Guitars

Lap Steel Guitars

A lap steel guitar is played flat across your lap, with a metal tone bar (slide) gliding along the strings instead of fingers pressing frets. The result is the smooth, singing slide sound heard in Hawaiian, country, blues and gospel music. Karrera's 29-inch 6-string lap steel guitars come in black, metallic red and metallic gold.

Electric Lap Steel With Volume and Tone

Our lap steel guitars have built-in volume and tone controls, so you can shape your sound from soft and mellow to bright and cutting when you plug into an amplifier. Geared tuners keep the strings in tune, which matters on slide guitar because you play directly on the pitch.

Also Known as a Hawaiian Guitar

Lap steel playing began in Hawaii in the late 1800s, which is why it is often called a Hawaiian guitar or Hawaiian steel guitar. Today it is also known as a slide guitar or steel guitar, and it is a favourite of guitarists looking for a new voice.

Looking for more distinctive instruments? Try a banjo or mandolin, or browse all guitars.

Lap Steel Guitar FAQs

Is lap steel easy to learn?

Yes. Because you play with a slide, you do not need to form chord shapes, and many players get a beautiful sound quickly. Many lap steel players use an open tuning, so the strings form a chord when played open.

Do I need an amp for a lap steel guitar?

Yes. Our lap steels are electric, so they need an amplifier to be heard properly.

What is the difference between lap steel and slide guitar?

Slide guitar can be played on a normal guitar held upright. Lap steel is a dedicated instrument played flat, with higher string action designed for the slide.