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Pedal steel guitar is one of those rare instruments that most people have heard before, but have no idea what it is.
The instrument is heard on countless recordings and stages across the world, and it has a distinct sound that immediately catches the ear.
Even though it may seem mysterious at first, the pedal steel guitar becomes much easier to understand once you break it down into its core parts—how it works, how it’s played, and where it fits musically.
What Is a Pedal Steel Guitar?
A pedal steel guitar evolved from the traditional lap steel used in Hawaiian music. It shares some similarities with a standard electric guitar, but it is played horizontally, with the player seated behind it.
Instead of fretting notes with your fingers, the instrument is played with a steel bar, which is used to glide across the strings while the right hand picks them.
At the same time, the player uses foot pedals and knee levers to raise and lower the pitch of individual strings.
A volume pedal is also used with the right foot, allowing you to control sustain and dynamics as you play.
The Instrument’s History
The roots of pedal steel guitar go back to Hawaiian music in the early 1900s.
Joseph Kekuku is often credited with discovering the sound of sliding a hard object across guitar strings, which led to the development of lap steel guitars.
Over time, builders began experimenting with ways to mechanically change pitch. This eventually led to the addition of pedals and levers, which transformed the instrument into what we now know as pedal steel.
By the 1960s and 1970s, pedal steel had become a defining sound in country music, while also expanding into other genres.
How Does a Pedal Steel Guitar Work?
When you press a foot pedal, it activates a system of rods and levers underneath the instrument.
These rods connect to a changer mechanism, which raises or lowers the pitch of specific strings.
This allows players to bend notes and change chords without moving the bar—something that would be impossible on a standard guitar.
If you want a deeper breakdown of this system, it helps to understand how pedals and knee levers work together.
Single Neck vs Double Neck
Most pedal steels have either one or two necks.
- Single neck: usually E9 tuning
- Double neck: typically E9 and C6
Each neck provides a different tuning, which gives the player access to different styles and harmonic possibilities.
If you’re new to the instrument, it helps to understand how the E9 tuning is laid out before exploring other options.
Maintenance and Setup
Pedal steels are mechanical instruments, which means they require proper maintenance.
Because of the moving metal parts, lubrication is necessary to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation.
If the instrument is not functioning properly, it may need a full setup or repair. Due to the complexity of the instrument, this is usually best handled by someone who specializes in pedal steel.
Styles of Music Played on Pedal Steel
Pedal steel guitar is capable of fitting into many different musical styles.
It can be used for:
- melodic lines
- harmonized intervals
- chord voicings
- ambient textures
The instrument is especially known for its ability to blend melody and harmony at the same time.
If you want to explore how it shows up in actual recordings, it’s helpful to look at classic songs that feature pedal steel.
How to Play Pedal Steel Guitar
Pedal steel shares some similarities with standard guitar, but the playing approach is very different.
It can also be challenging at first, because multiple techniques are happening at once.
Breaking it down into smaller parts makes it much easier to learn.
Right Hand Technique
Right hand technique is centered around picking and muting the strings.
Because the strings ring out easily, it’s important to control what is sounding and what is not.
This is often referred to as right hand blocking.
Most players use finger picks and a thumb pick to increase clarity and sustain.
Using a Bar
The bar is used to glide between notes, sustain them, and apply vibrato.
Proper bar control is essential for staying in tune and producing a clean sound.
If you want to develop this further, it pairs directly with focused bar control practice.
Pedals and Knee Levers
Pedals and knee levers are what make pedal steel unique.
They allow you to:
- change chords without moving the bar
- create smooth transitions between notes
- access complex harmonies
Developing coordination here is a major part of learning the instrument.
Volume Pedal Control
The volume pedal is used to shape the sound after the note is picked.
It allows you to:
- extend sustain
- smooth out the attack
- create swelling effects
This is a key part of the pedal steel sound.
Strings, Tunings, and Setups
Most pedal steel guitars have 10 strings per neck, though some have more.
If you’re exploring string options, it helps to understand the types and gauges used for the instrument.
E9 and C6 Tunings
The two most common tunings are E9 and C6.
- E9 is often used for country and modern styles
- C6 tuning is commonly used for jazz and swing
Both tunings are versatile, and many players eventually learn both.
Buying a Pedal Steel Guitar
There are many builders, brands, and manufacturers available, and choosing the right instrument depends on your goals and experience level.
If you’re considering buying one, it’s helpful to understand cost, features, and what to look for.
Used instruments are often available through online marketplaces and player communities.
The Sound of Pedal Steel
The most recognizable aspect of pedal steel is its sound.
It’s often described as:
- expressive
- vocal-like
- smooth and fluid
The ability to bend notes and sustain them gives the instrument its signature emotional quality.
Influential Pedal Steel Players
Many players have shaped the sound of the instrument.
Buddy Emmons helped define both the musical and mechanical aspects of pedal steel.
Greg Leisz is a modern example of a highly influential player.
Studying these players can give you insight into how the instrument is used at a high level.
Pedal Steel in Country Music
Pedal steel became closely associated with country music in the 1960s and 1970s.
Because of its widespread use in recordings and live performances, it became a defining part of the genre’s sound.
Today, it is still widely used in country music, while also appearing in pop, rock, ambient, and many other styles.
Conclusion
Pedal steel guitar may seem complex at first, but it becomes much more approachable when broken down into its core elements.
Understanding how it works, how it’s played, and how it’s used musically gives you a strong foundation to build from.
Like any instrument, progress comes from consistent practice and focused attention on the fundamentals.
Taking This Further
If you want a structured path for learning pedal steel, it helps to follow a clear system rather than trying to piece everything together.
If you want to go deeper and work through a step-by-step approach, you can explore the instructional material.
If you’d rather get direct feedback on your playing and progress faster, you can work one-on-one.