Where would country music be without the sound of the pedal steel guitar? What would honky-tonk music be without that lonely, impossibly flexible and nearly human-voiced instrument driving home the pain of a broken heart and the cold comfort of a lonely bar?

What would classic hits like George Strait’s “When Did You Stop Loving Me” or Alan Jackson’s “Midnight In Montgomery” or Sara Evans’ “Suds In The Bucket” or Buck Owens’ immortal “Together Again” be without that crying, flying pedal steel?

Well, if you’re a fan of that classic instrument, you’re in luck, because this weekend, Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street will host the South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention. On both Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find everything from instruction to advice to equipment to a steel-driven jam session, all under one roof, fueled by some of the best teachers and players around.

It's a chance to learn about an instrument with a background that’s perhaps surprising, given how omnipresent it became in country music. The steel guitar was actually created in Hawaii in the 19th century, and it was electrified in the 1920s in Los Angeles by musician George Beauchamp in order to make the guitar loud enough to compete with other plugged-in instruments.

A faA far more evolved version of the pedal steel eventually popped up in country music in the early 1950s, most notably on singer Webb Pierce’s song, “Slowly,” which spent 17 weeks at Number One on the country singles chart. From that point onward, pedal steel guitar became a staple of country music, conjuring up images of broken hearts and empty beer glasses for decades.

The convention this weekend will certainly feature plenty of that classic sound. On Saturday at Bill’s, the schedule is all about instruction and having some fun. Top-notch steel player Mike Sweeney runs a workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving players a chance to improve their skills and learn some new tricks.

Then after the lessons are over on Saturday, it’s time for a free jam session from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a chance for players to sit in with Bill’s Friday night featured bluegrass band, The McKoy Family Band.

The second day of the South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention is all about playing. Things kick off with the Sunday Steel Show, with performers playing in 30-minute slots from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can catch acclaimed players including Roger Crawford, Gary Hart, Bill Nicholson, Mike Sweeney, Brett Crisp and Ron & Ronnie Kyne. The snack bar and the hardwood dance floor will be open all day.

So if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about one of country music’s key instruments, or if you’re a steel guitar player who wants to rub shoulders with other musicians, Bill’s Music Shop is the place to be this weekend.