How to Play a Lap Guitar

Playing the lap guitar offers a unique musical journey, blending traditional sounds with personal expression. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a curious beginner, the lap guitar invites you into a world of sliding notes and resonant tones. This guide will take you through the basics, techniques, and tips to help you feel at home with this distinctive instrument.

Understanding the Lap Guitar

The lap guitar, or lap steel guitar, is a fascinating instrument that brings its own flavor to music. Unlike a standard guitar, you play it horizontally on your lap, using a slide to manipulate the strings. This unique setup allows for smooth, gliding transitions that can add a soulful quality to any piece.

Originally, the lap guitar gained popularity in Hawaiian music and later found its way into country and blues. Its versatility means it can fit seamlessly into various genres, offering a fresh twist to familiar sounds.

The instrument typically comes in two main varieties: acoustic and electric. Acoustic lap guitars have a hollow body and produce a warm, resonant sound, while electric versions are plugged into an amp, offering more control over the tone and volume.

Choosing the Right Lap Guitar

Selecting your first lap guitar can feel a bit like choosing a new pair of shoes. You want something that fits comfortably, feels good, and suits your style. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Material: The body material affects the sound. Wooden bodies tend to give a warmer tone, while metal can add brightness.
• Number of Strings: Most lap guitars have six strings, but you can find models with eight or more, offering a broader range of notes.
• Scale Length: This is the distance between the bridge and the nut. A longer scale length can offer a richer tone but might be challenging for beginners to handle.

Once you have your lap guitar, it’s time to get familiar with it. Spend some time exploring its sound and feel without worrying too much about hitting the right notes.

Getting Comfortable with the Slide

The slide is your best friend when playing the lap guitar. It's typically a metal or glass cylinder that you place on one of your fingers to glide over the strings. This tool is crucial for achieving the instrument's characteristic sound.

Start by holding the slide gently against the strings. You don't need to press down hard—just enough to make contact. Move it smoothly along the strings, experimenting with different pressures and angles until you find a sound you like.

One of the keys to great slide playing is muting unwanted string noise. You can use your other fingers to lightly touch the strings behind the slide, dampening any excess vibrations.

Basic Lap Guitar Techniques

Before diving into complex songs, you'll want to get the hang of some basic techniques. Here are a few to start with:

• Sliding: The slide lets you smoothly move from one note to another. Practice sliding between different frets to get a feel for the motion.
• Vibrato: This technique adds emotion to your sound. Gently rock the slide back and forth over a fret to create a wavy effect.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: These techniques add speed and fluidity. For a hammer-on, strike a string and quickly press another finger onto the same string. For a pull-off, do the reverse.

It's helpful to incorporate these techniques into simple exercises or scales. As you practice, focus on clean, precise movements to develop muscle memory.

Exploring Tuning Options

Tuning is another aspect where lap guitars stand out. While standard tuning (EADGBE) is possible, many players opt for open tunings to make the most of the slide's capabilities.

Open tunings allow you to play full chords with a single slide movement. Popular choices include:

• Open G: DGDGBD
• Open D: DADF#AD
• Open C: CGCGCE

Experiment with these tunings to see which one resonates with you. Each offers its own set of possibilities and can inspire new musical ideas.

Developing Your Style

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to develop your unique playing style. Listen to various artists to see how they use the lap guitar in their music. Notice how they incorporate techniques like slides, bends, and harmonics.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try blending techniques from other genres, like metal or jazz, into your lap guitar playing. This can create interesting hybrids and help you stand out as a musician.

Interestingly enough, the world of metal guitar offers a wealth of techniques that can be adapted to the lap guitar. For instance, palm muting can add a percussive element to your playing. If you're curious about how metal guitar techniques can enhance your lap guitar skills, check out Riffhard, where our lessons from top metal guitarists can offer fresh insights.

Practicing with Purpose

Like any instrument, getting proficient with the lap guitar requires consistent practice. But it’s important to practice smart, not just hard. Here are some tips:

• Set Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with each practice session, whether it’s mastering a technique or learning a new song.
• Break It Down: If a piece feels overwhelming, break it into smaller sections and tackle each one individually.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome helps improve your timing and rhythm.

Remember, progress might be slow at first, but each small step adds up over time. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they seem.

Joining the Lap Guitar Community

Playing music is often more rewarding when shared with others. Consider joining a community of lap guitar enthusiasts, either online or in-person. Engaging with others can provide motivation, support, and the opportunity to learn from different perspectives.

Many players find joy in collaborating with other musicians, too. Whether it's jamming with friends or joining a band, playing with others can push you to grow as a musician and explore new musical territories.

Interestingly, the metal music community is incredibly supportive, and resources like Riffhard offer not only lessons but a community of like-minded guitarists eager to share their passion and tips.

Recording and Sharing Your Music

Once you’ve honed your skills, recording your music is a fantastic way to track your progress and share your creations. You don’t need a professional studio to get started. Many home recording setups can produce excellent results.

Here’s a basic setup you might consider:

• Audio Interface: Connects your lap guitar to your computer.
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW): Software for recording and editing your music.
• Microphone (if acoustic): Captures the natural sound of your instrument.

Once recorded, consider sharing your music on platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube. Not only does this give you a sense of accomplishment, but it also invites feedback and support from a wider audience.

Final Thoughts

Playing the lap guitar opens up a world of musical exploration and creativity. With its unique sound and playing style, it can enrich your musical journey in unexpected ways. Whether you're drawn to the soulful slides of blues or the intricate melodies of other genres, the lap guitar has something to offer every musician. Plus, if you're looking to broaden your skills, Riffhard provides lessons from the world's best metal guitarists to help you integrate diverse techniques into your playing.