How to Play a Pedal Steel Sound on a Country Guitar

The pedal steel guitar was created in Hawaii. Over the years, the steel guitar worked its way into country music and is now a staple in country and country gospel music. To make a country guitar sound like a steel guitar, the guitarist must master a few basic techniques to make a country guitar sound like a pedal steel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Finger picks

1. Purchase finger picks. Finger picks are guitar picks that slide onto the end of your fingers. Find them at music supply stores.
2. Use the finger picks to play on the body of the guitar. Play and hold any chord on the neck of the guitar. Hold your other hand in a fist with your thumb up. Pick each string with the finger pick. Practice until you are comfortable with the finger picks. This takes time to get used to.
3. Rest the knuckles of your picking hand on the strings to create the metallic sound of a pedal steel guitar.
4. Slide your hand up or down the neck of the guitar to create a slurring sound. This allows you to play chords in the slide motion.
5. Shake the neck of the guitar during the slide. Small jolts to the neck create the distinct sound achieved on a pedal steel guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to play steel music without finger picks, but it is very difficult. It is much easier to learn the technique with the finger picks.