The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm interested in how people are using the lever that raises the 1st & 7th strings a whole tone, and the 2nd string a 1/2 tone, sometimes called the "G" lever. I did a few searches that turned up nothing, but I may not be using the right search terms. Thanks in advance.

I just recently added that 2nd string raise to my G LEVER. When engaged, first and second string give you same notes as strings 3 and 4 in pedals up position. Right away I started discovering really fun fast licks on top 4 strings moving that lever in and out while doing banjo type rolls. Gave me a bunch of new alternatives to just pumping A and B pedals. Lots more to discover, but I see great potential in that change. Alternatively, I know that a bunch of people have a half stop on string 1 that allows you to get to G natural before pulling up to G#. I can think of a few Haggard tunes where that F# to G raise is used.

Try searching on 1st and 2nd string raise.
The term G lever doesn't have a universal meaning.
I put that change on a pedal so I can combine it with the whole tone drop of 2

Two ways I use the 2nd string raise, are:

1. Going from a I to a I7. Hit string 4. While ringing, hit string 2 and raise it to be in unison with the E on string 4. With string 4 still ringing, release the lever raising string 2, then hit the lever lowering the 2nd string to D.

2. Going from a 4 to a 1. Say we are in the key of E. 12th fret. Against the 4 chord (A). Hit string 4 and let ring through this whole lick. After hitting string 4, (having the second string raise already activated) hit string 2, release that lever, then hit the lever that lowers 2 to C#. Then hit string 5 with no pedals. After that you have several options for getting back to the 1 chord(E). 7th fret A&B pedals. Stay at the 12th fret (no pedals). At 12, you can also hit strings 3&4 and quickly activate the lever raising 1&2 to the unisons on strings 3&4. And more...

Here's a few uses, careful listening to commercial country radio will turn up many more:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XUykptG6DBQ

Here's 20 or so uses with tabs and sound files:

http://www.gregcutshaw.com/Tab/E9%201st ... 20Tab.html

Nicely done, Greg! Lots of useful stuff here.

Greg's site is utterly packed with goodness.

Thanks, Greg, that's exactly what I was looking for. Very helpful!