The steel guitar is an instrument with more than one variable. They are played a bit differently from regular guitars. There's a lap steel guitar, which is played holding it on your lap as the name implies. There's also a pedal steel guitar which has more strings added.
Instructions
1. Decide which type of steel guitar you want to learn first. Lap ones are played seated, of course. Hold it in your lap facing towards you. The strings are raised instead of pressed to produce the sounds. A pedal steel guitar can be played either standing or seated. These are often referred to as console style or electric table style.
2. Get familiar with the differences in playing a steel guitar rather than a regular guitar. One thing that's different is the touch. The touch used for playing a steel guitar is generally lighter because of lighter string gauges.
3. Think about experimenting with both the lap and the pedal steel guitar. The pedal steel guitar has more strings. It also has foot and knee levers added to alter pitch. The more experience you have with each type, the more you'll learn.
4. Use a heavy-gauge string to get more tone in your music. On a steel guitar, lighter-gauge string tends to sag under the pressure of the steel bar. This may cause your guitar to go a bit out of tune.
5. Change your music up a little with different reverb settings. Spring reverb is the most original and authentic sound, but nowadays digital processors provide great, interesting sound combinations.
6. Experiment with different tunings when you play the steel guitar. Variations of C6 and E9 add interest and originality. Get a special-effect "mystery" sound by using A minor and E minor tunings.
Tags: steel guitar, pedal steel, pedal steel guitar, steel guitar, guitar which, more strings, playing steel