Mastering the Correct Hand Technique for Lap Steel Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide

LAP STEEL GUITAR

Sarah Westbrook

11/12/20235 min read

Lap steel guitar has such a cool, unique sound that it’s found its way into all kinds of music—from country and blues to Hawaiian tunes and even rock. It’s not like your usual guitar; with a lap steel, you’re using a slide or bar to hit those notes and chords, which gives you a whole different playing vibe. The sounds you can get are rich, soulful, and super expressive. But to really make that lap steel sing, you’ve got to get your hand technique down. That's where this guide comes in. We’re diving into the right techniques for both your picking hand and your bar hand, so you can build a solid foundation and start playing like a pro. Let’s get into it!

Understanding the Basics of Lap Steel Guitar Technique

Before diving into specific techniques, it's important to understand the basic setup of a lap steel guitar. Unlike a regular guitar, a lap steel guitar is typically played while resting flat on the player’s lap or a stand, with the strings facing up. The player uses a slide (usually a metal or glass bar) with their non-dominant hand to press down on the strings, while the dominant hand picks or strums the strings.

There are two key components to master:

  1. The Picking Hand (Right Hand for Right-Handed Players)

  2. The Bar Hand (Left Hand for Right-Handed Players)

Let's break down the techniques for each hand to ensure you’re on the right track.

1. Correct Picking Hand Technique

The picking hand is responsible for striking the strings to produce sound. Proper picking hand technique is crucial for controlling dynamics, speed, and tonal quality.

A. Fingerpicking and Thumbpick Use

Most lap steel guitar players use a combination of fingerpicks and a thumb pick on their picking hand. This setup allows for precise string attack and control. Here’s how to position your picking hand correctly:

  • Thumb Pick: Wear the thumb pick on your thumb. The thumb is primarily used to strike the lower strings (typically the bass notes). The thumb should move in a down-picking motion, much like a bass player’s thumb technique.

  • Fingerpicks: The index, middle, and sometimes ring fingers should be fitted with fingerpicks. These fingers will typically pluck the higher strings. Ensure your hand is relaxed, with a slight curve in your fingers, mimicking a natural holding position.

B. Hand Position and Movement

  • Anchor Your Hand: Lightly rest the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge. This acts as an anchor point, providing stability and enabling more controlled picking movements.

  • Controlled Plucking Motion: Use a smooth and controlled plucking motion. Your finger movement should originate from the knuckles, not the joints, to avoid tension and ensure fluidity.

  • Avoid Excessive Motion: Keep your picking hand movements economical. Avoid unnecessary or exaggerated motions that can lead to fatigue and reduce precision.

C. Alternate Picking and Rolls

To play faster passages and more intricate melodies, practice alternate picking (alternating between thumb and fingerpicks) and rolls. Rolls are a technique where fingers pluck consecutive strings in a rolling motion, providing a fluid, cascading effect that's characteristic of lap steel playing.

D. Palm Muting

Palm muting is another essential technique for the lap steel guitar, often used to create a percussive, rhythmic effect. To palm mute, lightly rest the side of your palm on the strings near the bridge while plucking. This technique can be varied to produce different muting levels, adding depth to your playing style.

2. Correct Bar Hand Technique

The bar hand (usually the non-dominant hand) controls the slide or bar that presses down on the strings to change pitch. Proper bar control is crucial for accurate intonation and smooth glissandos (slides between notes).

A. Grip and Placement

  • Holding the Bar: Hold the slide bar gently yet firmly between your thumb and middle finger. Your index finger should rest on top of the bar to provide additional control, while your ring and pinky fingers hover lightly over the strings, ready to mute if necessary.

  • Bar Pressure: Apply just enough pressure with the bar to make clean contact with the strings without pressing too hard, which can cause unwanted noise or a “choked” sound. The bar should glide smoothly over the strings without any scraping sounds.

B. Bar Movement and Vibrato

  • Smooth Slides: Move the bar smoothly across the strings. To execute a clean slide, ensure that the motion is fluid, and the bar remains parallel to the frets. Keep your movements small and precise to maintain accurate pitch.

  • Vibrato Technique: Vibrato is an essential expressive tool in lap steel guitar playing. To perform vibrato, gently rock the bar back and forth parallel to the strings. The motion should come from the wrist, not the fingers, and should be controlled and even for a consistent sound. Practice varying the speed and intensity of your vibrato to add emotional nuance to your playing.

C. Muting Techniques

Muting unwanted strings is crucial for clean playing. Here’s how to manage muting effectively:

  • Left-Hand Muting: Use the fingers behind the bar to lightly touch the strings. This prevents any strings from ringing out when they’re not meant to.

  • Right-Hand Muting: Use the palm or fingers of your picking hand to mute strings as needed. This technique is especially useful when playing single-note lines or melodies.

3. Practice Tips for Developing Proper Technique

Developing the correct hand technique on the lap steel guitar requires practice and patience. Here are some tips to help you practice effectively:

A. Start Slow

Begin by practising scales, simple melodies, and chord transitions slowly. Focus on maintaining proper hand positioning, clean intonation, and smooth bar movements. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the techniques.

B. Use a Metronome

Practising with a metronome helps you develop a sense of timing and rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more confident in your picking and sliding techniques.

C. Record Yourself

Recording your practice sessions can be incredibly valuable. Listening back allows you to hear any intonation issues or unwanted noises that you might not notice while playing. Use these recordings to fine-tune your technique.

D. Focus on Tone

Your tone is your voice on the lap steel guitar. Focus on achieving a warm, rich tone with your picking hand and a smooth, controlled sound with your bar hand. Experiment with different hand positions and techniques to discover your unique sound. And remember, if it doesn't sound musical, don't do it!

E. Seek Feedback and Instruction

Consider taking lessons from a skilled lap steel guitar player, either in person or online (like me!). An experienced instructor can provide valuable feedback and guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Conclusion

Getting the right hand technique down on the lap steel guitar is all about mixing technical skills with your own musical style. Focus on getting your picking hand and bar hand working together smoothly, and don’t forget those muting techniques to keep things clean. Just remember—practice makes perfect, and patience is key. Take your time, enjoy learning, and most importantly, have a blast making music with your lap steel! Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be creating some seriously beautiful sounds. Happy playing!