My Chord Charts (E9 Fretboard Reference Booklet)

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 15 Mar 2010 8:56 pm

UPDATE! I have received several emails asking where to download this booklet, so I've re-hosted and updated the download link below. Thank you all for your interest and happy playing!

DOWNLOAD DRAFT #6: https://jesseleite.com/e9

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS REFERENCE BOOKLET? The purpose of this booklet is to lay out the E9 fretboard in a simple and practical way. My goal is to cover everything from basic chord positions for rhythm playing, to various scale patterns for lead playing, and to tie these rhythm and lead concepts together to form a better understanding of the E9 fretboard. To attain this goal, I have created a simple chord chart that will be utilized as a reference on every page; and in doing this hopefully the player will begin to see how these chords and scales fit together on the fretboard in any given key.

PLEASE NOTE! I know there are other great methods and charts available, but I haven't really found a chord chart that focuses on using the nashville numbering system or roman numerals to identify chords. If there is such a chart available, I apologize as I am not trying to re-invent the wheel; but rather present the E9 neck in a logical fashion for other beginners like myself who are still learning their chords and scales. If nothing else, this is for my own learning. If others can find use in my charts, that's great too!

I think this will be the last draft... I couldn't have done all of this without your help, so thank you everyone for the input so far! Once again, all comments and suggestions are welcome!

Thank you!
Jesse

Don Poland · Post by **Don Poland** » 16 Mar 2010 4:13 am

Looks great, Jesse, but I have a suggestion. It might be a good idea to have a legend that explains the "LKR", A pedal, B pedal, etc....

Some folks play Day setup and their knees and pedals are different. I have even seen a lot of difference in the way knee levers are set up for those playing the Emmons setup.

just my .02$

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 16 Mar 2010 6:47 am

Good idea. I take my setup for granted I guess. Will do. I have my own version of this chart which includes the pedal 4 change in my copedent. However, I decided to make a copy of the chart without these changes, as general as possible, for any other beginners who might just benefit from this kind of layout.

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 16 Mar 2010 7:22 am

The chart looks good and learning where the basic chords are is important, but there are various positions using particular string groups such as 8,5 and 6,4 that are not show on the chart. For example, one fret up from open on 6,4 with the E-F lever. Also fret position IV on 8,5 with the E-D# is a I and same fret on 8,5 with B-A# is a V7.

Charting out all the two note harmonized scales on 8,5 and 6,5 and 6,4 and 5,3 and 5,4 (there are others also) will help to tie all the positions together. If you study tab of classic steel breaks you will see how important these harmonized scales are.

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 16 Mar 2010 8:05 am

Thanks. I don't want this chart to get too complicated though. I want it to show just the simple chord positions so that if I am in the middle of a song and I am wondering where the nearest IV chord or IIm chord is, I can take a quick glance at a simple chart like this. My complaint about the other chord charts I've found is that they require more than a glance to get what you need, and sometimes they contain too many voicings. If it gets too cluttered, I probably won't take the time to use it.

I definitely agree with you about these harmonized scales though. I just learned how to use my B+C pedals from a few folks in another thread (Joe Barcus and Paul Sutherland). Very useful! I have to agree that having a diagram or tab sheet of these harmonized scales handy ALONG with a chord chart like this would be very important, like you say, to tie these chord positions together. So although this chart will be just a map of basic chords only, my next chart can map out various harmonized scale runs, with a few nearby go-to chords thrown in for reference. I think I will take notes and compile all of these ideas and eventually have a poster printed that I can throw up on my wall by my steel for easy reference while I'm playing. If anyone else thinks this would be of benefit, I can eventually provide a PDF of this reference poster also.

Scott Swartz wrote:For example, one fret up from open on 6,4 with the E-F lever. Also fret position IV on 8,5 with the E-D# is a I and same fret on 8,5 with B-A# is a V7....Charting out all the two note harmonized scales on 8,5 and 6,5 and 6,4 and 5,3 and 5,4 (there are others also) will help to tie all the positions together...

To help me better my charts (and my knowledge), do you have these runs you speak of tabbed out that you might be willing to pass on? Right now I only know how to harmonize scales using the A+B pedals, and B+C pedals. I haven't yet learned any harmonized scale runs using the levers.

Reed Ohrbom · Post by **Reed Ohrbom** » 16 Mar 2010 9:06 pm

Jesse; Great Chart !!!! Really helps us beginners get a feel for what we're gettin' into. i.e. makes it seem simple enough, but complete enough, that it gives me a feeling of "this is where I can start" and "I can do this".

Regarding Scott's idea of harmonized 2 note scales, that would be super also, but I agree with you, don't get your chord chart too complicated.

So my suggestion/question would be, would it be possible to do a separate chart for a harmonized scale, that woulod be a "companion" to the chord chart? So one could look at both charts together, and see the overall connection between the notes to use for playing the melody, and the chords that are behind them, or vice versa.

Thanks for your efforts; Reed

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 17 Mar 2010 5:30 am

Jesse, you might have something good going here. I like the idea of your un-cluttered chart. I haven't sat down and really studied it yet, but at first glance it seemed like pedal combinations were left out deliberately for the sake of clarity. This I like, since the beginner has more than he can handle just learning A&B ped positions. Then, when he/she gets familiar with chart #1, along comes #2 with different combinations and different scales, like Reed suggested, the harmonized scale. Great suggestion Reed!

Jesse, this chart should be included in our monday session. There's nothing that makes you learn faster than that: First you make the chart, then you explain to me how it works.

I can just see how chart# 2, then 3 etc is in progress in your head already.

Craig Dains · Post by **Craig Dains** » 17 Mar 2010 8:37 am

Wow, thanks. This makes sense. Can't wait for the next draft.

Chris Dorch · Post by **Chris Dorch** » 17 Mar 2010 9:36 am

If it's home to home (root to octive), why are there 13 columns?

Otherwise, I think it's great...

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 17 Mar 2010 9:42 am

I like to teach students how to play the 6 most commonly used chords for any key based on where they are located in relation to a "pedals up" or "pedals down" home base/starting point.
Key - G
G -3rd fret - No Pedals (home)
Am -1st fret - Eb KL
Bm -3rd fret - Eb KL
C - 3rd fret - AB Pedals
D - 5th fret - AB Pedals
Em -3rd fret - A Pedal

G -10th fret- AB Pedals (home)
Am - 8th fret- A Pedal
Bm -10th fret- A Pedal
C - 8th fret- No Pedals
D -10th fret- No Pedals
Em - 8th fret- Eb KL

Later use of additional pedal & lever combinations brings in the areas of the neck not used in these two pockets of chords, but being able to play these six chords in a few frets seems to get my students playing music faster and that's what my job as a "teacher" is all about. IMHO.
JE:-)>

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 17 Mar 2010 9:50 am

Bent Romnes wrote:I like the idea of your un-cluttered chart. I haven't sat down and really studied it yet, but at first glance it seemed like pedal combinations were left out deliberately for the sake of clarity. This I like, since the beginner has more than he can handle just learning A&B ped positions.

Exactly! I realize I have much more to learn, but I have purposely left out some pedal combinations. With all the pedal combinations, you could probably fill up every fret with some useful chord or pattern... so to keep it from getting too confusing, I wanted this to show only the "essential" chords all beginners should learn; ie. the basic diatonic chords. So, again if there are any "essential" diatonic chord positions that you guys think a beginner needs to know (can not do without), please throw me suggestions!

You are right Bent, I'm already thinking about other 6ths chords, 7th chords, maj7th chords, augmented chords, etc. that could be added to second chord chart. I also really like the suggestion you guys have made about making a chart showcasing harmonized scale patterns and how they relate to the primary I, IV, and V chords. I must once again thank Joe Barcus, Paul Sutherland, and you as well Scott for teaching me about the importance of these harmonized scales. I'm having a lot of fun with these!

Anyway, thank you for the kind words everyone. It seems like some of you share the same vision as I do regarding these charts. Once again, keep the suggestions coming! I am only a beginner, so I need the help!

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 17 Mar 2010 10:04 am

Here are a few (LOL) harmonized scales, key of G. I wrote this away from the steel, so if anyone see a mistake let me know

[tab]
Harmonized Scales - Key of G

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#____3___3B___5B___8___10___10B___12B___15_______
4__E_____3___3C___5C___8___10___10C___12C___15_______
5__B_________________________________________________
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#____3___4____6___8___10___11____13____15________
4__E_____3___4F___6F__8___10___11F___13F___15________
5__B_________________________________________________
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#____3___3B___5B___8___10___10B___13___15________
4__E_________________________________________________
5__B_____3___3A___5A___8___10___10A___13___15________
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E____3D___3____5____8D___8____10____13D___15D_____
5__B____3____3A___5A___8____8A___10A___13____15______
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E____1F___3____5____6F___8____10____11F___13F_____
5__B____1A___3A___5A___6A___8A___10A___11A___13A_____
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_____3___4F___6F__8___10___11F___13F___15________
5__B_________________________________________________
6__G#____3___4____6___8___10___11____13____15________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_____3___3C___5C___8___10___10C___12C___15_______
5__B_________________________________________________
6__G#____3___3B___5B___8___10___10B___12B___15_______
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_________________________________________________
5__B_____3___3A___5A___8___10___10A___13___15________
6__G#____3___3B___5B___8___10___10B___13___15________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_________________________________________________
5__B____3____3A___5A___8____8A___10A___13____15______
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E____3D___3____5____8D___8____10____13D___15D_____
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_________________________________________________
5__B____1A___3A___5A___6A___8A___10A___11A___13A_____
6__G#________________________________________________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E____1F___3____5____6F___8____10____11F___13F_____
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_________________________________________________

1__F#________________________________________________
2__D#________________________________________________
3__G#________________________________________________
4__E_________________________________________________
5__B_________________________________________________
6__G#____3___3B___5B___8___10___10B___13___15________
7__F#________________________________________________
8__E_________________________________________________
9__D_________________________________________________
10_B_____3___3A___5A___8___10___10A___13___15________

[/tab]

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 17 Mar 2010 10:18 am

Jim and Scott: That's awesome thank you so much! I will try playing through your stuff there and see where I can fit it into one of these charts! PS. Scott, how did you get the post to display the"tabs" window like that?

Also, I had another ideas I thought I'd present to you guys. For the sake of making this less cluttered what would you think of making an even simpler chart containing the green rows (the primary I, IV, V chords) for the very beginner; we would make this the new "chart 1". Then "chart 2" would be similar to the chart I've already uploaded; which would contain all the diatonic chords including the minor and diminished chords. A beginner steeler would move up to chart 2 once they feel pretty comfortable playing between the I, IV, V chords on 1. Do you guys think this would be useful?

Chris Dorch · Post by **Chris Dorch** » 17 Mar 2010 10:54 am

[tab]by using the tab and /tab markups... surrounded by square brackets...[/tab]

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 17 Mar 2010 12:04 pm

Chris Dorch wrote:If it's home to home (root to octive), why are there 13 columns?

To answer your question Chris, there are 12 DIFFERENT notes in one octave on the neck. I have included the "home" fret twice, which adds up to 13 frets total. This is also similar to how people play scales... eg) C MAJOR SCALE: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. The root note "C" is included twice; but in reality there are really only 7 DIFFERENT notes in one octave of a major scale, not 8 like some people perceive when they hear the word "octave". In practice though, you start and end with the root note. Back to my 13 columns, this just makes the most sense to me because it allows you to work your way up the neck, AND down the neck because it shows you where the chord positions start to repeat. There's a start and end to the octave. In the key of G for example, the two marked home frets would be frets 3 and 15.

Chris Dorch wrote:by using the tab and /tab markups... surrounded by square brackets...

Oh okay, got it! Cool feature, thanks!

Chris Dorch · Post by **Chris Dorch** » 17 Mar 2010 12:28 pm

I understand... Call it a brain fart... I had to start to write my reply to your post when it hit me...

Homer Simpson wrote: D'OH!

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 17 Mar 2010 2:08 pm

Homer Dorch wrote:I understand... Call it a brain fart... D'OH!

Oh okay

No worries, we all do it! Since the E9 tuning has been so foreign to me, I have spent most of my practice sessions trying to work out my own brain farts. I am a guitar and drum teacher in my hometown here, and through teaching I have learned that there is no such thing as a stupid question!

Ron Adams · Post by **Ron Adams** » 18 Mar 2010 6:08 pm

I'm trying to practice scales. I don't understand the tabs showing 5a and 3 on the same fret.

Help

thanks

Ron

Brian McGaughey · Post by **Brian McGaughey** » 18 Mar 2010 6:45 pm

Jim Eaton,

That's good advice. I think knowing where to go in terms of the Nashville notation can help a player pull anything together much quicker, especially in the goofy keys.

For example, the Sunday choir I play pedal steel with has had a lot of songs in Eb and Ab lately. I can't think fast enough to look at the chords and think about where they are on the neck. So I've been writing the scale degree number above the chords, then starting at the tonic no pedals and moving relative to the tonic. It's the only way to fly, tonic, 2m back 2 w/e's lowered, 3m at tonic w/e's lowered, 6m A pedal, etc, etc, NO MATTER WHAT THE KEY!

I'm going to take your tonic at AB advice to heart and work on that.

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 18 Mar 2010 8:09 pm

I fixed the typos pointed out by Ron Adams

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 18 Mar 2010 9:49 pm

Scott: Your harmonized two note scales are GREAT! I'm seeing relationships/patterns that I've been overlooking. Thanks.

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 19 Mar 2010 7:12 am

As Paul points out there are various ways to play the same notes, ie B+C versus F lever on strings 4 and 6.

They do sound a little different, and it is often more convenient to use one over another when ascending or descending. Example - When playing a descending line on strings 8,5 I almost always use D lever rather than A+F.

These scales are for the 3+2 setup, depending on your other changes there are many others available.

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 19 Mar 2010 5:37 pm

I am really enjoying all these harmonized scales too Scott. Yes, the way the notes are harmonizing changes the flavour of some of these patterns. I'm particularly thinking of the 4th and the 9th tabs you've listed. Very cool though, these will definitely be part my practice routine! There are also a couple cool harmonized scale patterns in the book "Pedal Steel Guitar" by Winnie Winston. Have you guys seen these ones?

Jim, I've also tried playing through your method and I think learning these two "zones" is a great approach. I've covered all of these chord positions in my chart, but I like the simplicity of zoning out areas like this. I think I am going to make an identical copy of my chart highlighting these two zones.

...on that note, with my teacher I've learned you can also play a nice big G major scale using only fret 3 and the A+B pedals. He also taught me that at fret 10 you can get the same major scale pattern if you lower 2nd string half a step. My RKR has a feel stop (thanks to Bent) that allows me to lower my 2nd string half a step very easily. How common is this change? Anyway, these two scales fit nicely into the two "zones" Jim is speaking of... maybe I can include them on one of these reference charts as well.

Thanks again everyone for the ideas! It looks like draft #2 is going to be 5 pages long

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 19 Mar 2010 6:18 pm

Having played lots and lots of "talent" nights over the years and having to wing-it through lots and lots of songs that I may have only heard once or twice before the contestant calls out the tune and what key they "think" they are going to sing it in has taught me the value of have those tightly bunched chord pockets ready to go on "auto-pilot".
JE:-)>

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 19 Mar 2010 11:17 pm

Here we go. I spent the last few hours designing draft #2, and have incorporated a bunch of your suggestions. Let me know what you guys think so far...

DRAFT #2: http://www.jmlmusic.ca/_misc/Pedal%20St ... DRAFT2.pdf

The last step (I think) is to add a few more pages encompassing all of those harmonized scales. I think this would really tie these chord positions and chord zones together.

Once again, I know there are other chord charts and tabs for these harmonized scales available. The purpose of this "reference booklet" if to relate all of this to my basic chord chart so that we can see nearby chord relationships as we're learning and playing.

Again, suggestions are welcome... and please let me know if you find errors! I couldn't have done all of this without your help, so thank you everyone for the input so far. If nothing else, this is for my own learning! Thank you!

Jesse

The Steel Guitar Forum

My Chord Charts (E9 Fretboard Reference Booklet)

My Chord Charts (E9 Fretboard Reference Booklet)

Just a beginner