Pedal steel guitar is built around its tuning system. Unlike standard guitar or lap steel, where the tuning stays fixed, pedal steel is designed so the tuning works together with pedals and knee levers.
That combination is what gives pedal steel its unique sound. Notes move, chords shift, and everything connects in a way that is hard to replicate on any other instrument.
If you are new to pedal steel, understanding the two main tunings is the best place to start.
The Two Main Pedal Steel Tunings
Most pedal steel players spend their time in one of two systems:
- E9 tuning
- C6 tuning
Each one has a completely different feel and purpose.
What Is E9 Tuning?
E9 is the most common pedal steel tuning, especially in country music.
It is often called the Nashville tuning because of how widely it is used in modern country and session work.
E9 is built for:
- melodic playing
- smooth bends
- expressive phrasing
When people think of pedal steel, the sound they are hearing most of the time is E9.
E9 tuning is closely associated with players like Buddy Emmons, who helped define the modern pedal steel sound. A lot of what players expect from pedal steel today traces back to how this tuning was developed and used.
How E9 Feels to Play
E9 has a brighter, more focused sound.
It is designed so you can:
- bend into notes smoothly
- move between chords without shifting your bar position
- create vocal-style phrasing
The pedals and knee levers are set up to raise and lower specific strings in a way that feels natural once you get used to it.
A lot of players describe E9 as more “singing” in character. It is very responsive and expressive, especially for lead lines.
What Is C6 Tuning?
C6 is the second main pedal steel tuning.
It is used more in:
- western swing
- jazz
- chord-based playing
Compared to E9, C6 has a fuller and more complex sound.
How C6 Feels to Play
C6 is more about chords and harmony.
It gives you access to:
- extended chord voicings
- richer harmonic movement
- more depth across the neck
It does not have the same bright, bending-focused feel as E9. Instead, it is more about how chords move and connect.
Players who spend time in C6 tend to think more in terms of chord structure rather than single-note phrasing.
Why Pedal Steel Tunings Are Different
This is where pedal steel really separates itself from lap steel.
On lap steel, your tuning is fixed. Everything you play comes from that one layout.
On pedal steel, the tuning is only part of the system.
The pedals and knee levers are designed to:
- change specific notes within the tuning
- create chord movement without shifting position
- allow notes to move while they sustain
That means you are not just playing within a tuning. You are interacting with it.
If you are coming from lap steel, this is the biggest adjustment. The instrument is no longer static. It is constantly changing under your hands.
If you want a better understanding of how lap steel compares, you can read our pedal steel vs lap steel guide.
E9 vs C6: Which One Should You Use?
Most players start with E9.
It is easier to approach because:
- it is more common
- it fits a lot of modern music
- it focuses on melody and phrasing
C6 usually comes later, once you are comfortable with how pedal steel works.
That said, neither is better. They are just different tools.
E9 is more lead-focused.
C6 is more chord-focused.
Many professional players use both.
How Strings Fit Into Pedal Steel Tunings
Pedal steel strings have to handle more than just holding pitch.
They are constantly being:
- pulled by pedals
- released back to pitch
- moved under tension
Because of that, string stability becomes critical.
If a string does not return to pitch cleanly, the entire instrument feels off. You will notice it right away in chords and pedal movements.
That is where string construction really starts to matter. If a string does not come back to pitch consistently after a pull, the whole guitar feels unstable. That is not something you can fix with setup. It comes down to how the string is built.
There are also different types of pedal steel string sets depending on the setup you are running, including traditional E9 and C6 sets, signature sets, and extended range options. Getting the right set for your specific setup makes a noticeable difference in how the instrument responds.
Using strings designed specifically for pedal steel setups makes a noticeable difference in how stable everything feels under pedals and levers.
If you want to go deeper into that, check out our guide on best strings for pedal steel guitar.
Do You Need Both Tunings?
Not necessarily.
Many players spend most of their time on E9 and never feel limited.
Others prefer having both E9 and C6 available, especially on double-neck pedal steels, so they can switch between styles.
It depends on what kind of music you are playing and how deep you want to go with the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common pedal steel tuning?
E9 is the most widely used tuning, especially in country and modern session playing.
What is C6 tuning used for?
C6 is commonly used for western swing, jazz, and more complex chord-based playing.
Is E9 easier than C6?
For most players, yes. E9 is more straightforward and easier to approach when starting out.
Do pedal steel tunings stay fixed?
No. The base tuning stays the same, but pedals and knee levers constantly change the pitch of individual strings.
Final Thoughts
Pedal steel tuning is not just about what notes are on the strings. It is about how those notes move.
E9 and C6 are two different ways of approaching the instrument. One focuses more on melody and expression. The other focuses more on harmony and chord movement.
Once you start to understand how they work, the instrument begins to feel less complicated and more intentional.
And like anything with pedal steel, once the setup feels right, everything becomes easier to control.
