Volume Pedal - is it the tricky part?

Bill McCloskey · From: Nanuet, NY

As I continue on my pedal steel journey, I find one the more difficult aspects of adding pedals to my steel playing is controlling the volume pedal.

My tendency is to press the volume pedal when I press my left foot on the pedals, particularly if I'm learning a new tricky lick. Suddenly I will blast the room (much to my wife's displeasure). Handling the pedals and knee levers is actually much easier than maintaining control of the right foot while the left foot and right and left knees work independently.

People teach how to USE the volume pedal, but the subject of control of the volume pedal while the rest of your body is engaged seems a less discussed topic.

Thoughts?
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Brian Spratt · From: Oklahoma, USA

Bill, I've only been playing for 16 months, but I completely agree. Having played 6 string guitar for 30 years, I've learned there is difference between playing a lick or a phrase where I hit the right notes at the right time and REALLY PLAYING the phrase, musically, with that intangible quality of "feeling". Pedal steel guitar is not only just like that but like that about a thousand times over. There is so much subtlety with every physical movement on this instrument. And I've thought to myself many times over this past year that I'm surprised more talk and teaching isn't focused on the volume pedal. It's functionally the simplest part of the instrument but I think its the #1 place where real soulful playing is separated from just playing the right notes at the right time. The only exception to that is playing with proper intonation, but that seems to me far easier to do well than volume pedal finesse.

Michael Sawyer · From: North Carolina, USA

For me,using the volume pedal correctly was/is like learning a new instrument.I found getting the arch of my foot over the axle helped alot.
Also being very subtle with it,no drastic movements.
Another thing i do in practice- dont use it.unplug it,go straight in my amp.
Keep my foot on it and try to control my volume and tone with my picking attack.

You will get it..if it was easy anybody could do it😎

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

It's one of the hardest things to master. You'll get it.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting.

Doug Taylor · From: Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA

Anytime I run into an issue involving the different moving parts I slow it down as much as it takes to being able to think about what my body needs to do. After I get the body motion engrained it is easier to start speeding up.

J D Sauser · From: Wellington, Florida

I think the tricky part is to NOT over-use it.
Especially on E9th some tend to over-“cut’n’swell” every note, harmony or chord, resulting in a mashed/squeezed sound lacking all attack and dynamics. It’s become a seemingly unavoidable reflex. Been there myself. Only way to cure it was to take the volume pedal away for a couple of months.

… JD.
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Was it JFK who said: Ask Not What TAB Can Do For You - Rather Ask Yourself "What Would B.B. King Do?"

A Little Mental Health Warning:

Tablature KILLS SKILLS.
The uses of Tablature is addictive and has been linked to reduced musical fertility.
Those who produce Tablature did never use it.

I say it humorously, but I mean it.

John Larson · From: Pennsyltucky, USA

Yes, this is why the masters of the instrument are those that can make it weep with the pedal.
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- Psalm 33:1-5

K Maul · From: Hadley, NY/Hobe Sound, FL

I found great value in practicing with my right foot on the volume pedal at full volume and focusing on controlling dynamics with my HANDS. Then I practiced holding my foot back on the pedal about 1/2” without moving it and doing the same control with only hands. After a while I started playing with that 1/2” space and feeling what it does for sustaining notes. I finally learned sufficient control and still can use the pedal down position in a pinch, knowing my hands do most of the control.
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Fred Treece · From: California, USA

+1 What Kevin said.
At my one and only recording session last year, the producer/engineer nazi told me “please don’t use a volume pedal”. Before even hearing me play.

The VP is an effect, not a substitute for right hand technique. But as an effect, it takes practice to do right, especially when using right knee levers.

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