steel guitar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist, Musical
Quick answer
What does “steel guitar” mean?
A musical instrument, typically a guitar, designed to be played horizontally on a stand or lap, using a metal slide or "steel" to stop the strings, producing a distinctive gliding sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical instrument, typically a guitar, designed to be played horizontally on a stand or lap, using a metal slide or "steel" to stop the strings, producing a distinctive gliding sound.
Refers broadly to the family of slide guitars and their associated playing technique, central to American country, Western swing, bluegrass, and Hawaiian music. The term can denote the instrument itself, the playing style, or the musician specializing in it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood internationally in music circles, but its cultural association is overwhelmingly with American music genres. In the UK, it might be less familiar to the general public and more associated with niche country or folk scenes.
Connotations
In the US, strongly connotes country, honky-tonk, and Hawaiian music. In the UK, may carry a more specific, Americana or retro novelty connotation.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English due to the instrument's central role in US musical heritage. In British English, usage is largely confined to musicians, musicologists, and enthusiasts of American genres.
Grammar
How to Use “steel guitar” in a Sentence
[Subject] plays (the) steel guitar.The [song/genre] features (a) steel guitar.He is a virtuoso on (the) steel guitar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steel guitar” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The mournful sound of the steel guitar is a hallmark of classic country.
- He collects vintage lap steel guitars.
American English
- No proper country band is complete without a pedal steel guitar.
- She took up the steel guitar after visiting Nashville.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in music retail, instrument manufacturing, or event planning for specific genres.
Academic
Used in musicology, ethnomusicology, and cultural studies papers focusing on American folk or country music.
Everyday
Uncommon in general conversation outside of music discussions. A recognisable term for many but not actively used.
Technical
Precise in music terminology, distinguishing between lap steel, pedal steel, resonator guitars, and specific tunings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steel guitar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steel guitar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steel guitar”
- Calling any guitar played with a slide a 'steel guitar' (the term usually implies a dedicated instrument).
- Confusing 'steel guitar' with 'Dobro' (a brand of resonator guitar).
- Thinking the body is made of steel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The name comes from the polished steel bar (the "steel") used to fret the strings. The body is typically wood.
"Slide guitar" is a broader technique where any guitar can be played with a slide. "Steel guitar" usually refers to a specific type of guitar designed for horizontal playing, often with a solid body and special tunings. All steel guitar playing involves a slide, but not all slide guitar is played on a steel guitar.
The lap-played, slide technique was developed in Hawaii in the late 19th/early 20th century, adapting the Spanish guitar. It was introduced to the American mainland as "Hawaiian guitar," influencing early country and blues musicians.
It refers to foot pedals (and often knee levers) connected to a mechanism that changes the tension of certain strings, allowing the player to alter chords and notes without moving the steel bar, enabling complex harmonies.
A musical instrument, typically a guitar, designed to be played horizontally on a stand or lap, using a metal slide or "steel" to stop the strings, producing a distinctive gliding sound.
Steel guitar is usually specialist, musical in register.
Steel guitar: in British English it is pronounced /stiːl ɡɪˈtɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /stil ɡɪˈtɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to the instrument. Idioms relate to its sound, e.g., 'the steel guitar cried/wailed/wept' is a common metaphorical description.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'steel' slide gliding on the strings, not the material of the guitar itself. It's the tool, not the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
The sound is often metaphorically linked to human emotion: CRYING, WEEPING, WAILING, or SOARING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a 'steel guitar'?