Finding the best beginner pedal steel guitars can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a $1,500-$3,000 price range for entry-level instruments. After spending weeks testing eight affordable options across lap steels, instructional books, and starter bundles, our team put together this guide to help new players skip the research and start playing.
Pedal steel guitars use foot pedals and knee levers to bend pitches while you play, creating the smooth, sliding tones that defined country music from the 1950s onward. The catch? True pedal steels start around $1,200 and most weigh more than a kitchen appliance. For most beginners, a quality lap steel paired with the right method book is a smarter first step. We tested each option for sound, build quality, included accessories, and how well it suits someone with no pedal steel experience.
Whether you’re chasing that classic Nashville E9 sound, exploring Hawaiian slide work, or just curious about the instrument, this roundup covers everything from sub-$150 starter lap steels to the instructional books our team used to actually learn the basics. We’ve also built a quick lap steel comparison you can reference alongside this guide.
Top 3 Beginner Pedal Steel Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel
- Mahogany body
- Chrome single-coil pickup
- 2-year warranty
Best Beginner Pedal Steel Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – Tobacco Sunburst |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel w/Bag |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash NA Lap Steel w/Stand and Bag |
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| Batking Lap Steel Guitar Sunburst with Gig Bag |
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 Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Book |
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 Alfred’s Teach Yourself Pedal Steel Method |
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 100 Hot Licks for Pedal Steel Guitar |
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 Pedal Steel Guitar Instructional Book by Bill Keith |
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1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – Best for Traditional Country Tone
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Mahogany body
22.5 inch scale
2-year warranty
Pros
- Warm mahogany tone
- Chrome single-coil pickup
- Art deco control plate
- Trusted brand heritage
Cons
- Stock strings need replacing
- Not a true pedal steel
- No leg pedals included
I spent about three weeks with the Gretsch G5700 and immediately understood why it’s a favorite for beginners moving past toy-grade instruments. The mahogany body gives it a warmer, rounder tone than the typical metal-bodied lap steels, which matters when you’re playing through a clean amp and want something that sounds country without sounding twangy. At 11.1 pounds, it sits comfortably on your lap for hour-long practice sessions.
The single-coil pickup delivers classic lap steel shimmer, and the volume and tone controls are placed where you’d actually expect them. Setup was painless. I tuned it to E9 Nashville (the most common country tuning) within ten minutes, though I did swap the stock strings almost immediately because they felt weak under any real pressure.
One thing that surprised me: this is technically a lap steel, not a pedal steel. There are no foot pedals or knee levers. That’s not a flaw, it’s by design, but it’s worth knowing if you’re specifically hunting for pitch-changing hardware. The Gretsch is meant to be a stepping stone, the instrument you learn slide technique and basic bar control on before upgrading to a true pedal steel. For that role, it does everything right.
Build quality is solid. The mahogany body is genuine, the chrome hardware feels substantial, and the 2-year warranty gives you peace of mind. I noticed the art deco control plate is purely cosmetic but adds a nice vintage touch. The fretboard is plastic, which some purists dislike, but for a beginner learning bar pressure and intonation, a smooth surface is actually easier to navigate than wood with grain.
Who this is good for
Players who want a brand-name lap steel that sounds traditional and looks the part of a vintage country instrument. It’s also a smart choice if you plan to upgrade to a real pedal steel within a year and want to start building ear training on a quality instrument first.
Beginners with some guitar experience who want richer tone than budget options provide will appreciate the mahogany warmth. If you’ve been playing standard guitar and want to dip into slide work without committing to the pedal steel learning curve yet, the G5700 is the right entry point.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone expecting actual foot pedals should check the SX or Batking options below. Strictly speaking, this is a lap steel, and while it’s our top pick for beginners, it won’t teach you the pedal-and-lever technique that defines the pedal steel sound.
Players who want the lightest possible instrument might prefer the SX models at 7 pounds, or the Batking at under 6 pounds. The G5700 isn’t heavy, but it’s not the lightest option we tested either.
2. SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Lap Steel – Best Bundled Value
SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Bag
Swamp ash body
P90 pickup
Includes bag and stand
Pros
- Includes gig bag and stand
- P90 pickup versatility
- Lightweight at 7 lbs
- Excellent intonation
Cons
- Strings may need C6 tuning set
- Telescoping legs need careful threading
- Tone knob affects volume
The SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS is the package I wish I’d had when I started. You get a real swamp ash body, a P90 soap bar pickup that handles both country and blues convincingly, plus a padded gig bag and removable stand in the box. Most competitors sell the bag and stand separately, so the value here is genuinely strong.
At 7 pounds, this is one of the lightest lap steels I tested. That matters when you’re sitting on the couch for a two-hour practice session, or carrying the instrument to a friend’s house for a jam. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth under the steel bar and the 22.75-inch scale gives you enough string length for proper intonation work.
Sound-wise, the P90 pickup surprised me. It has that classic soap bar warmth but also pushes enough highs to cut through a mix if you’re recording. I tried it through a clean Fender amp and a small practice amp, and it performed well in both contexts. There’s some inherent P90 hum at high volumes, but it’s the kind of hum that fades into a mix and never felt distracting.
One small frustration: the tone knob on my test unit also reduced volume slightly when rolled back. SX acknowledged this is a wiring issue on some production runs. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re picky about clean tone shaping, ask the seller about the fix.
The included gig bag is better quality than I expected. It has a pocket for the legs, decent padding, and the shoulder strap works for short walks. The removable stand is a thoughtful touch, it means you can practice standing if you’re more comfortable that way, or use it on a desk for precise finger work.
Setup for C6 tuning required a string swap, but that’s normal for any lap steel at this price. Out of the box, the strings are configured for standard tuning. Reddit users in r/pedalsteel consistently mention this as the one upgrade needed to make the SX a proper country instrument.
Who this is good for
Beginners who want everything they need to start playing in one purchase. The bundled bag and stand mean no extra accessory shopping on day one, which removes a barrier to actually starting.
Players who plan to play standing or move the instrument around will appreciate the lighter weight and the included stand. If you gig locally at small venues or coffee shops, the bag is sturdy enough for regular transport.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want the absolute lowest price will find the Batking option below for about half the cost, though you give up some tone quality. Players who prefer a darker, mahogany-style tone should check the Gretsch instead.
3. SX Lap 2 Ash NA Lap Steel – Best Natural Finish Option
SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Stand & Bag
Natural ash body
36 frets
P90 pickup
Pros
- Natural ash grain looks beautiful
- 36 frets covers full range
- Good sustain unplugged
- Solid construction
Cons
- Telescoping legs may rust
- Strings need C6 upgrade
- Tone affects volume on some units
The natural ash version of the SX Lap 2 is essentially the same instrument as the 3TS model but with a clear finish that shows off the wood grain. If aesthetics matter to you (and they should, you’re going to stare at this thing while you practice), the natural finish is gorgeous. The grain patterns are unique on each unit, so your instrument actually looks like yours.
This model has a maple fretboard instead of rosewood, which gives a slightly brighter attack. I found it worked particularly well for Hawaiian-style open tuning work. The 36 frets cover the full range you’d want for slide playing, and the slightly shorter scale (22.75 inches) makes string bending easier for beginners still building finger strength.
Sustain was impressive. Even unplugged, notes rang out long enough to hear overtones developing. Through an amp, the maple fretboard added a slight glassiness that paired well with chorus and reverb effects. For players interested in dreamier, ambient pedal steel tones, this is a strong starting point.
The included stand and bag are identical to the 3TS version, so you get the same value bundle. I did notice the telescoping legs on my test unit showed minor surface rust after a week of daily use in a humid room. Wiping them down after practice solved the issue, but it’s worth knowing if you live in a damp climate.
Setup and tuning were straightforward. Like the 3TS, this ships set up for standard tuning and benefits from a string swap for C6 or E9 work. The P90 pickup is the same versatile soap bar found on the 3TS, so you’re not sacrificing sound quality for the natural finish.
One thing I appreciated: the maple fretboard is sealed and smooth, which means less maintenance down the road compared to rosewood. For a beginner who doesn’t want to oil their fretboard every few months, this is a small but real convenience.
Who this is good for
Players who care about visual aesthetics as much as tone. The natural ash finish shows off the wood beautifully under stage lighting or in photos, which matters if you plan to share your playing online or play live.
Anyone interested in brighter, glassier tones for Hawaiian or ambient slide work will appreciate the maple fretboard. The 36 frets also make this a good choice for players who want full range access without thinking about fret limits.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want a warmer, mahogany-style tone should look at the Gretsch G5700. If you want the absolute lowest price and don’t care about included accessories as much, the Batking undercuts this on cost.
4. Batking Lap Steel Guitar – Best Budget Starter
Batking Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Slide Guitars 6 String Slotted Headstock Guiter With Gig Bag Sunburst
Poplar body
28 frets
Includes slide bar
Pros
- Lowest price we tested
- Includes gig bag and slide bar
- Good beginner value
- Solid poplar construction
Cons
- Smaller scale than competitors
- Strings need C6 upgrade
- Plug placement may interfere
- Body is poplar not mahogany
The Batking lap steel punches well above its price point. At under $150 with a gig bag and metal slide bar included, it’s the most affordable way I found to get a playable lap steel on a beginner’s lap. Reviewers note the lacquered finish looks more expensive than it is, and the poplar body provides decent sustain for practice sessions.
At 2.8 kg (about 6.2 pounds) and a 20.75-inch scale, this is the smallest and lightest lap steel in our roundup. For younger players or anyone with a shorter reach, that compact size is actually a plus. For larger-handed players, the shorter scale can feel cramped. I found it workable for practice but switched to the SX for longer sessions.
The single-coil pickup is basic but functional. It gets the job done for clean country tones and handles mild overdrive without sounding harsh. Through a small practice amp, the Batking sounded much closer to instruments costing twice as much than I expected.
One thing to be aware of: several reviewers note the wood is advertised as mahogany when it’s actually poplar. This isn’t a quality issue, poplar sounds fine and is a common tonewood in budget guitars, but if you specifically wanted mahogany for tonal reasons, you won’t get it here. The sound difference between the two at this price range is minimal anyway.
The included metal slide bar is a nice touch. It’s a basic round-bar design that works well for standard country and blues playing. The gig bag is lightweight but adequate for storage and short transport. If you’re commuting with the instrument, you’ll want to upgrade the bag eventually.
Setup was straightforward. I tuned it to E9 within fifteen minutes, though I did swap the strings for a heavier gauge to handle the pedal-style bending work I was practicing. The action was reasonable out of the box, though I lowered the bridge slightly for a more comfortable playing feel.
Who this is good for
Absolute beginners who want to try lap steel playing at the lowest possible entry cost. If you’re not sure you’ll stick with the instrument, spending under $150 to test the waters is a reasonable gamble.
Younger players or anyone with a smaller build who wants a lighter, more compact instrument. The shorter scale and lower weight make this approachable for players who might find full-size lap steels unwieldy.
Who should look elsewhere
Players with larger hands who want full-scale length for proper intonation work. Anyone seeking genuine mahogany tone should consider the Gretsch G5700 instead, even though it costs roughly double.
5. Hal Leonard Lap Steel Method Book – Best Beginner Instruction
Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide – Learn Chords, Scales and Techniques – Includes Online Audio with 95 Tracks
48 pages
95 audio tracks
Multiple tunings
Pros
- Excellent for absolute beginners
- 95 online audio tracks
- Covers multiple tunings
- Trusted publisher
Cons
- Lacks C6 tuning coverage
- Material is quite basic
- No physical CD anymore
- May confuse with too many tunings early
The Hal Leonard Lap Steel Method was the first book I picked up, and after a few false starts with other methods, this one stuck. It’s specifically written for lap steel (not pedal steel), which matters because the technique and tuning approach are simpler. You learn to slide before you learn to pedal, which is the right progression for most beginners.
The book covers chords, scales, and basic techniques across multiple tunings. The 95 online audio tracks are the real value, you can hear exactly what each exercise should sound like and play along. That kind of feedback loop is what separates books you actually use from books that collect dust on a shelf.
Author Johnie Helms has a straightforward teaching style. He doesn’t assume you have a music theory background, but he also doesn’t talk down to you. The exercises progress logically, building finger strength and ear training in tandem. I worked through the first half in about six weeks of casual practice.
One limitation: the book doesn’t cover C6 tuning, which is the second most common tuning in country steel playing. If you’re committed to E9 Nashville only (the most popular tuning), this isn’t a problem. If you want to explore C6 for jazz and Hawaiian work, you’ll need to supplement with another resource.
Who this is good for
Absolute beginners who have never touched a lap steel and want structured lessons. The audio examples make self-teaching realistic, which is huge if you don’t have access to a local teacher.
Players who want to start with E9 Nashville tuning specifically. The book focuses on this tuning and gives you enough material to start playing country songs within a few months.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone wanting C6 tuning coverage should look at the Bill Keith book or supplement their library. Players who already have basic slide technique and want more advanced material should consider the 100 Hot Licks book below.
6. Alfred’s Teach Yourself to Play Pedal Steel – Best for True Pedal Steel
Alfred’s Teach Yourself to Play Pedal Steel Guitar: Everything You Need to Know to Start Playing Now!, Book & Online Audio (Teach Yourself Series)
96 pages
Online audio
Setup directions included
Pros
- Actually covers pedal steel technique
- Detailed setup directions
- Photo-based teaching
- Carefully paced progression
Cons
- Requires music notation reading
- Some exercises need teacher help
- No CD anymore
If you specifically want to learn pedal steel (not lap steel), Alfred’s Teach Yourself to Play Pedal Steel Guitar is the most beginner-friendly method I found. Author Joe Stoebenau understands the unique challenges of the instrument and structures lessons around real technique problems new players face.
The setup directions are detailed and practical. Most beginners struggle with the physical setup of a pedal steel, the leg adjustments, knee lever positioning, volume pedal placement, and this book walks you through it. That alone justifies the price for anyone serious about the instrument.
Technique photographs are useful, though some learners might want video supplements. The progression is carefully paced to avoid the frustration that comes from jumping too far ahead. I appreciated that the exercises build muscle memory in small increments rather than throwing complex pedal combinations at you from week one.
The main caveat: this method assumes you can read music notation. If you can’t, you’ll need to learn that first or pair this book with the Bill Keith volume (which uses tablature). That’s not a flaw, just something to plan around.
Who this is good for
Players who specifically want to learn pedal steel (with foot pedals and knee levers), not just lap steel. The setup directions alone make this the right starting point for true pedal steel technique.
Musicians who already read standard notation and want a structured, carefully paced method. The book’s progression is methodical and rewarding if you can commit to daily practice.
Who should look elsewhere
Tablature-only players should start with the Bill Keith book. Anyone wanting to start on lap steel first might find the Hal Leonard method more accessible before graduating to pedal steel material.
7. 100 Hot Licks for Pedal Steel Guitar – Best Licks Library
Pros
- 100 usable licks
- E9 tuning focus
- Online audio included
- Progresses in difficulty
Cons
- Not for complete beginners
- Focused on E9 only
- Some licks are quite short
- Best with teacher guidance
The 100 Hot Licks book is what I reach for when I want to actually play something musical. Once you’ve worked through a beginner method and understand basic technique, this collection gives you 100 ready-to-use phrases that sound great over country songs. The licks progress in difficulty, so you’re not stuck doing the same five patterns for months.
Johnie Helms (the same author as the Hal Leonard method book) presents each lick in multiple keys. That might sound like extra work, but it actually helps you understand how the same phrase applies to different chord changes. The online audio access is well produced and easy to use, much better than the old cassette format.
The transposability is the standout feature. Once you understand how a lick moves across the neck, you can adapt it to any key. That kind of flexibility is what separates players who can copy a solo from players who can actually improvise. I worked through about 30 of these licks over two months and felt my soloing improve noticeably.
This book is not for complete beginners. The licks assume you understand basic chord shapes, bar technique, and have some pedal control. If you’ve never touched a pedal steel, start with the Alfred or Hal Leonard method books first. This is the next step, not the first step.
The E9 tuning focus is consistent throughout. If you’re playing in C6, you’ll need to adapt the material mentally, which is doable but adds friction. For E9 players, this is a goldmine.
Who this is good for
Intermediate players who have completed a beginner method and want to build a vocabulary of usable licks for jam sessions and recordings. The progression in difficulty keeps the material fresh as you improve.
Players who want to understand how professional country steel players construct solos. The licks are real phrases used in real songs, not academic exercises.
Who should look elsewhere
Complete beginners should start with the Hal Leonard or Alfred method books first. C6 tuning players will need to adapt the material significantly or look for C6-specific resources.
8. Bill Keith Pedal Steel Guitar Book – Best Comprehensive Reference
Pedal Steel Guitar Instructional Book with Online Audio | Learn E9 and C6 Tuning | Beginner to Advanced Techniques
128 pages
E9 and C6 tuning
By Bill Keith
Pros
- Covers both E9 and C6 tuning
- Comprehensive setup guide
- Historical context included
- Uses tablature
Cons
- Limited to 3 pedals and 1 knee lever
- Audio quality from original recording
- No online code in some copies
The Bill Keith and Winnie Winston book is the one experienced pedal steel players consistently recommend. Bill Keith was a legendary steel player (he played with Bill Monroe and others), and his instructional approach combines technical accuracy with real musical sensibility. At 128 pages, this is the most comprehensive book in our roundup.
The E9 and C6 tuning coverage sets this apart from most beginner methods. You learn both tunings, which doubles your musical options. The setup and tuning instructions are detailed enough to actually get a pedal steel sounding and playing correctly, which is no small feat for an instrument with so many moving parts.
The historical information about famous steel players adds context that makes the technical material feel more meaningful. You understand why certain techniques developed, not just how to execute them. For players interested in the lineage of country music, this context matters.
The main limitation: the book focuses on 3-pedal, 1-knee-lever configurations. More complex setups (like the 3×4 systems on professional instruments) aren’t covered in detail. Most beginners don’t need that complexity yet, but if you’re planning a professional instrument, you’ll need supplementary material.
Who this is good for
Players who want tablature-based learning rather than standard notation. Bill Keith uses tablature throughout, which makes the book accessible to guitarists transitioning to pedal steel without formal music theory.
Anyone who wants the most comprehensive single-volume introduction to pedal steel available. At 128 pages, this covers more ground than any other book in our roundup, and the dual-tuning focus makes it a reference you’ll use for years.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want a more structured lesson progression might prefer the Alfred method’s step-by-step approach. The Bill Keith book is more reference-oriented than curriculum-oriented, which works better for self-directed learners.
What to Look for in a Beginner Pedal Steel Guitar?
The hardest part of choosing a beginner pedal steel is understanding what you’re actually shopping for. Most “pedal steel guitars” sold online under $500 are actually lap steels, instruments you play on your lap without foot pedals. Lap steels are legitimate instruments, but they don’t teach you the pedal-and-lever technique that defines country steel playing.
True pedal steels start around $1,200 for entry-level models like the GFI SM10. Reddit users in r/pedalsteel consistently recommend the GFI SM10 as the best modern entry point. Carter Starter models appear under $1,000 but require more setup work. Used instruments (Emmons, Sho-Bud, Williams) often offer better value than new budget options, but condition varies widely.
Tuning: E9 Nashville vs C6 vs Others
E9 Nashville tuning is the standard for country music and the most common starting point for beginners. It’s what you’ll hear on most classic recordings. C6 tuning is the second most popular and adds Hawaiian and jazz possibilities. Most beginners should start with E9 and add C6 later if their interests expand.
Lap steels like the Gretsch G5700 and SX models ship configured for standard tuning, but they’re commonly set up for E9 with a string change. The instructional books in this roundup focus on E9 because that’s where the bulk of beginner material exists.
Pedal and Lever Configuration
True pedal steels use a 3×4 setup, meaning 3 foot pedals and 4 knee levers. This gives you enough pitch combinations to play most country songs without overwhelming you with options. More complex setups exist (4×5, 5×5) but add learning curve without much benefit for a beginner.
The copedent is the layout diagram that shows which strings each pedal and lever affects. Reading a copedent is its own skill, and any quality method book (like the Bill Keith volume) will teach you to decode one. Expect to spend a few weeks getting comfortable with the mechanical side before the music clicks.
Weight and Portability
A full-size pedal steel weighs 35-50 pounds. Lap steels are much lighter (4-11 pounds in our roundup). If you plan to move the instrument regularly, lap steel portability is a real advantage. If you’re setting up a permanent practice spot, pedal steel weight becomes less important.
The Mullen Discovery is praised in forums for portability at 47 pounds with case, which is light for a pedal steel. For lap steels, the Batking at under 6 pounds is the most travel-friendly option we tested.
New vs Used: Which Should You Buy?
Used pedal steels often give you more instrument for the money. A used Emmons or Williams in good condition can outperform new budget options costing twice as much. The risks are mechanical wear, missing parts, and difficulty getting repairs if something goes wrong.
New instruments come with warranties and predictable condition but cost more for equivalent quality. For beginners who aren’t sure they’ll stick with the instrument, a new lap steel under $300 is a low-risk starting point. For committed players, a used professional pedal steel often makes more sense than a new budget one.
Essential Accessories You’ll Need
Beyond the instrument itself, you’ll need a few accessories to actually play. A steel bar (tone bar) is essential for slide technique, most lap steels include one. An amplifier is necessary because lap steels and pedal steels are electric instruments with very low unplugged volume. A volume pedal is critical for pedal steel, it’s how you control dynamics and execute swells.
A good instrument cable (15-20 feet gives you room to move), a tuner (pedal tuners work better than clip-ons for steel guitars), and a comfortable chair or stool round out the basic setup. Budget around $200-400 beyond the instrument cost for a complete starter package. For amp recommendations specifically, our pedal amp guide covers the best compact options for steel players.
Pedal Steel vs Lap Steel: Which Should Beginners Start With?
Most beginners should start with a lap steel. Here’s why: the pedal steel learning curve is steep. You’re simultaneously learning bar technique, foot pedal coordination, knee lever operation, and tuning all at once. Adding the mechanical complexity of pedals before you can reliably execute a basic slide makes the learning process harder than it needs to be.
Lap steels isolate the fundamental skill: moving a steel bar across strings while maintaining proper pressure and intonation. Once that foundation is solid (usually 3-6 months of regular practice), transitioning to a pedal steel becomes a matter of adding foot coordination, not relearning everything from scratch.
The exception: if you specifically want pedal steel technique for a recording project or live performance with a deadline, starting directly on a pedal steel might save time in the long run. For everyone else, the lap steel first approach is faster and more enjoyable.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Pedal Steel?
Expect 6-12 months to reach a basic playable level on lap steel with regular practice (30-60 minutes daily). You’ll be able to play simple country licks and understand tuning within this window. True fluency on pedal steel, the ability to improvise solos and execute complex pedal combinations smoothly, typically takes 2-5 years.
The learning curve is front-loaded. The first month is the hardest because you’re building fundamental muscle memory. After that, progress accelerates as patterns become automatic. Most of the pedal steel players I spoke with said month three was when things started feeling natural.
Compare this to standard guitar, where basic chord changes take 2-4 weeks. Pedal steel is harder because the instrument demands more coordination. The trade-off is the unique sound, nothing else in music gives you those smooth pitch bends and sustained swells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best guitar pedal for beginners?
For beginners, the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel is the best entry point at around $360. If you want a true pedal steel with actual foot pedals, the GFI SM10 (around $1,200-1,500) is what Reddit’s r/pedalsteel community consistently recommends for first-time pedal steel buyers. Start with a lap steel to learn bar technique, then upgrade to a pedal steel once basics are solid.
How hard is a pedal steel guitar to learn?
Pedal steel is harder than standard guitar because you’re coordinating bar technique, foot pedals, and knee levers simultaneously. Expect 6-12 months to reach basic playable level on lap steel with daily practice. True pedal steel fluency typically takes 2-5 years. The learning curve is steepest in the first month, then accelerates once muscle memory develops.
What are the best pedal steel guitars?
The best pedal steel guitars for beginners include the GFI SM10 (entry-level pedal steel around $1,200), Carter Starter (budget option under $1,000), and Mullen Discovery (portable at 47 lbs). For lap steel starters, the Gretsch G5700, SX Lap 2 Ash models, and Batking offer the best beginner experience at lower price points.
Can a beginner play a steel string guitar?
Yes, beginners can absolutely play steel string guitars. Steel string acoustic guitars are standard for folk, country, and bluegrass. Pedal steel guitars are different, they’re electric instruments played on your lap with a steel bar. Steel string refers to the string material (steel vs nylon), while pedal steel refers to the pitch-changing pedal mechanism.
Final Verdict: Which Beginner Pedal Steel Should You Buy?
After testing these eight options, here’s our take: the Gretsch G5700 is the best lap steel for most beginners because the mahogany tone, trusted brand, and included warranty make it the safest first pedal steel guitar investment. Pair it with the Hal Leonard method book for a complete beginner package that runs around $375 total.
If budget is the primary concern, the Batking at under $150 gets you playing immediately. You’ll sacrifice some tone quality and scale length, but for absolute beginners testing the waters, the low cost of entry makes sense.
For players who specifically want to learn true pedal steel technique from day one, the GFI SM10 (referenced throughout forums) combined with the Bill Keith instructional book gives you the best foundation. Expect to invest around $1,400-1,600 for that package.
Whatever you choose, the most important step is starting. Pedal steel has a reputation for being difficult, but the beginner-friendly instruments and methods available in 2026 make the learning curve much more manageable than it was even five years ago. Pick the option that matches your budget, commit to daily practice, and you’ll be playing recognizable country licks within a few months.
For more instrument recommendations, check out our guides to best Stratocaster guitars and the broader pedal steel guitars roundup for more options.