The lap steel guitar, with its distinctive, ethereal sound, has long been a staple in various music genres, from country and blues to rock and Hawaiian music. Its unique playing style, where the instrument is laid horizontally on the player’s lap and a metal or glass bar is used to slide across the strings, sets it apart from traditional guitars. For those new to the world of music or looking to expand their musical horizons, the question often arises: is the lap steel guitar easy to learn?
This inquiry is not without merit, as the lap steel guitar presents both similarities and differences to standard guitars. On one hand, its unconventional playing position and the reliance on a slide introduce new techniques that may seem daunting at first. On the other hand, certain aspects of lap steel guitar playing, such as the lack of complex fingerpicking patterns in the traditional sense, can potentially make it more accessible to beginners. In this article, we will delve deep into the various elements that contribute to the learnability of the lap steel guitar, exploring its physical requirements, technical aspects, musical theory implications, and more, to provide a comprehensive answer to this intriguing question.
Understanding the Lap Steel Guitar: A Unique Instrument
Physical Structure and Design
The lap steel guitar is typically smaller and lighter than a standard acoustic or electric guitar. It lacks a traditional neck in the same sense as other guitars, instead featuring a flat surface with strings stretched across it. The body of the lap steel guitar can vary in shape, but it is usually designed to rest comfortably on the player’s lap. The strings are often heavier than those on regular guitars, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound. Additionally, lap steel guitars can be either acoustic or electric. Electric lap steel guitars are equipped with pickups, allowing the player to amplify their sound through an amplifier, while acoustic lap steel guitars rely on their body to project the sound.
Playing Position and Setup
The most notable difference between the lap steel guitar and other guitars is its playing position. As the name suggests, the lap steel guitar is played while resting horizontally on the player’s lap. This position changes the way the player interacts with the instrument. Instead of fretting notes with fingers, the player uses a slide (a metal or glass bar) to press down on the strings and change the pitch. The slide is held in one hand, while the other hand strums or picks the strings. The setup also includes adjusting the height of the strings from the fretboard – like surface, which can impact the ease of sliding and the overall sound quality.
Basic Techniques: A Starting Point for Learning
Holding the Slide
One of the first steps in learning the lap steel guitar is mastering the proper way to hold the slide. The slide should be held between the thumb and fingers, with the fingers providing support and control. The goal is to be able to glide the slide smoothly across the strings without applying too much or too little pressure. Beginners may find it challenging at first to maintain a consistent pressure, as too much pressure can cause the strings to go out of tune or produce a harsh sound, while too little pressure may result in a muted or weak tone. However, with practice, players can develop the muscle memory and control needed to hold the slide effectively.
String Picking and Strumming
Just like with other guitars, string picking and strumming are essential techniques for the lap steel guitar. The non – slide hand is used to pick or strum the strings. Picking involves using a pick or fingers to pluck individual strings, which is useful for creating melodies or arpeggios. Strumming, on the other hand, is used to play multiple strings simultaneously, often creating a rhythm accompaniment. The choice between picking and strumming depends on the musical style and the desired sound. For example, in Hawaiian music, strumming is commonly used to create a lush, rhythmic backdrop, while in blues, picking individual strings is often employed to play expressive melodies.
Sliding and Note Selection
The art of sliding on the lap steel guitar is what gives it its signature sound. To produce different notes, the player slides the bar along the strings, pressing down at different points to change the pitch. Unlike traditional guitars, where frets clearly define specific notes, on the lap steel guitar, the player has to rely on their ear and sense of touch to accurately select the right pitch. This can be a challenge for beginners, as it requires developing a good sense of intonation. However, once mastered, sliding allows for a wide range of expressive techniques, such as glissandos (smooth slides between notes) and vibrato (a slight, rhythmic variation in pitch).
Comparing with Traditional Guitar Learning
Fretwork and Finger Dexterity
One of the major differences between learning the lap steel guitar and a traditional guitar is the approach to fretwork. On a traditional guitar, players use their fingers to press down on the strings behind specific frets to produce different notes. This requires significant finger dexterity, strength, and the ability to form complex chord shapes. In contrast, the lap steel guitar eliminates the need for traditional fretwork with fingers. While the slide still requires control and precision, it does not demand the same level of finger independence and strength as traditional guitar playing. This can make the lap steel guitar more accessible to those who struggle with finger dexterity on a regular guitar.
Chord Formation
Chord formation is also quite different on the lap steel guitar. On a traditional guitar, chords are formed by pressing down multiple strings at specific frets with different fingers. On the lap steel guitar, chords are often created by using the slide to cover multiple strings at once while picking or strumming. This means that the concept of chord shapes as they are known on a traditional guitar does not apply in the same way. While there are still chord progressions and harmonic concepts to learn, the physical act of forming chords is simplified in some respects on the lap steel guitar.
Challenges in Learning the Lap Steel Guitar
Intonation and Ear Training
As mentioned earlier, the lack of clearly defined frets on the lap steel guitar means that players must rely on their ears to ensure proper intonation. This requires a high level of ear training, as even a slight misplacement of the slide can result in a note being out of tune. Beginners may find it difficult to accurately identify the correct pitch by ear, especially when playing melodies or complex chord progressions. Developing a good sense of intonation takes time and consistent practice, often involving listening to reference notes and comparing them to the ones produced on the lap steel guitar.
Expressive Techniques
While the lap steel guitar offers a wide range of expressive techniques, mastering them can be a challenge. Techniques such as vibrato, glissandos, and bending notes with the slide require a combination of control, timing, and musicality. For example, creating a natural – sounding vibrato on the lap steel guitar involves a precise movement of the slide that adds a subtle variation in pitch. Beginners may struggle to achieve the right balance and consistency in these techniques, which are essential for adding emotion and character to their playing.
Tips for Beginners: Facilitating the Learning Process
Start with Simple Songs and Exercises
For those new to the lap steel guitar, it’s advisable to begin with simple songs and exercises. This helps in building a solid foundation in the basic techniques of holding the slide, picking or strumming, and sliding. Simple melodies and chord progressions allow beginners to focus on mastering the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed. As skills improve, more complex songs and techniques can be gradually introduced.
Invest in Quality Instruction
Quality instruction, whether through private lessons, online tutorials, or instructional books, is invaluable for learning the lap steel guitar. A good instructor can provide personalized feedback, correct any bad habits early on, and offer guidance on proper technique and musical theory. Online platforms offer a wealth of resources, including video lessons, which can be particularly helpful for visual learners. Additionally, instructional books often provide in-depth explanations and exercises that can supplement other forms of learning.
Practice Regularly and Be Patient
Like any musical instrument, learning the lap steel guitar requires regular practice. Consistency is key to improving skills and overcoming challenges. Beginners should set aside dedicated time each day for practice, even if it’s just for a short period. It’s also important to be patient with oneself, as progress may seem slow at first. Remember that every guitarist, no matter how skilled, started as a beginner, and with perseverance and regular practice, significant improvement is possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether the lap steel guitar is easy to learn does not have a straightforward yes or no answer. It presents both advantages and challenges for beginners. On one hand, its unique playing style eliminates some of the complex finger-based techniques required on traditional guitars, making it potentially more accessible in terms of physical dexterity. On the other hand, the need for precise intonation through ear training and mastering expressive slide-based techniques can pose significant challenges.
Ultimately, the ease of learning the lap steel guitar depends on individual factors such as musical aptitude, prior experience with other instruments, and the amount of time and effort dedicated to practice. With the right approach, including starting with simple exercises, seeking quality instruction, and practicing regularly, many beginners can find the lap steel guitar to be a rewarding and achievable instrument to learn. Its distinct sound and playing style offer a unique musical experience that, for those willing to put in the work, can open up a new world of creative possibilities.
