Exploring Awesome Effects for Your Lap Steel Guitar

You’ve got your lap steel guitar, and you’re getting the hang of your tone. Now, it’s time to take things up a notch by diving into the world of effects

LAP STEEL GUITAR

Sarah Westbrook

9/4/20244 min read

West brook lap steel guitar
West brook lap steel guitar

Exploring Awesome Effects for Your Lap Steel Guitar

So, you’ve got your lap steel guitar, and you’re getting the hang of your tone. Now, it’s time to take things up a notch by diving into the world of effects. Adding effects to your lap steel playing can totally transform your sound, giving you new textures, dynamics, and just a whole lot of vibe. Whether you’re looking to create smooth, swelling tones or gritty, rock-infused licks, there’s an effect out there that’ll help you get the job done. Let’s talk about some of the coolest effects you can use with your lap steel guitar.

1. Volume Swells: Creating Smooth, Flowing Sounds

Volume swells are one of the most iconic effects for lap steel guitar. This technique mimics the sound of a pedal steel, giving you that smooth, flowing tone that just melts into a mix. Here’s how you can get those swells going:

A. Volume Pedal

The easiest way to nail volume swells is with a volume pedal. Place the pedal between your guitar and your amp, and use your foot to control the volume. Start with the volume at zero, play a note or chord, and then gradually increase the volume with the pedal. This creates that beautiful, violin-like swell that’s perfect for ballads, intros, or any time you want to add some extra emotion to your playing.

B. Volume Knob Swells

If you don’t have a volume pedal, you can still create swells using your guitar’s volume knob. It takes a bit more practice, but the idea is the same—start with the volume down, pick a note, and then roll the volume knob up quickly but smoothly. It’s a classic trick, and with a bit of practice, it can sound just as good as using a pedal.

2. Overdrive: Adding Grit and Edge

Want to add some bite to your lap steel sound? Overdrive is where it’s at. This effect is perfect for when you want to bring some rock ‘n’ roll attitude to your playing, adding grit, sustain, and a touch of aggression.

A. Tube Overdrive

A lot of lap steel players swear by tube overdrive pedals because they give you that warm, natural-sounding distortion. It’s not too harsh but just enough to make your notes sing and sustain longer. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or even country, a bit of overdrive can make your lap steel stand out in the mix.

B. Distortion and Fuzz

If you’re looking to really push the boundaries, try out a distortion or fuzz pedal. These effects will take your tone from a slight edge to full-on, face-melting territory. Fuzz pedals, in particular, can give your lap steel a huge, thick sound that’s perfect for big riffs or experimental sounds. Just be careful with the gain—too much can drown out the subtle nuances of your playing.

3. Delay: Creating Depth and Space

Delay is another awesome effect that can add a ton of depth to your lap steel sound. By repeating your notes at different intervals, delay pedals create an echo that can make your playing sound fuller and more atmospheric.

A. Simple Echoes

A basic delay setting can give you that classic slapback echo, perfect for rockabilly or old-school country vibes. Set your delay time short and your feedback low to create a quick repeat that adds rhythm and texture without overwhelming your playing.

B. Ambient Delays

For something a bit more spacious, try a longer delay time with more feedback. This creates a more ambient sound, where the echoes seem to float in the background, adding a dreamy, atmospheric layer to your playing. It’s great for creating soundscapes or adding a touch of mystery to your music.

4. Reverb: Adding a Sense of Space

Reverb is one of those must-have effects that can make your lap steel sound bigger and more immersive. It simulates the natural echoes you’d hear in a large room or hall, giving your playing a sense of space.

A. Spring Reverb

Spring reverb is a classic choice for lap steel, especially if you’re into that vintage sound. It’s got a bit of a “boingy” quality that adds character without being too over the top. You’ll find it in a lot of old-school amps, and it’s perfect for adding just a touch of space to your tone.

B. Plate and Hall Reverb

If you want something a bit more lush, plate and hall reverbs are the way to go. Plate reverb gives you a smooth, even wash of sound that’s great for ballads or mellow tunes. Hall reverb, on the other hand, is big and expansive, perfect for when you want to make your lap steel sound like it’s filling a cathedral.

5. Modulation Effects: Adding Movement and Texture

Modulation effects like chorus, tremolo, and phaser can add some cool movement and texture to your lap steel playing, giving it a unique character.

A. Chorus

Chorus pedals thicken up your sound by duplicating your signal and slightly detuning it. This creates a shimmering effect, almost like your guitar is being played by two people at once. It’s subtle but effective, especially for adding a bit of warmth and depth to your clean tones.

B. Tremolo

Tremolo is all about rhythmic pulsing. It automatically adjusts the volume of your signal up and down, creating a wobbly effect. It’s great for adding some vintage flavor to your playing or for creating a hypnotic, rhythmic pulse in your music.

C. Phaser

Phaser pedals create a sweeping effect that adds a swirling, almost otherworldly quality to your sound. It’s a bit more out-there, but if you’re into experimenting with your lap steel tone, a phaser can take your playing to some pretty wild places.

Conclusion

Adding effects to your lap steel guitar playing can open up a whole new world of sounds and possibilities. From smooth volume swells to gritty overdrive, and from atmospheric delays to lush reverb, there’s an effect out there for every vibe you want to create. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your style and the sound you’re going for. So, plug in those pedals, start twisting some knobs, and see where your lap steel can take you. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to get creative!