E9 is the most common pedal steel tuning and the one most players start with. If you have heard pedal steel in country music, there is a good chance you were hearing E9.
What makes E9 unique is not just the notes themselves, but how those notes interact with the pedals and knee levers. The tuning is built to allow smooth bends, moving chords, and expressive phrasing without having to shift positions.
This guide breaks down the E9 tuning layout, how it works, and how string gauges play a role in getting the feel right.
If you want a deeper explanation of how pedal steel tunings work overall, check out our pedal steel tunings explained guide.
Standard E9 Pedal Steel Tuning
Pedal steel tunings are typically listed from highest string to lowest string.
E9 Tuning Chart (10-String)
| String | Note |
|---|---|
| 1 | F# |
| 2 | D# |
| 3 | G# |
| 4 | E |
| 5 | B |
| 6 | G# |
| 7 | F# |
| 8 | E |
| 9 | D |
| 10 | B |
This layout forms the foundation of E9. From here, the pedals and knee levers raise and lower specific strings to create movement and chord changes.
Typical E9 String Gauges (Example)
String gauges can vary depending on the player and setup, but most E9 sets follow a similar structure to keep tension balanced across the neck.
Example: Standard E9 Gauge Layout
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F# | .012 |
| 2 | D# | .015 |
| 3 | G# | .011 |
| 4 | E | .014 |
| 5 | B | .018 |
| 6 | G# | .022 |
| 7 | F# | .026w |
| 8 | E | .030w |
| 9 | D | .034w |
| 10 | B | .038w |
This type of setup keeps the higher strings flexible for pedal movement while maintaining enough tension on the lower strings to stay tight and controlled.
S.I.T. Buddy Emmons E9 Set
One of the most widely used E9 setups comes from Buddy Emmons, whose string gauges helped shape the modern pedal steel feel.
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F# | .012PG |
| 2 | D# | .015 |
| 3 | G# | .011PG |
| 4 | E | .014 |
| 5 | B | .018P |
| 6 | G# | .022P |
| 7 | F# | .026PW |
| 8 | E | .030PW |
| 9 | D | .034PW |
| 10 | B | .038PW |
This set is designed to provide a balanced feel across all strings while maintaining consistent pitch return under pedal movement.
Other Common E9 String Variations
While many players use a setup similar to the Buddy Emmons gauges, there are other variations that slightly change the feel and response.
Sho-Bud Style E9 Set
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F# | .013 |
| 2 | D# | .015 |
| 3 | G# | .011PG |
| 4 | E | .014 |
| 5 | B | .017 |
| 6 | G# | .020P |
| 7 | F# | .026PW |
| 8 | E | .030PW |
| 9 | D | .034PW |
| 10 | B | .036PW |
This setup has a slightly different tension balance, with a heavier first string and a slightly lighter low end, which some players prefer for a more relaxed feel.
S.I.T. Em E9 Silencer Set
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F# | .012PG |
| 2 | D# | .015 |
| 3 | G# | .011PG |
| 4 | E | .014 |
| 5 | B | .018P |
| 6 | G# | .022P |
| 7 | F# | .026SL |
| 8 | E | .030SL |
| 9 | D | .034SL |
| 10 | B | .038SL |
This version uses semi-flat wound strings on the lower end, which helps reduce string noise and provides a smoother feel under the bar.
S.I.T. Em E9 Set
| String | Note | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F# | .012PG |
| 2 | D# | .015 |
| 3 | G# | .011PG |
| 4 | E | .014 |
| 5 | B | .018P |
| 6 | G# | .022P |
| 7 | F# | .026PW |
| 8 | E | .030PW |
| 9 | D | .034PW |
| 10 | B | .038PW |
This set keeps a traditional E9 feel while maintaining consistent tension and response across the neck.
Most modern E9 sets follow similar gauge relationships, but small differences in gauges and construction can noticeably change how the pedals feel and how the strings respond.
Nickel vs Stainless Steel E9 Sets
Most E9 pedal steel sets are available in both nickel and stainless steel versions, and the choice comes down to tone and feel rather than gauge.
Nickel strings offer:
- a warmer, more rounded tone
- smoother feel under the bar
- a more traditional pedal steel sound
Stainless steel strings provide:
- a brighter, more cutting tone
- stronger note separation
- more presence in a full band mix
The gauge layout typically stays the same between the two, but the material changes how the strings respond and sound.
Most players choose between nickel and stainless based on the tone they want, not the tuning itself.
How E9 Works
On a standard guitar or lap steel, your tuning stays fixed.
On pedal steel, the tuning is constantly changing.
When you press a pedal or move a knee lever:
- certain strings raise in pitch
- others lower
- chords shift without moving your bar
This is what gives pedal steel its signature sound.
String Stability on E9
Because of how much the strings move, stability is critical.
If the strings are not stable, you will notice:
- notes not returning to pitch
- inconsistent pedal feel
- tuning issues across chords
Using strings designed specifically for pedal steel setups makes a noticeable difference.
String Breakage on E9
Higher strings on E9 are under more tension and are constantly being pulled.
Over time, that leads to wear and potential breakage.
If you are breaking strings frequently, it is usually due to:
- string fatigue
- sharp contact points
- or strings that need to be replaced
Regular string changes help maintain performance and reliability.
Final Thoughts
E9 is the foundation of pedal steel for most players.
It is not just about the notes. It is about how those notes move and interact with the pedals.
Once the tuning and string balance feel right, the instrument becomes much easier to control. Chords stay in tune, pedals respond consistently, and everything feels more connected.
