Do you want to master the pedal steel guitar in C6 tuning? This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this unique and versatile tuning, from its history and theory to practical tips and tricks for playing it.
Editor’s Note:C6 tuning is an essential tuning for pedal steel guitarists, and it’s used in a wide variety of musical genres. This guide will help you get started with C6 tuning, and it will also provide you with the tools you need to develop your own unique style.
We’ve done the analysis, dug through the information, and put together this pedal steel guitar C6 tuning guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways:
| Standard Tuning | C6 Tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Root Note | E | C |
| Tuning | E B E G# B E | C G D A E C |
| Key | E major | C major |
Transition to Main Article Topics:
- The History of C6 Tuning
- The Theory of C6 Tuning
- How to Tune Your Pedal Steel Guitar to C6
- Tips and Tricks for Playing C6 Tuning
- C6 Tuning in Practice
1. Root Note
The root note of a tuning is the note that the strings are tuned to. In the case of C6 tuning, the root note is C. This means that the lowest string on the guitar is tuned to C, and the other strings are tuned relative to that. The root note is important because it determines the key of the tuning. In the case of C6 tuning, the key is C major. This means that all of the chords that are played in this tuning will be in the key of C major. The root note also affects the sound of the tuning. C6 tuning has a bright and open sound, which is perfect for playing country, western swing, and other types of music. Here are some examples of how the root note C is used in C6 tuning: The C major chord is played by barring the first three strings at the third fret. The G major chord is played by barring the second, third, and fourth strings at the fifth fret. The D major chord is played by barring the third, fourth, and fifth strings at the seventh fret. The A minor chord is played by barring the second, third, and fourth strings at the second fret. * The E minor chord is played by barring the first, second, and third strings at the first fret.
These are just a few examples of how the root note C is used in C6 tuning. This tuning is a versatile tuning that can be used to play a wide variety of music.
Understanding the relationship between the root note and the tuning of a guitar is important for guitarists of all levels. This knowledge can help you to choose the right tuning for your playing style and to play more effectively in different keys.
Table: Root Note C in C6 Tuning
| Chord | Fingering |
|---|---|
| C major | 032010 |
| G major | 003230 |
| D major | xx0232 |
| A minor | 002210 |
| E minor | 002000 |
2. Tuning
The tuning C G D A E C is commonly used for pedal steel guitars, particularly in the C6 tuning. This tuning provides a unique and versatile sound that is well-suited for a variety of musical genres.
- Open Chords
The tuning C G D A E C allows for easy playing of open chords. This is because the root, third, and fifth of each chord are all available on the open strings. Some common open chords in this tuning include C major, G major, D major, A minor, and E minor.
- Scales
The tuning C G D A E C also makes it easy to play scales. The C major scale, for example, can be played using the following fingering: 023450. Other scales that can be easily played in this tuning include the G major scale, the D major scale, the A minor scale, and the E minor scale.
- Chord Inversions
The tuning C G D A E C allows for easy playing of chord inversions. This is because the root, third, and fifth of each chord are all available within the first five frets. Some common chord inversions in this tuning include the C/G chord, the G/D chord, the D/A chord, the A/E chord, and the E/C chord.
- Pedal Steel Techniques
The tuning C G D A E C is well-suited for pedal steel guitar techniques such as knee levers and pedals. These techniques allow the player to change the pitch of the strings while they are playing, creating a variety of unique and expressive sounds.
Overall, the tuning C G D A E C is a versatile and expressive tuning that is well-suited for pedal steel guitar. It allows for easy playing of open chords, scales, chord inversions, and pedal steel techniques.
3. Key
In the context of pedal steel guitar, C6 tuning is closely related to the key of C major. This is because the tuning is based on the C major scale, and the root note of the tuning is C. This means that when you play chords in C6 tuning, they will all be in the key of C major.
There are a number of reasons why C6 tuning is well-suited for playing in the key of C major. First, the tuning provides easy access to all of the notes in the C major scale. This makes it easy to play melodies, scales, and chords in this key. Second, the tuning allows for a wide range of voicings for C major chords. This means that you can create a variety of different sounds when playing in this key.
- Chords
The C6 tuning provides easy access to all of the chords in the key of C major. This includes major chords, minor chords, and seventh chords. Some of the most common chords used in C6 tuning include C major, G major, D major, A minor, E minor, and C6.
- Scales
The C6 tuning also provides easy access to all of the scales in the key of C major. This includes the C major scale, the G major scale, the D major scale, the A minor scale, and the E minor scale. These scales can be used to create melodies, solos, and improvisations.
- Pedal Steel Techniques
The C6 tuning is well-suited for a variety of pedal steel techniques. These techniques include knee levers, pedals, and bends. These techniques can be used to create a wide range of sounds and effects, from subtle vibrato to dramatic pitch bends.
Overall, the C6 tuning is a versatile and expressive tuning that is well-suited for playing in the key of C major. It prov
ides easy access to all of the notes in the C major scale, and it allows for a wide range of voicings for C major chords. This makes it a popular tuning for pedal steel guitarists of all levels.
4. Intervals
In the context of pedal steel guitar c6 tuning, the intervals between the strings play a crucial role in shaping the unique sound and versatility of the tuning. The intervals present in c6 tuning are: major 3rd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th.
The major 3rd interval between the root (C) and the third (E) string provides a bright and open sound, which is characteristic of c6 tuning. The minor 3rd interval between the third (E) and the fourth (G) string adds a touch of dissonance and complexity to the tuning. The perfect 4th interval between the fourth (G) and the fifth (A) string creates a sense of spaciousness and clarity. The perfect 5th interval between the fifth (A) and the sixth (E) string provides a strong harmonic foundation for the tuning. Finally, the minor 7th interval between the sixth (E) and the seventh (C) string adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the tuning.
These intervals not only define the sound of c6 tuning but also make it well-suited for a variety of musical styles, from country and western swing to jazz and rock. The tuning allows for easy access to a wide range of chords and scales, making it a versatile choice for guitarists of all levels.
The following table provides a summary of the intervals present in c6 tuning, along with their corresponding string intervals:
| Interval | String Interval |
|---|---|
| Major 3rd | Root to Third |
| Minor 3rd | Third to Fourth |
| Perfect 4th | Fourth to Fifth |
| Perfect 5th | Fifth to Sixth |
| Minor 7th | Sixth to Seventh |
5. Chords
In the context of pedal steel guitar c6 tuning, the chords C major, G major, D major, A minor, E minor, C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6 hold significant importance and offer a diverse range of harmonic possibilities.
- Open Chords
The c6 tuning allows for easy access to a variety of open chords, including C major, G major, D major, A minor, and E minor. These open chords provide a strong foundation for rhythm playing and can be easily combined to create chord progressions.
- Extended Chords
In addition to open chords, c6 tuning also facilitates the playing of extended chords, such as C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6. These extended chords add a richer and more complex sound to your playing and can be used to create sophisticated harmonies.
- Chord Inversions
The c6 tuning also allows for easy inversion of chords. Chord inversions involve playing the notes of a chord in a different order, which can create a different sound and emphasize different intervals. In c6 tuning, inversions of C major, G major, D major, A minor, and E minor can be easily played and used to create interesting harmonic variations.
- Pedal Steel Techniques
The c6 tuning is well-suited for pedal steel techniques such as knee levers and pedals. These techniques allow the player to change the pitch of the strings while they are playing, creating a variety of unique and expressive sounds. When combined with the chords listed above, these techniques can be used to create a wide range of musical possibilities.
Overall, the chords C major, G major, D major, A minor, E minor, C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6 are essential to the pedal steel guitar c6 tuning. They provide a solid foundation for rhythm playing, allow for the incorporation of extended chords and chord inversions, and are well-suited for pedal steel techniques. Understanding and mastering these chords will open up a world of harmonic possibilities for pedal steel guitarists.
6. Scales
In the context of pedal steel guitar c6 tuning, the scales C major, G major, D major, A minor, E minor, C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6 hold immense significance and offer a diverse range of melodic possibilities.
- Tonal Center and Soloing
The scales listed above are all closely related to the key of C major, which is the tonal center of c6 tuning. This makes them ideal for soloing and improvisation, as they provide a familiar and consonant framework within which to create melodies.
- Chord-Scale Relationships
These scales also have strong relationships with the chords commonly used in c6 tuning. For example, the C major scale can be used to play over C major, C6, and Cmaj7 chords, while the G major scale can be used to play over G major, G6, and Gmaj7 chords. This allows guitarists to easily create melodic lines that complement the harmonic structure of their music.
- Pedal Steel Techniques
The c6 tuning is well-suited for pedal steel techniques such as knee levers and pedals. These techniques allow the player to change the pitch of the strings while they are playing, creating a variety of unique and expressive sounds. When combined with the scales listed above, these techniques can be used to create a wide range of melodic possibilities.
Overall, the scales C major, G major, D major, A minor, E minor, C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6 are essential to the pedal steel guitar c6 tuning. They provide a solid foundation for soloing and improvisation, have strong relationships with the chords commonly used in c6 tuning, and are well-suited for pedal steel techniques. Understanding and mastering these scales will open up a world of melodic possibilities for pedal steel guitarists.
7. Uses
The pedal steel guitar c6 tuning is particularly well-suited for a variety of musical genres, including country music, western swing, jazz, rock, and blues. This is due to the tuning’s unique combination of open chords, extended chords, and pedal steel techniques, which allow guitarists to create a wide range of sounds and styles.
In country music, the c6 tuning is often used for playing traditional country ballads and up-tempo honky-tonk tunes. The tuning’s open chords and extended chords provide a rich and resonant sound that is characteristic of country music. In western swing music, the c6 tuning is used for playing swing rhythms and improvisational solos. The tuning’s pedal steel techniques allow guitarists to create a variety of unique and expressive sounds that are essential to western swing music.
In jazz music, the c6 tuning is used for playing both traditional jazz standards and modern jazz fusion. The tuning’s extended chords and pedal steel techniques allow guitarists to create complex and sophisticated harmonies that are well-suited for jazz improvisation. In rock music, the c6 tuning is used for playing both heavy rock and psychedelic rock. The tuning’s open chords and pedal steel techniques allow guitarists to create a variety of distorted and atmospheric sounds that are character
istic of rock music.
In blues music, the c6 tuning is used for playing both traditional blues and modern blues-rock. The tuning’s open chords and extended chords provide a deep and soulful sound that is characteristic of blues music. The tuning’s pedal steel techniques allow guitarists to create a variety of expressive and emotional sounds that are essential to blues music.
Overall, the pedal steel guitar c6 tuning is a versatile and expressive tuning that is well-suited for a variety of musical genres. Its unique combination of open chords, extended chords, and pedal steel techniques allows guitarists to create a wide range of sounds and styles. This makes the c6 tuning a popular choice for guitarists of all levels and genres.
8. Table
| Genre | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Country music | Open chords, extended chords, pedal steel techniques | “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones, “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers |
| Western swing | Swing rhythms, improvisational solos, pedal steel techniques | “San Antonio Rose” by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, “Faded Love” by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, “Steel Guitar Rag” by Leon McAuliffe |
| Jazz | Extended chords, pedal steel techniques, complex harmonies | “So What” by Miles Davis, “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane, “Bitches Brew” by Miles Davis |
| Rock music | Open chords, pedal steel techniques, distorted sounds | “Layla” by Eric Clapton, “Hotel California” by the Eagles, “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses |
| Blues music | Open chords, extended chords, pedal steel techniques, expressive sounds | “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King, “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson, “Sweet Home Chicago” by Muddy Waters |
9. Players
In the world of pedal steel guitar, certain players have left an indelible mark on the instrument and its music. Buddy Emmons, Jerry Garcia, David Lindley, and Robert Randolph are among the most renowned c6 tuning masters, each contributing their unique styles and innovations to the genre.
- Pioneers of C6 Tuning
Buddy Emmons is widely regarded as the pioneer of c6 tuning. In the 1950s, he developed this tuning to expand the harmonic possibilities of the pedal steel guitar. Emmons’ innovative use of the c6 tuning helped shape the sound of country music and western swing.
- Versatile Virtuoso
Jerry Garcia, best known as the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, was also a highly accomplished pedal steel guitarist. Garcia incorporated c6 tuning into the band’s psychedelic rock sound, creating ethereal and otherworldly textures.
- Genre-Bending Innovator
David Lindley is known for his eclectic musical style thatelements of rock, folk, and world music. He has used c6 tuning extensively in his work, creating unique and captivating soundscapes.
- Modern Master
Robert Randolph is a contemporary pedal steel guitarist who has brought the instrument to new audiences. His soulful playing style and innovative use of c6 tuning have earned him critical acclaim and a wide following.
These four players represent just a small fraction of the talented musicians who have embraced c6 tuning. Their contributions have helped shape the sound and style of pedal steel guitar music, inspiring countless other players to explore the unique possibilities of this tuning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pedal Steel Guitar C6 Tuning
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about pedal steel guitar c6 tuning, providing clear and informative answers.
Question 1: What is pedal steel guitar c6 tuning?
Answer: Pedal steel guitar c6 tuning is a specific tuning for the pedal steel guitar, where the strings are tuned to C G D A E C. It is commonly used in country music, western swing, and other genres.
Question 2: Why is c6 tuning important?
Answer: C6 tuning provides unique harmonic possibilities and allows for easy access to open chords, extended chords, and pedal steel techniques. It is a versatile tuning that can be used in a wide range of musical styles.
Question 3: How do I tune my pedal steel guitar to c6 tuning?
Answer: To tune your pedal steel guitar to c6 tuning, you will need to adjust the strings to the following notes: C (lowest string) G D A E C (highest string). You can use a tuner or follow specific tuning instructions to achieve the correct pitches.
Question 4: What are the benefits of using c6 tuning?
Answer: C6 tuning offers several benefits, including ease of playing open and extended chords, creating rich and complex harmonies, and facilitating the use of pedal steel techniques. It allows guitarists to explore a diverse range of musical possibilities.
Question 5: What musical genres is c6 tuning commonly used in?
Answer: C6 tuning is commonly used in country music, western swing, jazz, rock, and blues. It is a versatile tuning that can be adapted to different genres and musical styles.
Question 6: Who are some notable pedal steel guitarists who use c6 tuning?
Answer: Some renowned pedal steel guitarists who have used c6 tuning include Buddy Emmons, Jerry Garcia, David Lindley, and Robert Randolph. These players have significantly contributed to the development and popularization of c6 tuning in various musical contexts.
Summary: Pedal steel guitar c6 tuning is a versatile and expressive tuning that offers a unique combination of open chords, extended chords, and pedal steel techniques. It is a popular choice for guitarists in various genres due to its harmonic possibilities and ease of playability. Understanding and mastering c6 tuning can open up a world of musical possibilities for pedal steel guitarists.
Transition: Explore the techniques, chords, and scales used in pedal steel guitar c6 tuning to enhance your skills and expand your musical repertoire.
Tips for Pedal Steel Guitar C6 Tuning
Mastering pedal steel guitar c6 tuning requires dedication and practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started and enhance your skills:
Tip 1: Start with Open Chords
Begin by practicing open chords in c6 tuning. This will help you familiarize yourself with the tuning and develop muscle memory for the chord shapes. Common open chords in c6 tuning include C major, G major, D major, A minor, and E minor.
Tip 2: Explore Extended Chords
Once you are comfortable with open chords, start incorporating extended chords into your playing. Extended chords add richness and depth to your sound. C6, G6, D6, A6, and E6 are essential extended chords to master in c6 tuning.
Tip 3: Practice Scales
Scales are essential for improving your dexterity and understanding of the fretboard. Practice major, minor, and pentatonic scales in the key of C to enhance your soloing and im
provisation skills.
Tip 4: Utilize Pedal Steel Techniques
C6 tuning is well-suited for pedal steel techniques such as knee levers and pedals. Experiment with these techniques to create unique and expressive sounds. Knee levers allow you to change the pitch of strings, while pedals can add vibrato or sustain.
Tip 5: Listen to Professional Players
Listening to recordings of renowned pedal steel guitarists can provide valuable insights into the use of c6 tuning. Pay attention to their techniques, chord voicings, and overall approach to playing.
Tip 6: Experiment and Innovate
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different voicings, tunings, and techniques. C6 tuning offers a wide range of possibilities for creative exploration. Experimentation can lead to the discovery of unique and personal sounds.
Tip 7: Be Patient and Persistent
Mastering pedal steel guitar c6 tuning takes time and practice. Stay patient and persistent in your efforts, and you will gradually improve your skills and understanding of the instrument.
Summary: By following these tips, you can enhance your pedal steel guitar c6 tuning skills and expand your musical possibilities. Remember to start with the basics, practice regularly, and experiment to discover your unique voice on the instrument.
Transition: Continue your journey into the world of pedal steel guitar c6 tuning by delving into its history, techniques, and the contributions of notable players.
Conclusion
Our exploration of pedal steel guitar c6 tuning reveals its unique characteristics and versatility. This tuning offers a diverse range of open chords, extended chords, scales, and pedal steel techniques, making it suitable for various musical genres and playing styles.
Mastering c6 tuning requires patience, practice, and experimentation. By understanding the intervals, chords, scales, and techniques associated with this tuning, guitarists can unlock its full potential and create expressive and captivating performances. The contributions of renowned players like Buddy Emmons, Jerry Garcia, David Lindley, and Robert Randolph have solidified c6 tuning’s place in the world of pedal steel guitar.
As musicians continue to explore the possibilities of c6 tuning, its significance remains undeniable. It is a tuning that encourages innovation, creativity, and a deep connection with the instrument. Embracing c6 tuning opens up a world of harmonic and melodic possibilities, enriching the musical tapestry of pedal steel guitar.
