Although its history is linked to various cultures, the Hawaiian lap steel guitar is a string instrument commonly used in traditional Hawaiian music.

The lap steel is a handcrafted product, and its shape resembles that of a classical guitar, but with a longer neck and a tilted bridge. It is a fascinating instrument that tells a story rich in traditions, with relaxing and peaceful music. It has a sound similar to an acoustic guitar but is more intense.

Brief History of the Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar

The Hawaiian lap steel guitar, also known as the “Hawaiian guitar” or simply “lap steel“, is a handcrafted instrument that has defined the music of the Pacific Ocean for decades.

Its roots date back to the 19th century, when local Polynesian cultures encountered European colonial cultures, blending influences that created the musical tradition known today as Hula.

Its first version dates back to 1832, when a British sailor named Joseph Kekuku discovered by accident that by passing a piece of metal along the strings of his acoustic guitar, he could produce new and interesting sounds. Since then, the Hawaiian lap steel guitar has become an icon of Hawaiian culture and a symbol of traditional Hawaiian music.

The first true lap steel guitar was made in Maui in the 19th century by Julius Huddy, who created a guitar with a neck made of dimango wood, silver inlays, and a spruce soundboard.

In the 1930s and 1940s, thanks to the growing influence of Hawaiian music in U.S. culture, this guitar became a very popular instrument in the United States.

Many American artists, such as Sol Hoopii and Andy Iona, began to use it in their music, introducing the instrument to an ever-growing audience. As a result, it became one of the main symbols associated with Hawaiian music.

Throughout the 20th century, new types of strings and tunings were introduced, and modifications were made to the structure of the instrument itself. These changes allowed for a more powerful and versatile sound, making the Hawaiian lap steel guitar popular in many music genres: from jazz to country, tejano to rock’n’roll. To this day, the lap steel remains one of the most beloved instruments among guitar enthusiasts worldwide.

Features of the Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar

It is an instrument ideal for both beginners and experienced musicians. You can choose from different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, depending on the brand and the type of sound you are accustomed to. In terms of construction, Hawaiian lap steel guitars range from economical models to more expensive ones.

The cheaper ones are often made of plastic, while the more expensive models may have wooden fingerboards with hand-carved inlays. Some models come with control buttons, an accelerator, and even a built-in mixer.

Another feature of the Hawaiian guitar is the volume lever effect, which is used to produce a variable and wavy sound.

Generally, it is an instrument that is played while the artist is seated in front of the fingerboard.

The Body and Shape

The body consists of a case with an oval or rectangular shape, usually made from solid wood, such as mahogany or maple. The shape of the body is similar to that of a classical guitar, but with the strings placed horizontally rather than vertically.

The finish can vary, but it often features vivid colors and decorative patterns inspired by Hawaiian culture.

Perhaps due to its cylindrical shape or the color of the oil-based paint, the Hawaiian guitar has always been an instrument that captures attention.

The Strings

The strings are placed horizontally relative to the body, rather than vertically (as in most guitars). The lap steel is typically equipped with six steel strings, but some models may have eight or twelve strings.

They are played with a pick or a pencil, using a slide technique to produce different notes. The length of the strings varies depending on the model and the brand, but they are generally longer than the strings of a classical guitar.

The strings of this guitar are placed over a raised grid, known as the lap steel lever.

The Lever

The lever is essential for producing more complex sounds, including combinations of notes that are not always possible with an acoustic guitar.

As for the sound, it can have various tones that blend classic sounds with distorted blues tones. It will depend on the artist’s ability to use the lap steel lever to adjust the frequency of the notes.

Some advanced models also feature powerful pick-ups and preamplifiers to make the sound louder.

The Neck and Bridge

The neck of the Hawaiian lap steel guitar is often made of solid wood, such as mahogany or rosewood, and has a “U” or “V” shape.

The bridge, usually made of metal, adjusts the height and intonation of the strings. Some models have a sliding tuning system for easy tuning adjustments.

Other Features

This type of guitar is generally played with a pick, although some players use their fingers directly. It is also played with two picks simultaneously when the goal is to create a harmonica-like effect.

The left hand is used to adjust the tension of the strings, while the right hand manipulates the volume lever to produce a fading effect.

The guitar is played using a technique called “slanting“: the player sits near the instrument, adopting a slightly shifted position from the waistline. This setup allows the player to explore the instrument’s broad tonal spectrum with finger precision. The instrument’s slanted shape also enables fun manipulation of tone.

As with most string instruments, the most common techniques used to play the Hawaiian lap steel guitar are arpeggio and chords. However, using a varied pickup palette allows for a broader range of expressive sounds, and they can be used to create smooth and connected slides, forming complex airy textures. Depending on the player’s preferences, effects such as tremolo, vibrato, delay, and reverb can also be added.

Ultimately, the Hawaiian lap steel guitar is an unexpectedly versatile instrument.

Genres and Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar Players

To accompany various musical genres such as country, rock, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, you just need to change the tuning.

The first and most famous players of this instrument were Leon McAuliffe, still considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time in the western swing and country genres, and Jerry Byrd, a guitarist who used the Hawaiian lap steel guitar in all his compositions with great mastery and skill.

Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar: How to Play It

The Basics of Technique

To begin, it is important to learn the correct hand and finger positions. The right hand is placed on the bridge to play the chords, while the left hand should be placed on the fingerboard to play the individual notes.

Chords

Once you understand the basics of technique, it’s important to learn the basic chords. The most common ones are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, but there are many other chords you can learn as you progress with the technique.

The Melody

Once you can play the basic chords, you can begin to develop the melody. There are various styles, such as fingerpicking and flatpicking, that can be explored to find the one that best suits your playing style. It’s important to practice regularly and listen to a lot of music to develop your own unique style.

If you learn to play it, its sound is one of the most relaxing produced by any musical instrument.