?

Common mistakes include using too much pressure on the steel bar, not practicing regularly, and not focusing on proper tuning. Additionally, neglecting to explore different tunings and techniques can limit your progress.

10.6. How do I learn to play harmonics on lap guitar?

To play harmonics, lightly touch the string with your palm (palm harmonics) or use the steel bar to lightly touch the string at specific points (artificial harmonics) while picking. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spots that produce clear, bell-like tones.

10.7. What is the best way to practice sliding techniques on lap guitar?

Start by practicing slow, deliberate slides between notes, focusing on smooth transitions and consistent tone. Use a tuner to ensure you are hitting the correct pitches. Gradually increase your speed as your accuracy improves.

10.8. How do I choose the right amplifier for my electric lap steel guitar?

Consider the type of music you want to play, the size of the venues you will be playing in, and your budget. Solid-state amps are versatile and reliable, while tube amps offer a warmer, more vintage tone. Look for features like reverb, EQ, and multiple channels to customize your sound.

10.9. Are there any famous lap steel guitar players I should listen to for inspiration?

Yes, some highly influential lap steel guitar players include Jerry Byrd, Sol Hoopii, Buddy Emmons, and David Lindley. Listening to their music can provide inspiration and help you develop your own unique style.

10.10. How often should I change the strings on my lap steel guitar?

You should change the strings on your lap steel guitar every 1-3 months, depending on how often you play and the type of strings you use. Strings that are old or corroded will sound dull and can be harder to play.

Playing lap guitar is a rewarding journey filled with musical discovery. By understanding the basics, mastering essential techniques, and exploring different genres, you can unlock the full potential of this unique instrument. Remember to practice regularly, seek out resources and community, and never stop experimenting.

Ready to take the next step in your lap guitar journey? Visit guitarplayers.net today for lessons, reviews, and a community of passionate guitar players!

Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261

Website: guitarplayers.net

Alt Text: Panoramic view of downtown Honolulu’s skyline, highlighting its urban landscape

Alt Text: Close-up shot of a Honolulu street sign, emphasizing the city’s unique street naming conventions

Alt Text: Renowned lap steel guitarist Alan Akaka performing live, showcasing his mastery of the instrument