steel guitar

noun

1. an acoustic, handheld guitar having a metal resonator and producing a wailing, variable sound.
2. a pedal steel guitar.
3. a Hawaiian guitar.

steel guitar

noun

1. See Hawaiian guitar pedal steel guitar

Word History and Origins

Origin of steel guitar¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The Hawaiian steel guitar became a cultural force in America at the turn of the century, popularized by troupes of traveling musicians from Hawaii.

From Los Angeles Times

She also features the legendary Black roots musician Robert Randolph on steel guitar.

From Salon

The second, “16 Carriages” is a soulful slow-burn with ascendent organs and steel guitar, Beyoncé singing an ode to hard work and legacy.

From Seattle Times

The track puts a string section behind a country band topped with pedal steel guitar, while Phosphorescent stays serenely inconsolable.

From New York Times

It was a stew of steelpans, trombones and pedal steel guitar.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• acoustic guitar