Whether you’re picking up the lap steel guitar for the first time or expanding your technique, a solid instruction book can guide you through chords, tunings, and expressive playing. This guide highlights five top-rated lap steel guitar books that cover fundamentals, play-along lessons, and advanced solos. Each title includes practical plans, exercises, and online audio to reinforce learning. Explore a mix of beginner-friendly and progressively challenging resources to build a versatile repertoire.
| Product | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide | Johnie Helms (Author) | Chords, scales, techniques; includes online audio with 95 tracks |
| First 50 Songs You Should Play on Lap Steel Guitar | Fred Sokolow (Arranger) | Easy TAB songbook; country, Hawaiian, blues, folk, western swing |
| Fretboard Roadmaps Lap Steel Guitar | Fred Sokolow (Author) | Solos, licks, backups; patterns and tunings; online audio |
| Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method | DeWitt Scott (Author) | Fundamental C6th tuning; beginner to intermediate |
| Playing Lap Steel Guitar For Beginners | Axel Lincoln (Author) | Expressive slide techniques; chord positions; tuning and practice |
Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide
The Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method offers a structured path for beginners. Authored by Johnie Helms, this guide emphasizes essential chords, scales, and technique development. The included online audio with 95 tracks lets players hear how parts should sound and helps with timing, tone, and phrasing. A progressive approach makes it suitable for new players and those seeking a refresher. The book also covers common lap steel tunings and practical practice routines to establish a strong foundation.
First 50 Songs You Should Play on Lap Steel Guitar
This collection by Fred Sokolow focuses on approachable repertoire across country, Hawaiian, blues, folk, and western swing genres. It’s designed for beginners and students, offering easy guitar TAB arrangements that facilitate quick progress and confidence. The selections cover a broad range of musical styles to help players develop versatility, tone control, and expressive phrasing on the lap steel guitar.
Fretboard Roadmaps Lap Steel Guitar
Fretboard Roadmaps offers a practical route through essential patterns, solos, and backing concepts for all skill levels. Fred Sokolow’s method focuses on teachable motifs and tunings with clear, repeatable exercises. With accompanying online audio, players can verify accuracy and gradually incorporate more advanced licks into their playing. The book’s logical progression helps learners map out fretboard geography and build a reliable technique for lap steel improvisation and rhythm work.
Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method
DeWitt Scott’s Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method introduces the C6th tuning and essential nonpedal techniques. Aimed at beginners and progressing players, the text covers fundamental chord shapes, melodies, and accompaniment patterns. The material is tied to practical practice routines and exercises that help players internalize spacing, tone, and phrasing, making it a strong starter resource for those focusing on country and Hawaiian styles typical of lap steel repertoire.
Playing Lap Steel Guitar For Beginners
Axel Lincoln’s Playing Lap Steel Guitar For Beginners focuses on expressive slide techniques, picking accuracy, and essential chord positions. The book also covers tuning setup and practice strategies that help beginners transition to more nuanced playing. It emphasizes practical, hands-on exercises to develop precise pick control and smooth slide motions, enabling learners to craft clear melodies and accompaniment patterns as they progress.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Skill level alignment: Choose a book that matches your current experience, whether you are a complete beginner or seeking to expand your soloing and tuning knowledge.
- Tunings and technique coverage: Look for resources that cover common lap steel tunings (such as open G, open D, and C6) and both rhythm and lead patterns.
- Audio supplements: Books with online audio tracks can reinforce timing, tone, and phrasing. Audio is especially helpful for learning slide technique and picking accuracy.
- Repertoire scope: If you want variety, pick a collection with multiple genres (country, blues, Hawaiian, folk) to build versatility and listening skills.
- Progression and structure: A method that gradually introduces chords, scales, and solos helps prevent overwhelm and supports steady growth.
- Accessibility and format: Consider print quality, layout, and whether the book includes clear diagrams and chord charts suitable for beginners.
- Supplemental resources: Some titles offer additional practice materials, diagrams, or online forums that can provide continued guidance beyond the book.
Comparison At A Glance
- Best for structured learning: Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide
- Best for repertoire and quick wins: First 50 Songs You Should Play on Lap Steel Guitar
- Best for patterns and improvisation: Fretboard Roadmaps Lap Steel Guitar
- Best for foundational tuning: Basic C6th Nonpedal Lap Steel Method
- Best for beginners focusing on tone and expression: Playing Lap Steel Guitar For Beginners