My First Pedal Steel Epiphany
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
- Ian Sutton
- Posts: 421
- Joined: 7 Jul 2009 8:04 am
- Location: San Francisco, CA
My First Pedal Steel Epiphany
I've only been playing for a few months and have really been struggling the last few weeks to learn stuff by ear - just the usual intro/signature style licks, mostly to no avail. However last night, the guitar has finally unlocked one of its many secrets and the Ralph Mooney - Buck Owens style licks just flowed like water. I am very excited! No to just get my blocking cleaner.
- Tim Kowalski
- Posts: 262
- Joined: 18 Oct 2007 12:28 pm
- Location: Illinois, USA
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- Posts: 15
- Joined: 14 Apr 2008 6:52 am
- Location: Texas, USA
My first epiphany was realizing how I could organize the fretboard in terms of the pedals up and pedals down position. I learned that from a youtube video.
I drew up a great chart which shows where the I IV and V chord is for 4 different pedal combinations (none, AB, LKL, LKR+RKL), and where the II III and VI chord are for 3 pedals combinations (LKR, A, BC) for a given key.
Now if I know where the open and AB frets are for a given key I can do all the inversions of these 6 chords, and furthermore start to learn which changes on which frets are in key.
I can now play along to a lot of songs, creatively choosing different inversions/fingerings of chords, sliding up, down, or sometimes staying on the same fret. Very basic but it has really unlocked the instrument for me.
I drew up a great chart which shows where the I IV and V chord is for 4 different pedal combinations (none, AB, LKL, LKR+RKL), and where the II III and VI chord are for 3 pedals combinations (LKR, A, BC) for a given key.
Now if I know where the open and AB frets are for a given key I can do all the inversions of these 6 chords, and furthermore start to learn which changes on which frets are in key.
I can now play along to a lot of songs, creatively choosing different inversions/fingerings of chords, sliding up, down, or sometimes staying on the same fret. Very basic but it has really unlocked the instrument for me.
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- Posts: 15
- Joined: 14 Apr 2008 6:52 am
- Location: Texas, USA
Chart
Since it was requested, I have uploaded the chart I am referring to. It is basic information but I think I have organized it in a way that will help us beginners.
- John Polstra
- Posts: 335
- Joined: 29 Dec 2008 3:11 pm
- Location: Lopez Island, WA, USA
- Contact:
That's a nicely done chart, Nicholas. I want to make sure I understand your labeling of the knee levers.
It looks like what you're calling the "E" lever lowers the E's a half step.
It looks like what you're calling the "D" lever raises the E's a half step.
What does the lever you call "F" do?
Thanks,
John
It looks like what you're calling the "E" lever lowers the E's a half step.
It looks like what you're calling the "D" lever raises the E's a half step.
What does the lever you call "F" do?
Thanks,
John
- Greg Gefell
- Posts: 592
- Joined: 16 Jan 2007 12:37 pm
- Location: Upstate NY