Innovations and Evolutions Blog Post- Steel Guitar

 Evolution of the Steel Guitar from Hawaii to Country Music

Ironically enough, one of the most popular instruments utilized in country music evolved from somewhat foreign origins. The steel guitar evolved from the traditional guitar tracing back to the late 19th century in Hawaii. It was developed by Joseph Kekuku in the 1890s, who discovered a technique of sliding a steel bar along the strings to produce a smooth, gliding sound. This method gave the instrument its distinctive name, "steel guitar".

One of its greatest strengths is its ability to create distinct moods. In country music, for example, the steel guitar often evokes feelings of nostalgia or heartache, while in Hawaiian music, it can transport listeners to serene, tropical landscapes. The pedal steel guitar, with its complex mechanics, allows musicians to bend notes and chords, adding a layer of technical brilliance that is both impressive and expressive. Overall, the steel guitar stands out for its ability to enhance a song's emotional impact, and its evolution reflects its deep-rooted cultural significance and ongoing relevance in modern music.

To me, the steel guitar is a unique and fascinating instrument with a sound that instantly evokes emotion and atmosphere. Its smooth, gliding tones can express both joy and sorrow, making it incredibly versatile across genres like country, Hawaiian, blues, and rock. I was extremely surprised to find that the steel guitar was developed in Hawaii since I grew up hearing the crying of the steel guitar all over country music!

Once the steel guitar hit the United States, the pedal steel guitar was invented. In 1940, Gibson Guitar Corporation took this idea and added foot pedals to the steel guitar to be able to change the tuning of the instrument. Thus allowing the instrument to be played in different keys and to allow a variety of chords. 

"Steel Guitar Rag- Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys (1936)"

Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys were one of the first to produce songs with the steel guitar in music. Due to the pedal steel requiring so much dexterity, skill, and coordination, it is no easy task, even for seasoned players. In this song above, the steel guitar is crafted masterfully, taking center stage. Played by Leon McAuliffe, the guitar creates a lively, upbeat sound that perfectly complements the swing rhythms and jazz influences of the genre. The song became a classic and helped solidify the steel guitar’s place in country and swing music, elevating its popularity in the 1930s.

"Amarillo by Morning- George Straight (1983)"

In 1983, George Strait released this song, featuring a pedal steel guitar that plays a key role in conveying the song's emotional depth. Compared to Bob Wills' "Steel Guitar Rag" (1936). which is upbeat and showcases the high notes of the steel guitar's lively, jazzy side in Western swing, Straight's song uses the instrument in a more subtle way to reflect the picture the lyrics convey of hardship and perseverance. Both songs demonstrate the steel guitar's versatility, whether it's driving a lively swing song front row and center or providing emotional texture in a country ballad complementing the lyrics.

Sources

Brenner, Patrick. “The History of the Steel Guitar.” Steelguitaracademy.com, 2011, https://steelguitaracademy.com/instruction/history/

How Hard Is It to Play Pedal Steel? - Playpedalsteel.com.” Playpedalsteel.com, 5 Apr. 2021, https://playpedalsteel.com/why-pedal-steel-guitar-is-so-hard-to-learn/#:~:text=the%20pedal%20steel.-,Hard%20Even%20for%20Seasoned%20Pedal%20Steel%20Players,task%20even%20for%20seasoned%20players. 

“Steel Guitar Rag.” Fallout Wiki, Fandom, Inc., 2024, https://fallout.fandom.com/wiki/Steel_Guitar_Rag