C6 is the second most common pedal steel tuning and is known for its rich chord voicings and deeper harmonic range. While E9 is often used for melodic lead playing, C6 is where pedal steel really opens up for jazz, western swing, and more complex chord work.
On most double-neck pedal steels, C6 is typically set up on the back neck, while E9 is on the front. That setup reflects how the two tunings are used, with E9 covering most lead work and C6 handling deeper chord and harmony playing.
If you are already familiar with E9, C6 can feel very different at first. The tuning is built less around single-note movement and more around chord structure and harmony.
This guide breaks down the C6 tuning layout, how it works, and how string gauges affect feel and performance. If you are new to pedal steel tunings, it helps to understand how both E9 and C6 fit together, which we cover in our pedal steel tunings explained guide.
Standard C6 Pedal Steel Tuning
Pedal steel tunings are typically listed from highest string to lowest string.
C6 Tuning Chart (10-String)
(Listed from highest string to lowest)
| String | Note |
|---|---|
| 1 | G |
| 2 | E |
| 3 | C |
| 4 | A |
| 5 | G |
| 6 | E |
| 7 | C |
| 8 | A |
| 9 | F |
| 10 | C |
This layout forms a C6 chord across the open strings, giving you immediate access to extended chord voicings and smooth harmonic movement.
Typical C6 String Gauges (Example)
String gauges can vary depending on the player and setup, but most C6 sets are designed to maintain balanced tension across a wider tonal range.
Example: Standard C6 Gauge Layout
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | .014 |
| 2 | E | .017 |
| 3 | C | .020 |
| 4 | A | .024w |
| 5 | G | .030w |
| 6 | E | .036w |
| 7 | C | .042w |
| 8 | A | .048w |
| 9 | F | .054w |
| 10 | C | .060w |
These gauges are built to keep the lower strings tight and controlled while allowing the upper strings to remain responsive for chord voicings and movement.
Because of the heavier lower strings, bar control becomes more important on C6. Keeping even pressure across all strings is key to getting clean, balanced chords.
How C6 Works
C6 is built around chord structure.
Instead of focusing primarily on melodic bends like E9, C6 gives you access to extended chords, jazz-style voicings, smooth chord transitions, and deeper harmonic movement.
Compared to E9, C6 feels less focused on bending into notes and more focused on how chords sit and move together under the bar.
The pedals and knee levers shift these chords in ways that allow you to move between complex harmonies without repositioning your bar. If you want to see how this compares directly to E9, it helps to look at a standard E9 tuning chart side by side
Why C6 Is Used
C6 is commonly used in:
- western swing
- jazz
- classic country
- instrumental steel guitar
If you have ever heard classic western swing or older instrumental steel recordings, a lot of that fuller, jazz-influenced sound is coming from C6.
It has a fuller, more layered sound compared to E9. While E9 often feels like a lead-focused tuning, C6 feels more centered around chords and harmony.
Why String Gauges Matter on C6
C6 uses a wider range of string gauges than E9.
The lower strings are significantly heavier, which means tension balance becomes more important, string stability is critical, and the feel under the bar changes more noticeably.
If the gauges are not balanced correctly, you will notice uneven resistance across strings, chords not sitting cleanly, and inconsistent sustain.
That is why most players use sets designed specifically for C6 instead of mixing gauges manually. If you want a deeper breakdown of how strings affect pedal steel performance, we go into that in our guide on choosing the best strings for pedal steel
Nickel vs Stainless Steel C6 Sets
Just like E9, C6 sets are available in both nickel and stainless steel.
Nickel strings offer a warmer, more rounded tone with a smoother feel under the bar, while stainless steel strings provide a brighter tone, stronger attack, and more note separation.
The gauge layout typically stays the same, but the material changes how the strings respond and sound.
String Stability on C6
Because of the heavier gauges and wider range, stability is just as important on C6 as it is on E9.
If the strings are not stable, you will notice chords drifting out of tune, uneven feel across the neck, and difficulty controlling sustained notes.
Strings designed specifically for C6 setups are built to keep tension balanced across a wider range while still returning to pitch consistently under pedal movement. You can explore all of our pedal steel string options to find the right set for your setup.
When to Change C6 Strings
C6 strings tend to wear differently than E9 strings.
Because of the heavier gauges, you may notice loss of clarity in the lower strings, reduced sustain, and less definition in chords.
If the instrument starts to feel less responsive or chords sound muddy, it is usually time for a new set. If you are switching between tunings, it also helps to understand how E9 and C6 compare so you can keep both setups feeling consistent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C6 pedal steel tuning used for?
C6 is commonly used for western swing, jazz, and chord-based playing. It provides access to extended chords and richer harmonic movement.
Is C6 harder than E9?
For most players, yes at first. C6 focuses more on chord structure, which can take time to get comfortable with compared to the more melodic feel of E9.
Do I need different strings for C6?
Yes. C6 uses heavier gauges and a wider range of string sizes, so using a set designed specifically for C6 will give better balance and feel.
Can I use E9 strings for C6?
Not recommended. The gauges and tension requirements are different, which can lead to poor balance and tuning issues.
Final Thoughts
C6 is where pedal steel really opens up harmonically.
It is not just about the tuning itself, but how the chords move and interact with the pedals.
Once the string balance feels right and the tuning is dialed in, the instrument becomes much easier to control and far more expressive.
If you are comfortable with E9, adding C6 gives you a completely new side of the instrument to explore.
