How To Play Lap Steel Guitar For Beginners?

Lap steel guitar playing, a rewarding and lifelong musical journey, begins here at guitarplayers.net! If you’re eager to explore Hawaiian steel guitar or any lap steel style, we offer resources and guidance to help you start on solid footing and excel in your steel guitar endeavors. Find out everything you need to know about playing lap steel guitar, instrument care, and musical styles, and get ready to connect with a community of guitar players.

1. What Is Lap Steel Guitar and Why Learn It?

Lap steel guitar is a unique instrument played horizontally, typically placed on the lap. The strings are not pressed to the frets with fingers; instead, a metal or glass bar (the “steel”) is used to slide along the strings, creating smooth, gliding tones.

Distinctive Sound: Lap steel offers a beautiful, soaring sound, perfect for genres like Hawaiian, country, blues, and rock.
Relatively Easy to Start: Compared to standard guitar, lap steel can be quicker to pick up the basics since you don’t need to learn complex fingerings.
Versatile Instrument: From gentle Hawaiian melodies to gritty blues riffs, lap steel can handle a wide range of musical styles.
Rewarding Hobby: Playing lap steel offers an enriching musical experience and can be a great way to express yourself creatively.

The steel guitar instrument is a rewarding experience that lasts a lifetime, and music has taken many humble musicians across the oceans as honored guests to play in the presence of royalty and greatness, and for other intrigued steel guitar music enthusiasts.

2. What Gear Do You Need to Start Playing Lap Steel?

Getting started with lap steel doesn’t require a huge investment. Here’s the essential gear:

Item	Description	Considerations
Lap Steel Guitar	The instrument itself. Electric lap steels are most common, but acoustic versions exist.	Budget: Beginner models are affordable. Pickup: Ensure a decent-sounding pickup if electric.
Steel Bar	The metal or glass bar you slide across the strings.	Material: Steel offers a bright tone, glass a warmer one. Shape: Bullet-shaped or rounded bars are popular.
Picks	Usually, a thumb pick and two fingerpicks.	Material: Plastic or metal. Fit: Fingerpicks must fit snugly and comfortably.
Amplifier (if electric)	To amplify the sound of your electric lap steel.	Size: A small practice amp is fine for beginners. Features: Look for tone controls.
Tuner	To ensure your guitar is properly tuned.	Type: Electronic tuners are accurate and easy to use.
Case	For protecting your instrument during storage and transport.	Type: Hard or soft case, depending on your needs.
Strings	Replacement strings are essential.	Gauge: Medium-gauge strings are a good starting point.
Polishing cloth	Keeping your guitar clean keeps it at optimal condition.	Material: Microfiber polishing cloths are ideal for instrument care.
Instruction books	Essential for gaining an understanding of techniques and styles.	Material: Can be physical and virtual books.
Finger exerciser	Excellent for strengthening your fingers and improving your playing stamina.	Material: There are several brands available, all of them are pretty similar.
String winder	Essential for replacing your strings in a fast manner, there are electronic versions and non-electronic versions to choose from depending on the budget.	Material: Most of them are made of plastic with a metal core.

2.1. Recommendations

If you seriously want to learn to play the Hawaiian steel guitar, then I highly recommend buying Jerry Byrd’s instruction course available from Scotty’s music in St. Louis, Missouri. You will learn EVERYTHING that you need to know. The course includes some rhythm tracks, covers different tunings (mostly the C6th, which is what 90% of Hawaiian music is played on) and you’ll learn all the basic techniques to become a professional player.

3. Basic Techniques to Master

Mastering the basics is crucial for building a strong foundation. Here’s what to focus on:

Holding the Bar: Hold the steel bar parallel to the frets, applying light but consistent pressure. Avoid pressing too hard, which can dampen the sound.
Sliding Technique: Slide the bar smoothly and accurately to the desired fret. Practice sliding up and down the neck without lifting the bar completely.
Tuning Your Lap Steel: Correct tuning is essential. Common tunings include C6th (C-E-G-A-C-E) and Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D).
Picking: Use a thumb pick and fingerpicks to pluck the strings cleanly. Experiment with different picking patterns to create varied rhythms and textures.
Muting: Learn to mute strings with your palm or fingers to prevent unwanted noise and create clean, defined notes.
Vibrato: Add vibrato by gently wiggling the steel bar back and forth. This adds warmth and expression to your playing.

3.1. Picking String Groups

The FIRST thing you need to learn is how to use the picks and pick the strings. Nearly all players use 3 picks, and a few use 4 picks. I use 3 picks (1 plastic thumb pick, and 2 metal fingerpicks). Some people use an extra metal pick on their 3rd finger. I use standard Dunlop finger picks. I prefer brass over steel when I can find them. I just like the look better. I like .017″ or .018″ gauge. The picks sell in different thicknesses. I don’t like heavier gauges (like .021″ and .022″) because it’s harder to bend the picks. Since everyone has different sized fingers, you will need to adjust the fingerpicks by bending them to fit. Jerry Byrd chose to use .018″ picks himself.

If you’re just starting out on your journey to be a steel guitar player, finding lap steel guitar instructions can be difficult. I’ve made it all easy for you, and free from my heart, preparing a Hawaiian crash course to get you going that you’re going to love.

3.2. How To Hold The Instrument

Like its name suggests, the lap steel is traditionally played across the player’s lap. The headstock is to the player’s left, and the pickups are to the player’s right. You will want to sit in a chair that is at the proper height, meaning that your thighs are at a right angle to the floor so the guitar sits balanced and won’t slip off onto the floor. I generally sit a bit to the right if it’s a console steel (with legs), or else I’ll move the steel a bit the the left. I do this so I can easily place my right palm on the strings at the bridge for muting. It is awkward trying to reach over with my right hand if I’m not close enough to the bridge. It is also important to find lap steel guitar instructions.

4. Essential Lap Steel Tunings for Beginners

Choosing the right tuning is essential for playing lap steel. Here are a few popular choices:

Tuning	Notes (Low to High)	Characteristics	Best For
C6th	C-E-G-A-C-E	Versatile, widely used in Hawaiian music, jazz, and country.	Hawaiian melodies, chord melodies, solos.
Open D	D-A-D-F#-A-D	Great for blues, rock, and slide guitar.	Slide riffs, blues licks, rock solos.
Open E	E-B-E-G#-B-E	Similar to Open D, but with a brighter sound.	Rock, blues, slide guitar.
Open G	D-G-D-G-B-D	Often used in blues and country.	Blues riffs, country strumming.
A7	E-C#-A-E-C#-A	A minor tuning that’s used with an 8-string guitar for more sophisticated music and chords.	More sophisticated songs.

4.1. Learning Scales and Chords

The SECOND thing you need to learn is your scales and chord progressions, from which songs are composed. A chord is 2 or more notes played together. Once you learn your chord scales, then you can play the melody of a song by ear, i.e., you’ll be able to play what you hear. If you can hum a song, you should be able to play it on your guitar if you know your scales. Learn your C6th chords.

Nearly all stringed instruments follow the same I, IV and V pattern. These Roman numerals are known as the Nashville number system. It’s quite simple. The purpose of the system is simplicity. In the open (no bar) position, you have a major C chord on all strings except the 3rd string (which is an A note and gives you the classic Hawaiian sounding 6th chord, or relative minor, which is an A minor chord). If you place the bar on fret 5, you have an F major chord. And finally, placing the bar across fret 7 gives you a G major chord.

5. Easy Songs to Learn on Lap Steel as a Beginner

Start with simple melodies and chord progressions. Here are a few suggestions:

Song	Tuning	Difficulty	Notes
“Aloha Oe”	C6th	Easy	Classic Hawaiian melody with simple chord changes.
“Amazing Grace”	Open D	Easy	Familiar melody with a straightforward structure.
“When the Saints Go Marching In”	Open G	Easy	Upbeat gospel tune with repetitive chord progression.
“You Are My Sunshine”	C6th	Easy	Cheerful tune with a simple melody.
“Adventures In Paradise”	C6th	Easy	Here’s a great song to learn first.

Remember that the key to improving your playing is to listen to lots of music and then learn new things to play as you go. It’s easy to get into a rut where you’re playing the same licks over and over, but to break free of this you need to learn new things. Listen to different versions of the same Hawaiian song to learn how each steel guitar player differently approaches the song.

6. Lap Steel Guitar Techniques to Advance Your Playing

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore these techniques to add depth and expression to your playing:

Harmonics: Create bell-like tones by lightly touching the string above a fret with your bar while picking.
Bar Slants: Angle the bar slightly to play chords or create interesting tonal effects.
Volume Swells: Use a volume pedal to create smooth, gradual increases in volume.
Chord Voicings: Experiment with different chord voicings to add color and complexity to your playing.
Double Stops: Play two notes simultaneously for a fuller sound.
Vibrato: Vibrate creates and excellent sound.
Palm muting: Palm muting is the secret to mastering Hawaiian guitar playing.

6.1. Trilling, Lifting Bar, Finger And Palm Harmonics

Another great Hawaiian technique is trilling, defined as, a note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it. Sol Hoopii mastered the art of just playing two strings, as you can hear in this 1930’s recording…

Watch how Sol Hoopii does the trilling effect at 3:32 in the video. Also, watch how Sol uses his hands, enjoying himself and really getting into the instrument. He does some great palm harmonics throughout the video. Sol has a unique style that I haven’t seen anyone else use, of playing lengthy song verses using finger harmonics. Jerry Byrd always used palm harmonics; but Sol Hoopii is using his fingers and dramatically lifting his arms away from the guitar each time. it is amazing, enjoyable to watch and sounds awesome.

6.2. Awesome Palm Muting Technique At Bridge

IF YOU’RE NOT USING THE MUTING TECHNIQUE ON A REGULAR BASIS, THEN YOU’RE MISSING HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR COMPLETELY.

But also very important to a steel player is that THE BRIDGE IS NOT COVERED, so you can do palm muting. I use the muting technique quite a bit in Hawaiian playing. You simply place the palm of your right hand near the bridge, and it mutes the strings. It is a really great sound and always surprises people when they hear it.

7. Different Styles of Lap Steel Music

Lap steel is featured in various genres. Exploring these styles can broaden your musical horizons:

Hawaiian: Characterized by its melodic lines, lush chords, and distinctive vibrato. Jerry Byrd is a legendary Hawaiian steel guitarist.
Country: Often used for its sweet, soaring tones and signature slide riffs. Key players include Jerry Douglas and Buddy Emmons.
Blues: Adds a soulful, expressive element to blues music. Greats like Freddie Roulette have showcased its potential.
Rock: Can provide unique textures and soaring solos in rock music. David Lindley is a notable example.
Gospel: Provides the basis for many harmonic sounds.

Steel players are a rare bunch indeed, and highly sought after. If you love steel guitar, then it’ll keep you coming back again and again to learn more. When you get discouraged, listen to some of your favorite steel guitar music. You can listen to Hawaiian radio for free on the internet, like am940hawaii.com.

8. How to Choose the Right Lap Steel Guitar

Choosing the right lap steel guitar depends on your budget, playing style, and desired sound. Here’s what to consider:

Electric vs. Acoustic: Electric lap steels are more common and versatile, while acoustic models offer a unique, resonant tone.
Wood Type: Tonewoods like mahogany, maple, and koa affect the instrument’s sound.
Pickup Quality: A good pickup is essential for amplifying the instrument’s natural tone.
Number of Strings: 6-string lap steels are standard, but 7- and 8-string models offer extended range and chord voicings.
Scale Length: The scale length affects string tension and playability.
Brand and Model: Research different brands and models to find one that suits your needs and budget.

8.1. A Great Lap Steel For An Affordable Price

Here’s a fantastic lap steel at an affordable price. I own the red one (I think it matches the gig bag best) and it sounds awesome. It has felt glued underside to keep it from slipping off your lap. Strings mount through the body. The sustain is awesome. Note: I removed the chrome plate over the bridge so I could do palm muting. I highly recommend that you do the same. There’s just 2 Philip’s screws to remove. The pickup is chrome anyway, so you don’t need the cover.

9. Tips for Practicing Lap Steel Guitar Effectively

Consistent practice is key to improving your lap steel skills. Here are some tips to make your practice sessions more effective:

Set Realistic Goals: Start with short, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty.
Practice Regularly: Even short, daily practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, longer ones.
Focus on Fundamentals: Master the basics before moving on to more complex techniques.
Use a Metronome: Develop your timing and rhythm by practicing with a metronome.
Record Yourself: Listening to your playing can help you identify areas for improvement.
Learn by Ear: Train your ear by trying to learn melodies and solos without tablature.
Have Fun: Make practice enjoyable by playing songs you love and exploring new musical ideas.

Music is magical. I was in Waikiki Hawaii and heard a trio at night playing Mapuana like I’d never heard it before. It was so pretty and I wanted to cry. They didn’t have a steel guitar player, but I sure wanted to join them and play (but I didn’t have my guitar with me). I play Mapuana as a steel guitar instrumental on B11th tuning.

10. Resources for Learning Lap Steel Guitar

There are many resources available to help you learn lap steel guitar:

Online Lessons: Websites like guitarplayers.net offer structured courses and tutorials.
Instructional Books: Books by Jerry Byrd and other notable players can provide valuable insights.
YouTube Channels: Many players share tips, lessons, and performances on YouTube.
Local Teachers: Consider taking lessons from a qualified lap steel instructor.
Online Communities: Join online forums and communities to connect with other players, ask questions, and share your progress.

Resource Type	Details
Online Lessons	Structured courses, tutorials, and personalized feedback.
Instructional Books	In-depth guides, exercises, and song transcriptions.
YouTube Channels	Free lessons, demonstrations, and performances.
Local Teachers	One-on-one instruction, personalized feedback, and structured learning.
Online Communities	Forums, social media groups, and online communities for connecting with other players, asking questions, and sharing your progress.
Tablature Websites	Websites dedicated to guitar tablature, offering transcriptions of songs and solos.
Music Theory Resources	Websites, books, and courses that teach music theory concepts like scales, chords, and harmony.
Jam Sessions	Opportunities to play with other musicians, learn new songs, and develop your improvisation skills.
Workshops/Clinics	Intensive learning experiences led by experienced instructors, covering specific techniques, styles, or topics.
Music Software	Software for recording, editing, and analyzing your playing.
Podcasts	Audio programs that discuss guitar-related topics like technique, gear, and music theory.
Live Performances	Attending concerts and shows to observe experienced players and gain inspiration.
Study Groups	Informal groups where players meet to practice, share knowledge, and provide mutual support.
Apps	Mobile apps for tuning, chord charts, and learning tools.
Sheet Music	Printed sheet music for songs and solos.

Check out guitarplayers.net for lessons, reviews, sheet music, and a community forum to connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts!

11. The Importance of Listening and Learning by Ear

While resources like tablature and instructional videos are helpful, learning to play by ear is essential for developing your musicality.

11.1. Here’s Why

Develops Your Ear: Learning by ear trains your ability to recognize notes, chords, and melodies.
Enhances Your Improvisation: Ear training is crucial for improvising and creating your own solos.
Improves Your Understanding of Music: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how music works.
Expands Your Repertoire: You can learn songs that aren’t available in tablature.
Connects You to the Music: Learning by ear creates a more intimate connection with the music.

11.2. Getting Started

Start Simple: Begin with simple melodies and gradually increase the difficulty.
Hum the Melody: Try to hum the melody before attempting to play it on your lap steel.
Identify the Key: Determine the key of the song to help you find the correct notes.
Use Software: Use software to slow down the music without changing the pitch.
Be Patient: Learning by ear takes time and practice.

12. Exploring Different Lap Steel Guitars: 6, 7, or 8 Strings?

The number of strings on your lap steel can affect its versatility and playing style.

12.1. Six-String Lap Steels

Pros: Simpler to learn, more affordable, widely available, suitable for most genres.
Cons: Limited range, fewer chord voicings.
Best For: Beginners, players who prefer a simpler setup.

12.2. Seven-String Lap Steels

Pros: Extended range, more chord voicings than 6-string models.
Cons: Steeper learning curve, less common than 6-string models.
Best For: Players seeking a balance between simplicity and versatility.

12.3. Eight-String Lap Steels

Pros: Widest range, most chord voicings, popular in Hawaiian music.
Cons: More complex to learn, can be expensive, may require specialized tunings.
Best For: Advanced players, those specializing in Hawaiian music or seeking maximum versatility.

It’s a personal choice, like most things in life. I prefer the 6-string for C6th, but didn’t know that until I tried the 8-string. I have both, just in case I want to get those additional low notes. I have numerous guitars, as each is uniquely different. If I played E9th or E13th lap steel, I’d absolutely want an 8-string. Most C6th player have a low C and a Bb on their 8-string C6th (or they just repeat the first four strings, that is, treble to bass: E – C – A – G – E – C – A – G.

13. Famous Lap Steel Guitar Players to Inspire You

Listening to and studying the playing of famous lap steel guitarists can provide inspiration and insights into different styles and techniques.

13.1. Some Notable Players Include

Jerry Byrd: Known for his influential C6th tuning and Hawaiian style.
Sol Hoopii: A pioneer of Hawaiian steel guitar.
Buddy Emmons: A master of the pedal steel guitar.
David Lindley: A versatile player known for his work in rock and world music.
Freddie Roulette: A blues innovator who pushed the boundaries of the instrument.
Alvino Rey: Played the song Hindustan.
Barney Isaacs Jr: On 8-string steel guitar.

ABOVE: Here’s a photo I took of the one and only Alan Akaka in 2008 at the Moana Terrace at Waikiki Beach.

14. Exploring Lap Steel Guitar Tunings and Chord Progressions

Experimenting with different tunings and chord progressions can open up new musical possibilities.

14.1. Common Tunings Include

C6th: (C-E-G-A-C-E) – Versatile and widely used in Hawaiian music.
Open D: (D-A-D-F#-A-D) – Great for blues and slide guitar.
Open E: (E-B-E-G#-B-E) – Similar to Open D, but with a brighter sound.
Open G: (D-G-D-G-B-D) – Often used in blues and country music.

14.2. Experiment with Chord Progressions

I-IV-V: A classic progression used in countless songs.
ii-V-I: A common jazz progression.
I-vi-IV-V: A popular progression used in many pop and rock songs.

15. Maintaining and Caring for Your Lap Steel Guitar

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your lap steel in good condition and ensuring optimal performance.

15.1. Here Are Some Tips

Keep it Clean: Wipe down the strings and body with a clean cloth after each use.
Store it Properly: Store your lap steel in a case or gig bag when not in use.
Change the Strings Regularly: Replace the strings every few months, or more often if you play frequently.
Adjust the Action: Adjust the string height (action) to suit your playing style.
Check the Electronics: If you have an electric lap steel, check the electronics regularly and replace any worn components.
Have it Serviced: Have your lap steel serviced by a qualified technician every few years.

16. Joining a Lap Steel Guitar Community

Connecting with other lap steel players can provide support, inspiration, and learning opportunities.

16.1. Here Are Some Ways to Connect

Online Forums: Join online forums dedicated to lap steel guitar.
Social Media Groups: Connect with other players on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Local Music Communities: Attend local jam sessions and open mics to meet other musicians.
Workshops and Festivals: Attend lap steel workshops and festivals to learn from experienced players.

17. Lap Steel Guitar FAQs

Have questions about lap steel guitar? Here are some frequently asked questions:

17.1. What’s the difference between a lap steel and a pedal steel?

Lap steel is played horizontally on the lap, using a steel bar. Pedal steel has pedals and knee levers to change the pitch of the strings.

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

Yes, but you’ll need to raise the action and use a steel bar.

17.3. What’s the best tuning for lap steel?

C6th is a versatile tuning for Hawaiian, jazz, and country.

17.4. How do I choose the right steel bar?

Consider the material (steel or glass) and shape (bullet or rounded).

17.5. How do I mute the strings on a lap steel?

Use your palm or fingers to gently touch the strings near the bridge.

17.6. Where can I find lap steel lessons online?

Websites like guitarplayers.net offer structured courses and tutorials.

17.7. What are some easy songs to learn on lap steel?

“Aloha Oe,” “Amazing Grace,” and “You Are My Sunshine” are good starting points.

17.8. How do I add vibrato to my playing?

Wiggle the steel bar back and forth gently.

17.9. What’s the best way to practice lap steel?

Set realistic goals, practice regularly, and focus on fundamentals.

17.10. How can I connect with other lap steel players?

Join online forums, attend local jam sessions, and attend workshops and festivals.

18. Continue Your Lap Steel Guitar Journey with Guitarplayers.net

Now that you’ve learned the basics of playing lap steel guitar, it’s time to continue your musical journey with guitarplayers.net!

We offer a wide range of resources to help you improve your skills and connect with other players, including:

Comprehensive Lessons: Structured courses for all skill levels.
Song Tabs: A vast library of lap steel tablature.
Gear Reviews: Expert reviews of lap steel guitars, amplifiers, and accessories.
Community Forum: Connect with other players, ask questions, and share your knowledge.

Don’t wait any longer to start playing the beautiful and rewarding instrument that is lap steel guitar. Visit guitarplayers.net today and take your first step towards becoming a skilled lap steel player!

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

Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261

Website: guitarplayers.net