Lap steel guitars are built around specific tunings and playing techniques, and the strings you use have a big impact on how the instrument actually feels.
If you’ve ever played a lap steel where the strings feel uneven or noisy, it’s usually a string issue, not the instrument. When the gauges aren’t right for the tuning, some strings feel too loose while others feel too tight, and that makes it harder to control the bar and keep everything sounding clean.
Getting the right set of strings helps everything feel more balanced, improves sustain, and makes the instrument easier to play overall.
If you’re still deciding which tuning you want to use, check out our lap steel guitar tunings guide to see how different setups affect feel and sound.
Best Strings for Lap Steel (Quick Answer)
Most lap steel players look for:
• Strings designed for lap steel tunings
• Slightly heavier gauges for better tension and control
• Depending on personal preference, some players prefer a smoother string surface to reduce bar noise
The goal is simple. You want the strings to feel even across the neck, respond cleanly under the bar, and hold their tone when you’re sustaining notes or sliding between positions.
What Makes Lap Steel Strings Different
Lap steel is played differently than a standard guitar, and that changes what you need from your strings.
Instead of fretting notes, you’re moving a steel bar across the strings. That means the strings need to feel consistent from low to high and respond evenly when the bar is laid across them.
Small differences in tension show up immediately. If one string is looser than the others, the bar won’t sit evenly, and you’ll feel it right away when you try to play chords or sustain notes.
Most lap steel tunings also use different string gauges than standard guitar tuning, which is why dedicated lap steel sets tend to feel more balanced.
If you want to see how different tunings are structured, you can reference our lap steel tuning chart.
Why String Surface Matters
With lap steel, you’re constantly sliding across the strings, so surface feel becomes a big factor.
Different string types will feel and respond differently under the bar. Round wound strings have more texture, which some players like for the added grip and brightness, while others may notice a bit more resistance or string noise when moving across multiple strings.
Smoother options, like semi-flat strings, offer a more consistent feel across the strings and can help reduce friction during slides. This is our most popular choice by far for lap steel players.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you prefer—whether you want more texture and bite, or a smoother, more controlled feel under the bar.
Semi-Flat or Round Wound Strings for Lap Steel?
With lap steel, you’re constantly sliding across the strings, so surface feel plays a big role in how the instrument responds.
Traditional round wound strings have more texture, which some players like for the added grip and brightness. That same texture can also introduce more noise and resistance when you’re moving across multiple strings.
Smoother options, like semi-flat strings, reduce friction under the bar and help keep slides feeling more controlled and clean. This is our most popular option.
That said, both styles have their place. Round wound strings can offer more bite and presence, while smoother strings tend to feel more fluid and quieter under the bar. It really comes down to the feel and tone you prefer for your playing style.
6-String vs 8-String vs 7-String Lap Steel Strings
Lap steel guitars are most commonly set up as either 6-string or 8-string instruments, and that plays a big role in how strings are selected. While 7-string setups do exist, they’re far less common and are usually more of a niche, player-specific choice.
6-String Lap Steel
6-string setups are more straightforward and are often used with tunings like C6, A6, or E7.
These setups usually rely on balanced string sets that keep the tension even across all six strings.
8-String Lap Steel
8-string lap steels add more range and allow for more complex chord voicings.
With the extra strings, tension balance becomes even more important. If the gauges aren’t right, the instrument can feel uneven under the bar.
Using strings designed specifically for 8-string lap steel helps keep everything consistent and easier to control.
7-String Lap Steel (Less Common)
7-string lap steels are out there, but they’re far less common than 6- or 8-string setups. Most players either prefer the simplicity of six strings or the added flexibility of eight.
If you’re running a 7-string setup, many players simply use an 8-string set and omit one string, depending on their tuning and preference.
Choosing the Right Lap Steel Strings
There are a few things that really matter when choosing strings for lap steel.
Tension
This is the biggest one.
The strings should feel firm enough that the bar sits cleanly across all of them without needing extra pressure. If they’re too loose, you’ll fight for control. If they’re too tight, the instrument can feel stiff.
Feel Under the Bar
Since you’re sliding across the strings instead of fretting them, feel matters more than it does on a standard guitar.
Semi-flat and round wound strings are really two different experiences here. Round wounds have more texture and bite, while semi-flats feel smoother under the bar.
That smoother feel can make it easier to move across the instrument and help keep your playing clean, while round wounds can give you a little more edge and presence. It really comes down to what feels right and fits your sound.
Tuning
Different tunings require different string gauges to maintain proper tension.
Instead of trying to piece together a set, most players get better results using strings designed specifically for their tuning.
Recommended Strings for Lap Steel Guitar
Most players get the best results using strings designed specifically for lap steel setups.
A lot of players switch to dedicated lap steel strings after trying standard sets and realizing they’re constantly fighting string noise or uneven feel.
S.I.T. Scotty’s Non-Pedal / Lap Steel Guitar Strings were developed with these setups in mind and use S.I.T. Silencer® semi-flat wound strings.
These sets are designed to give you:
• smoother feel under the bar
• reduced string noise
• balanced tension across all strings
• clear note definition
• consistent sustain
They’re available for common tunings like C6, A6, E13, and E7, as well as both 6-string and 8-string setups.
Building Custom Lap Steel String Sets
Some players prefer to build their own sets.
This lets you fine tune the tension of each string based on your tuning and playing style. It’s especially useful if you’re experimenting with less common tunings or trying to dial in a very specific feel.
For most players, though, that extra step isn’t necessary. We already cover the major lap steel tunings with pre-packaged semi-flat sets that are designed to feel balanced and consistent under the bar.
If you do decide to go the custom route, you’ll typically be working with round wound single strings, where a much wider range of gauges is available. Since semi-flat strings aren’t offered as singles, building a custom set means moving into round wound territory. That gives you more flexibility to fine tune your setup, but it also comes with a different feel compared to semi-flats.
When to Change Your Lap Steel Strings
Lap steel strings don’t always go dead the same way regular guitar strings do.
More often, you’ll notice:
• less clarity when sliding
• more noise from the bar
• less consistent sustain
When that starts happening, it’s usually time for a fresh set.
Tips for Getting the Best Performance from Your Strings
A few simple habits can help your strings last longer and perform better.
Wiping them down after playing helps remove buildup that can affect tone.
If you play regularly, changing strings periodically helps keep your sound consistent.
Using strings designed for lap steel also makes a noticeable difference in how the instrument responds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lap Steel Strings
What strings should I use for lap steel guitar?
Most players use strings designed specifically for lap steel tunings. These help maintain proper tension, reduce noise, and improve overall control.
Can I use regular guitar strings on lap steel?
You can, but they’re not always ideal. Lap steel setups often require different gauges, and standard sets can feel uneven.
Are lap steel strings different from regular guitar strings?
The answer is yes—and no.
In some cases, the strings themselves are similar, but prepackaged lap steel sets are built differently for a couple of key reasons. The main difference is the gauging. Lap steel tunings require specific string gauges to keep the tension and feel balanced across the instrument, which is different from a standard guitar setup.
Another factor is string construction. For example, semi-flat sets like the Scotty’s compression-wound strings have a smoother surface, which is designed specifically for playing with a steel bar. That gives them a different feel compared to traditional round wound guitar strings.
So while there is some overlap, lap steel strings are usually optimized for the way the instrument is played and tuned.
Do I need different strings for 6-string and 8-string lap steel?
Yes—mainly because you’re dealing with a different number of strings.
That said, there’s some overlap. In many cases, the first six strings in our 8-string sets are very similar (or the same gauges) as our 6-string sets. So if you’re in a pinch or working with a specific tuning, you can often use the first six strings from an 8-string set for a 6-string setup.
The key is making sure the gauges match your tuning and feel. As long as that lines up, there’s some flexibility between the two.
Final Thoughts
Lap steel is a little different than standard guitar, and the strings you use make a big difference in how it feels to play.
When the tension is right and the strings respond evenly under the bar, everything becomes easier to control and more consistent.
Once you find a setup that works, the instrument really starts to open up.
