pedal steel

noun

: a box-shaped musical instrument with legs that has usually 10 strings which can be altered in pitch by the use of pedals and which are plucked while being pressed with a movable steel bar

called also pedal steel guitar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the first Young album to feature pedal steel, but Keith’s playing became a signature sound on nearly every subsequent record until his death in 2010. —Kevin Dettmar, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2022

That’s why Arthur’s is among few places in the world that manufactures the steel bar used to play lap and pedal steel guitars. —The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2022

Cyrus is accompanied by Liam Kevany on guitar, Leeann Skoda on guitar and background vocals, Roland Hamilton on keys, Dan Kalisher on pedal steel, and Elias Mallin on percussion. —Kimberly Aleah, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2022

Electric guitar adds some Western overtones, while atmospheric pedal steel and Lewis’ piano work all complement one another without overcrowding. —Jon Freeman, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2021

But instead of pedal steel guitars and fiddles, Charles opted for big-band orchestration and opulent strings. —Santi Elijah Holley, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2022

They're joined by Jeff Chimenti on keys and Barry Sless on pedal steel guitar on a tour that draws from the expansive catalog of the Dead, Weir's solo albums and assorted roots-rock covers. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 Oct. 2022

Also being inducted at the ceremony were the late Ray Charles, drummer Eddie Bayers, and the late pedal steel player Pete Drake. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2022

One of the style’s telltale markers was the twangy, weeping pedal steel guitar. —Diana Marcum, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above