My First Pedal Steel Epiphany

[Ian Sutton]

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]

I can relate to your excitement. I have had several of these events, but sometimes they evaporate into thin air when you try to recall what you did.
It is very cool when the lights come on. There are many bulbs that remain un-lit for me, but I keep trying.

[Nicholas Martin]

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.

[Nicholas Martin]

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]

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

[Greg Gefell]

My guess is that it lowers the G# on string 6 to an F#.