Have you ever heard the soulful, sliding sound of a lap steel guitar and felt a pull to try it yourself? That unique, wavering tone can make any song sound like a classic. But when you’re ready to pick up this fascinating instrument, figuring out where to start can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many different kinds of lap steels out there, and knowing which one is best for a beginner can be confusing.
Maybe you’ve spent hours online, looking at guitars, but still feel unsure. You want to dive into playing, but the thought of picking the wrong instrument might be holding you back. This is a common feeling for anyone new to lap steel!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great beginner lap steel. We’ll look at the important features to consider and offer some simple advice to guide you. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which lap steel will be your perfect starting point for making beautiful music.
Our Top 5 Beginner Lap Steel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Lap Steel Detailed Reviews
1. Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide – Learn Chords
Rating: 9.3/10
Are you ready to learn the cool sounds of the lap steel guitar? The Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide is your perfect starting point. This book makes learning fun and easy. You’ll discover how to play chords and scales. You’ll also learn awesome techniques. It even includes online audio with 95 tracks to play along with.
What We Like:
- The book is 48 pages long, so it has plenty of lessons.
- It includes 7 songs, so you can practice what you learn with real music.
- Author Johnie Helms guides you step-by-step.
- You get a CD with 95 audio tracks. This helps you hear how things should sound.
- It’s a softcover book with TAB notation, which is easy for beginners to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some beginners might find the TAB notation a little tricky at first.
- While 7 songs are included, more might offer even more practice variety.
This guide is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to pick up the lap steel. It provides a solid foundation for your musical journey.
2. PLAYING LAP STEEL GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS: Mastering Expressive Slide Techniques
Rating: 8.6/10
This PLAYING LAP STEEL GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS: Mastering Expressive Slide Techniques, Picking Accuracy, Essential Chord Positions, Smooth Tuning, And More From Scratch is a fantastic guide for anyone wanting to learn the lap steel guitar. It breaks down everything a beginner needs to know into easy steps. You’ll learn how to make cool sounds with the slide and how to play notes clearly. The book also teaches you important chords and how to keep your guitar in tune.
What We Like:
- Clear explanations of slide techniques make playing expressive.
- Focus on picking accuracy helps you play cleaner notes.
- Essential chord positions are taught step-by-step.
- Simple instructions for smooth tuning are included.
- Covers learning from the very beginning, like starting from scratch.
What Could Be Improved:
- More visual aids, like diagrams or pictures, could be helpful for some learners.
- A section on common beginner mistakes and how to fix them would be a great addition.
This guide is a solid starting point for aspiring lap steel players. It empowers you to start making music right away.
3. THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS LAP STEEL GUITAR HANDBOOK: Master The Unique Sound Of Slide Guitar With Easy Step-By-Step Lessons
Rating: 8.9/10
Are you ready to explore the soulful, bluesy world of lap steel guitar? THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS LAP STEEL GUITAR HANDBOOK is your perfect starting point. This guide makes learning the unique sound of slide guitar simple and fun. You’ll find easy lessons that guide you every step of the way. It covers all the essential techniques you need to know. Plus, it offers practical tips designed just for total beginners. You’ll be playing your favorite tunes before you know it!
What We Like:
- Clear, step-by-step lessons make learning easy for beginners.
- Covers essential techniques needed to play lap steel.
- Offers practical tips for a smoother learning experience.
- Helps you master the unique sound of slide guitar.
What Could Be Improved:
- The handbook does not include any physical accessories or tools.
- No mention of specific lap steel guitar models it is best suited for.
This handbook is a fantastic resource for anyone curious about lap steel. It provides a solid foundation for your musical journey.
4. HOW TO PLAY LAP STEEL GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS: From First Slide To Soulful Melodies: A Step-By-Step Guide To Mastering The Basics
Rating: 8.7/10
The HOW TO PLAY LAP STEEL GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS: From First Slide To Soulful Melodies: A Step-By-Step Guide To Mastering The Basics book is your perfect companion for learning the lap steel guitar. It breaks down everything you need to know to start playing. You will learn how to hold the instrument and use the slide. This guide makes learning fun and easy.
What We Like:
- It clearly explains how to hold the lap steel guitar.
- The book teaches you how to use the slide correctly.
- It guides you from simple notes to playing songs.
- The steps are easy to follow for anyone.
- You can start making music right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- More diagrams could help visualize techniques.
- Audio examples would be a great addition.
- A section on common lap steel guitar tunings is missing.
This book is an excellent starting point for aspiring lap steel guitar players. It offers a clear path to understanding and playing this unique instrument.
5. Fretboard Roadmaps Lap Steel Guitar
Rating: 8.7/10
Unlock the magic of the lap steel guitar with “Fretboard Roadmaps.” This comprehensive guide, packed with 96 pages of wisdom and accompanied by online audio, is your ticket to mastering solos, licks, and backup playing. It covers essential patterns and tunings, making it perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned players.
What We Like:
- Clear explanations make learning easy.
- The online audio lets you hear the music.
- It teaches you many useful patterns.
- The book covers different tunings.
- It helps you learn solos and licks.
- You can learn backup playing too.
- It’s good for all skill levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- More advanced techniques could be included.
- A section on different lap steel styles might be helpful.
This book is a fantastic resource for any lap steel player. It will help you play better and have more fun.
Your First Lap Steel: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re thinking about diving into the cool world of lap steel guitar? That’s awesome! Lap steel guitars make a unique, sliding sound that you hear in blues, country, and Hawaiian music. Picking out your first one can feel a little tricky, but this guide will help you find the perfect instrument.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a beginner lap steel, keep these important things in mind:
- Number of Strings: Most beginner lap steels have six strings, just like a regular guitar. This makes it easier to learn if you already play guitar. Some have more, but six is a great starting point.
- Scale Length: This is the distance from the nut (the little piece at the top of the fretboard) to the bridge (where the strings attach at the bottom). A shorter scale length is easier for smaller hands and can feel more comfortable.
- Pickups: These are the parts that turn your string vibrations into sound. For beginners, a single-coil pickup is usually a good choice. It gives a bright, clear sound. Humbucker pickups are also common and offer a fatter, warmer tone.
- Controls: Look for simple volume and tone knobs. These let you change how loud your guitar is and the brightness of its sound.
Important Materials
The wood your lap steel is made from matters. It affects how it sounds and feels.
- Body Wood:
- Mahogany: This is a popular choice. It gives a warm, full sound. Many beginner guitars use mahogany.
- Alder: This wood offers a balanced tone with good sustain. It’s also common in beginner instruments.
- Maple: Maple bodies tend to be brighter and punchier.
- Fretboard Material:
- Rosewood: This is a classic choice. It feels smooth and helps create a warm tone.
- Maple: Maple fretboards are brighter and can feel a bit faster for some players.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a lap steel sound better or not as good.
- Build Quality: A well-built guitar feels solid. The edges should be smooth, and the parts should fit together nicely. Poorly built guitars can have buzzing strings or parts that loosen easily.
- Hardware: The tuning machines (the knobs you turn to tune the strings) should be smooth and hold their tune well. Cheap tuning machines can slip, making it hard to stay in tune.
- Setup: A good setup means the guitar is easy to play. The strings are at a good height, and the intonation (how well the notes play in tune up the neck) is correct. Many beginner lap steels come with a basic setup, but you might want to get it checked by a pro later.
User Experience and Use Cases
Lap steel is surprisingly versatile!
- Ease of Play: Lap steels are played horizontally on your lap. You use a metal or glass bar (called a “slide”) to press down on the strings and create those sliding sounds. This makes them different from regular guitars, but many people find it quite intuitive.
- Music Genres: They are perfect for blues, country, rockabilly, and of course, Hawaiian music. You can also use them in rock and pop to add a unique flavor.
- Learning Curve: If you’ve played guitar before, you’ll pick up the basics quickly. If you’re brand new to guitar, it might take a little longer, but the simpler setup of a lap steel can be less intimidating than a standard guitar.
- Portability: Most lap steels are pretty compact. They are easy to carry to jam sessions or gigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the easiest type of lap steel for a beginner?
A: A six-string lap steel with a comfortable scale length and simple controls is usually the easiest to start with.
Q: Do I need a special amp for a lap steel?
A: No, you can use a regular electric guitar amplifier. A clean tone works well, but you can experiment with effects later.
Q: What accessories do I absolutely need to buy with my lap steel?
A: You’ll need a slide (a metal or glass bar), a tuning device, and probably a guitar strap since you play it on your lap.
Q: How do I hold the slide?
A: You hold the slide gently between your thumb and index finger, or in your palm, and glide it over the strings.
Q: Will my fingers hurt when I start playing?
A: Your fingertips might feel a little sore at first, but they will toughen up over time. The slide helps protect your fingers.
Q: What’s the difference between a solid body and a hollow body lap steel?
A: A solid body lap steel is made from a solid piece of wood, giving it more sustain and less feedback. A hollow body lap steel has a hollow chamber, which makes it lighter and gives it a more acoustic-like sound.
Q: How important is the brand of a beginner lap steel?
A: For beginners, the brand is less important than the features and how comfortable the instrument feels. Many smaller companies make great beginner instruments.
Q: Can I play chords on a lap steel?
A: Yes, you can play chords. The sliding technique adds a unique flavor to chords.
Q: What kind of music is lap steel best for?
A: Lap steel is fantastic for blues, country, Hawaiian music, and rockabilly. It adds a distinctive sound to many genres.
Q: How do I keep my lap steel in tune?
A: Use a good electronic tuner. Lap steels can be sensitive to temperature changes, so you might need to tune it often at first.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.