How to change pedal steel strings
On a pedal steel the ball end of each string sits in a changer finger at the right-hand end of the guitar. The changer is also the bridge: when you press a pedal or knee lever, the finger rotates and raises or lowers that string. From there the string runs across the fretboard, over a roller nut and onto a tuning key in the keyhead at the left-hand end.
Pedal steel E9 tuning, string by string
Open strings with all pedals and knee levers released, from string 1 (nearest you) to 10, at A 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | B2 | 123.47 |
| 9 | D3 | 146.83 |
| 8 | E3 | 164.81 |
| 7 | G♭3 | 185.00 |
| 6 | A♭3 | 207.65 |
| 5 | B3 | 246.94 |
| 4 | E4 | 329.63 |
| 3 | A♭4 | 415.30 |
| 2 | E♭4 | 311.13 |
| 1 | G♭4 | 369.99 |
Wikipedia, Pedal steel guitar (E9 copedent adapted from GFI)
How to use it
- Read the steps, then tick each one as you go. Progress is saved on this device.
- When every box is ticked, the page scrolls to the E9 tuner. Allow the microphone, release all pedals and levers and pick one open string at a time.
- Once the open strings are in tune, set each pedal and lever change with its tuning nut. Start over clears the checklist.
Help and explanations
The guide below follows the habits steel players share on the Steel Guitar Forum: trap the ball end so you have both hands free, cut the string to length before winding, and wrap the plain strings generously. At the end, the tuner checks the 10 open E9 strings, F♯4 down to B2.
E9 string gauges
The example E9 copedent in Wikipedia's pedal steel article, adapted from GFI, uses these gauges from string 1 to 10: .012, .015, .011, .014, .018 and .022 plain, then .026, .030, .034 and .038 wound. The 3rd string, G♯4 at 415.30 Hz, is the highest note and the thinnest string, which is why it breaks most often. Pedal steel strings are sold singly as well as in sets, so keep a few spare 3rds.
Gauges vary between makers and players, so check the chart that came with your guitar or your usual set before you buy.
Tuning after a string change
Tune the open strings first with every pedal and lever released. Then engage each pedal or lever and tune the changed notes at the tuning nuts under the changer end. A new string settles quickly on steel, but the first pedal pulls stretch it, so recheck the open string after working the pedals a few times.
Tips
- Oil the nut rollers and wipe the string path while a string is off; it is the easiest moment to do it.
- A thin sheet of vinyl or plastic under the keyhead while you wind saves the lacquer from the string end.
- For just-intonation offsets and fine pedal checks, use the strobe tuner.
Frequently asked questions
What gauge strings does an E9 pedal steel use?
A typical E9 set from string 1 to 10 is .012, .015, .011, .014, .018, .022 plain and .026, .030, .034, .038 wound, per the GFI copedent shown on Wikipedia. Makers vary slightly.
Which end of the pedal steel does the ball end go?
The changer end, on the right as you sit: the ball sits in the changer finger, and the plain end goes to the tuning key in the keyhead on the left.
How many wraps should a pedal steel string have on the key?
Plain strings need several, at least half a dozen, and thinner strings more than thicker ones; wound strings need about 1½ to 2 turns. Keep them neat, without overlapping.
Should I change all pedal steel strings at once?
Many players change one or two at a time, which keeps the other strings as a guide for winding direction. With a full set, some install strings 1 to 5 first, then 10 down to 6.
What are the notes of the E9 tuning?
From string 1 to 10: F♯4, D♯4, G♯4, E4, B3, G♯3, F♯3, E3, D3 and B2, from 369.99 Hz down to 123.47 Hz at A 440.