| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
|
||
|
THE HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR
The Hawaiian Steel Guitar is the same instrument as the regular six string Guitar ,.
with the exception that the first, second and third string are double strings tuned in uni-
son to give a louder or more effective tone.
The regular six string Guitar can be used by raising the Nut on which the strings rest
about an eighth of an inch higher. Special nuts of this kind can be purchased at the mu-
sic stores, or can be made out of a piece of hard wood to be placed in position of the nut
of.the regular Guitar.
THE STEEL BAR
The Steel Bar that is used in holding down the strings to make the notes and chords
is 3 1/4 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 1/4 inch thick, with a rounded edge on the side used
for pressing the strings.
MANNER OF HOLDING STEEL BAR
The Steel Bar is held lightly in the left hand between the thumb and first finger, plac-
ing the third and little finger under the rounded edge to hold the steel at an angle of 45
degrees, the second finger is used to guard or as a damper to stop the tones of the upper
parts of the strings between the nut and the steel.
In making Barre Chords of three or more notes the steel is held down on all the
strings with the thumb and first finger, the third and little finger being withdrawn from
under the rounded edge are used as guards or dampers.
In playing Single Strings or Single Notes the end of the steel about */4 inch from the
point is used at the 45 degree angle.
HOLDING DOWN THE STRINGS
The Strings are not pressed down upon the frets to make the tones, as the steel bar
is what might be termed a moving fret, it is for this reason that the strings must be
raised higher than on the ordinary Guitar, by using a higher nut. The frets are only used
as guides in making the notes or chords.
The peculiar bell like or singing tone is produced by sliding the steel on the strings
from one position to another. The Tremolo effect is produced by sliding the steel up and
down the strings about an 1/8 of an inch in what might be termed a quiver of the steel
bar. Many beautiful and enchanting tones can be produced by little practice. It is these
tones that have made the Hawaiian or Steel Guitar, (played with a steel) so popular, and
in this way only differs from the regular Guitar.
|
||