Need some help with terminology

Bill Byrd · Post by **Bill Byrd** » 21 Jun 2004 4:15 pm

I know what a pedal steel is. I know what a lap steel is. They're both guitars. But if you ask the average Joe to hand you a guitar they're gonna hand you one like Eric Clapton plays. If I actually want one like Clapton plays-- what should I ask for? I've been using the term "regular" but that doesn't really seem like an adequate way to describe something? I need to know the proper name so I can ask my next question.

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I've been wishing since 1959 for another Sleep Walk. It will happen.

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 21 Jun 2004 4:53 pm

Bill: Click on the following link and read it all. It explains steel guitars in basic terms.
Brad's Page of Steel

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 21 Jun 2004 6:35 pm

Bill,
A guitar like Eric Clapton plays is commonly called an electric guitar (aka Fender Stratocaster). But EC also plays an acoustic guitar. Both of these types are part of the Spanish guitar family, and that includes the classical guitar. All of the above have 6 strings and have a round neck.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
hope this helps.

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 21 Jun 2004 8:32 pm

Eric who?

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 21 Jun 2004 11:25 pm

Clapped-out !!

Perry Hansen · Post by **Perry Hansen** » 22 Jun 2004 5:20 am

Roger. Thanks for asking that question. I was wondering the same thing.

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 22 Jun 2004 6:15 pm

I think Chet Atkins would be a better example of an electric guitar player for old pharts like Bill, Perry and myself.IMHO After all he is a C.G.P. Right Jody.

Roger

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 22 Jun 2004 9:24 pm

I sometimes say "standard" guitar to differentiate between the two, if I'm referring to both in the same conversation.

But if you're asking a 'non-steel' person for a "regular" guitar...especially in music stores, you wouldn't need to specify that it's not a "steel" guitar. Just saying "guitar" or using electric/acoustic would do the trick. In most music stores, you won't find a steel, and depending upon the age and experience of the staff, many don't even know what one is!