The C6 Copedent

Ten strings, the pedals and the one knee lever of the maker’s factory chart: what each one moves, every combination they allow, and what a straight bar holds with each one down.

Reading this page

Everything below is worked out from one declaration: the C6 neck's open strings and the maker's factory pedals and knee lever, each as its source prints it. The strings table gives the open tuning from string 1, the one furthest from the player. The chart this page follows is for the C6 neck of a double-neck steel, which is why its pedals are numbered from four: the first three belong to the E9 neck beside it.

The change chart gives each pedal and the lever, one cell per string moved. Wikipedia's chart prints three more knee changes, and both sources mention a D on the first string as a common variation; the maker's own chart engages neither, so both are listed beside the chart and not charted. Every combination is then resolved string by string by the rules on the copedents page; on this neck none has to be refused.

The chord map is the centre of the page: for every combination, the major, minor and dominant seventh chords a straight bar holds at the nut, each named by its distance above C. The bar carries every chord up the neck with it, so a chord's name at the nut holds at every fret. Under the Bar puts the neck in your hands — press pedals and the lever, move the bar, and the strings and every chord they spell are worked out on the spot. Find a Chord asks the question the other way round.

The open strings

The C6 Pedal Steel's open strings as the tuning's source prints them, string 1 — the one furthest from the player — first.
String Note Pitch
1 G G4
2 E E4
3 C C4
4 A A3
5 G G3
6 E E3
7 C C3
8 A A2
9 F F2
10 C C2

What each pedal and lever does

What each pedal and knee lever does, string by string: the source's own cell (a plus or minus sign per semitone, then the note the string reaches). A blank cell is a string the change leaves alone.
Change Engaged by 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Pedal 4 pedal P4 ++B ++B
Pedal 5 pedal P5 +G# -F# +F# ++D
Pedal 6 pedal P6 +F -Eb
Pedal 7 pedal P7 ++D ++B
Pedal 8 pedal P8 +C# -E ---A
RKL right knee, pushed left -B

Open strings from Wikipedia, "C6 tuning"; cells from Wikipedia, "Copedent", each target note matching GFI Musical Products, "GFI C6 Copedent Chart". Setup: GFI factory setup — the manufacturer's own factory chart, the one the Wikipedia article credits with its tables; the two agree on every pedal and on the RKL.

  • Three more knee-lever changes in the Wikipedia chart (Wikipedia, "Copedent"): LKL 4: -Ab; LKR 4: +Bb; RKR 3: +C# Not charted here: GFI's own factory chart, which the article credits with its tables, prints no such lever, and GFI's text names only the RL lever for the C6 neck.
  • A D on the first string (Wikipedia, "C6 tuning"): The top string is often D4 instead of G4, which creates a reentrant tuning. Not charted here: both sources print G as the tuning and the D as the common variation ([GFI-B]: "Another common C6 variation is to tune the first string to a D").

The combinations

The knee rule allows 64 combinations of these changes, counting no change at all. 64 resolve into a tuning — 64 different tunings in all — and none is refused.

At the nut, combination by combination

Every resolved combination, and the major, minor and dominant 7th chords a straight bar holds with it at the nut, each named by its distance above C — the note the tuning is named for. Move the bar up a fret and every chord moves up with it.
Pedals and levers Strings retuned Chords at the nut
No pedal or lever none
  • vi A Minor strings 2 3 4 6 7 8 10
  • I C Major strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 10
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 3 4 7 8 9 10
Pedal 4 4 +2 to B, 8 +2 to B
  • I C Major strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 10
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 4 5 8 9
Pedal 5 1 +1 to G#, 5 -1 to F#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vi A Minor strings 2 3 4 6 7 8
  • I C Major strings 2 3 6 7
  • II D Major strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 6
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 8 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 7
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 7 9
Pedal 6 2 +1 to F, 6 -1 to D#
  • vi A Minor strings 3 4 7 8 10
  • i C Minor strings 1 3 5 6 7 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 2 3 4 7 8 9 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10
Pedal 7 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B
  • vi A Minor strings 2 6 7 8 10
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • ii D Minor strings 3 8 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 3 4 5 9
Pedal 8 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 4 6 7 8 9 10
  • vi A Minor strings 2 3 4 6 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 1 2 3 5 6 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 5 6 9
RKL 3 -1 to B
  • vi A Minor strings 2 4 6 7 8 10
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 3 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 4 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 3 5 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 1 +1 to G#, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 3 6 7
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 4 6 8 10
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 2 +1 to F, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 3 5 6 7 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 7 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 8 +2 to B
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 8
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 3 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 8 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 6 7 9 10
  • vi A Minor strings 2 3 6 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 5 6 7 9 10
  • I C Major strings 1 2 3 5 6 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8 9
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
Pedal 4 + RKL 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 8 +2 to B
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 8
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 3 4 5 8 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vi A Minor strings 3 4 7 8
  • i C Minor strings 3 6 7
  • II D Major strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 4 8 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 3 4 7 8
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 3 7
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 3 4 6 7 8
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 8 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 6 7
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 6 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 1 +1 to G#, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vi A Minor strings 2 6 7 8
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • II D Major strings 3 5 8 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 4 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 5 8 9
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 2 4 6 7 8
  • vi A Minor strings 2 3 4 6 8
  • I C Major strings 2 3 6
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 6 10
  • IV F Major strings 3 4 8 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 3 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 7 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5
Pedal 5 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 -1 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vi A Minor strings 2 4 6 7 8
  • vii B Minor strings 3 5 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • II D Major strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 3 6
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 8 9
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#
  • vi A Minor strings 7 8 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 8 9
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 2 7 8 9 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5 9
Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 2 +1 to F, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 4 7 8 9 10
  • vi A Minor strings 3 4 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 1 3 5 9
  • i C Minor strings 1 3 5 6
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 5 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 3 4 8 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 3 4 6 8 10
Pedal 6 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 6 -1 to D#
  • vi A Minor strings 4 7 8 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 3 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 2 4 7 8 9 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 4 6 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 5 9
Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 6 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 9
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5
Pedal 7 + RKL 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B
  • VI A Major strings 2 3 6 8
  • vi A Minor strings 2 6 7 8 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 3 5 6 8
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 3 6
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 3 4 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 4 5 9
Pedal 8 + RKL 3 -1 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 4 6 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 3 5 6 9
  • V G Major strings 1 3 5
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 9
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • i C Minor strings 3 6 7
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 3 7
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 6 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 1 +1 to G#, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • II D Major strings 3 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • I C Major strings 2 3 6
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 4 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8 10
  • iv F Minor strings 1 3 9
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8 10
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 3 4 6 8
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 4 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 9
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 2 +1 to F, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 7 9 10
  • vi A Minor strings 3 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 5 7 9 10
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8 10
  • I C Major strings 1 3 5 9
  • i C Minor strings 1 3 5 6
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 4 7 8
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 4 5 8 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 3 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 3 6 10
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5 8
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B
  • VII B Major strings 3 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 6 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 5 6 7 9 10
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 8
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8 9
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
Pedal 4 + Pedal 7 + RKL 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 8 +2 to B
  • I C Major strings 1 2 5 6 7 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 3 6
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 3 4 8 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 8 + RKL 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 6 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 5 6 7 9 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 9
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 5 6 8 9
  • II D Major strings 3 5 8 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 8 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 8 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 7 8
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 7 8
  • #iv F# Minor strings 5 8 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 4 7 8
  • vi A Minor strings 3 4 8
  • VII B Major strings 5 6 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 7 9 10
  • IV F Major strings 2 3 4 8 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 3 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 3 4 6 8 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 7 8
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 6
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 6 10
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 6
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vi A Minor strings 4 7 8
  • VII B Major strings 3 5 6 9
  • vii B Minor strings 3 5 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 3 4 5 6 8 9
  • II D Major strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 4 8 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 4 7 8
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 4 6 7 8
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 8 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 6
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 2 6 7 8
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 4 7 9 10
  • II D Major strings 3 5 8
  • ii D Minor strings 3 8 9
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 10
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 4 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 10
Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VI A Major strings 2 3 6 8
  • vi A Minor strings 2 6 7 8
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 3 6
  • II D Major strings 5 8 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 4 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 3 5 8 9
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 -1 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 2 4 6 7 8
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 3 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 3 6 10
  • IV F Major strings 4 8 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 10
Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 5 7 8 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8 10
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 4 7
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 8 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 4 5 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 8 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 8 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5
Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#
  • vi A Minor strings 7 8 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 3 5 8
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • bII C# Major strings 2 3 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 4 9
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 3 5 6
  • IV F Major strings 2 7 8 9 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 7 8 9 10
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5 9
Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 4 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 4 5 7 8 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 3 4 6 8 10
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 7
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 3 5 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 4 8 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 4 6 8 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 5
Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 3 6 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 3 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 9
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 9
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 9 10
  • II D Major strings 3 5 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 3 5 7 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 4 7 8 9 10
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 3 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 3 6
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8 10
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 3 5 6
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 3 4 5 6 8 9
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 9 10
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 4 6 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 4 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8 10
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 3 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • I C Major strings 2 6 7
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 3 6
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8
  • III7 E 7 strings 1 2 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • bII C# Major strings 1 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 3 4 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 3 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 4 8 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 5 7 9 10
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 8
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8 10
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 4 7 8
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 10
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 4 5 8 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5 8
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • i C Minor strings 1 5 6 7 10
  • bII C# Major strings 2 3 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 4 8 9
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 3 5 6
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5 8 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 5 7 9 10
  • VII B Major strings 3 4 6 8
  • VII7 B 7 strings 3 4 6 8 10
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 4 7 8
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 3 4 5 8 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 10
  • V G Major strings 1 3 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 3 4 5 8
Pedal 4 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 2 3 6 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 10
  • bii C# Minor strings 2 3 6 7 9
  • iii E Minor strings 1 2 4 5 6 8 9
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 10
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 4 7 9 10
  • II D Major strings 3 5 8
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 8 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 8 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 8 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 10
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 9
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 5 6 8 9
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 3
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 4
  • II D Major strings 5 8 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 8 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 8 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 7 8
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 7 8
  • #iv F# Minor strings 3 5 8 9
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 4 7 8
  • VII B Major strings 3 5 6 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 3 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 7 9 10
  • IV F Major strings 2 4 8 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 4 6 8 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 4 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 6 10
Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 2 3 6 7 8
  • bII C# Major strings 1 3 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 3 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 3 4 7 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 10
  • #iv F# Minor strings 3 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 10
Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 3 7 8 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 3 5 7 8 9 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 2 3 7
  • bii C# Minor strings 3 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 4 7
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 3 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 4 5 9
  • IV F Major strings 2 8 10
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 8 10
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +2 to D, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • vii B Minor strings 3 4 5 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 4 7 8 9 10
  • ii D Minor strings 2 3 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 8 +2 to B, 9 +1 to F#, 10 +2 to D
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 9
  • vii B Minor strings 4 5 8 9 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 3
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 4 8
  • II D Major strings 5 9 10
  • II7 D 7 strings 5 7 9 10
  • biii D# Minor strings 5 6 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 7
  • bVI G# Major strings 1 6 7
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8
  • bVI7 G# 7 strings 1 5 6 7 9
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 -1 to B, 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VII B Major strings 3 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 3 4 6 8 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • bII C# Major strings 1 3 7 9
  • bii C# Minor strings 1 2 3 6 7
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 3 4 7 8 9 10
  • III E Major strings 1 2 4 6 8 10
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 8 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 9 -1 to E, 10 -3 to A
  • VI A Major strings 3 7 9 10
  • VI7 A 7 strings 1 3 5 7 9 10
  • VII B Major strings 4 6 8
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 2 3 7
  • bii C# Minor strings 3 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 2 3 4 7 8
  • bIII D# Major strings 1 5 6
  • bIII7 D# 7 strings 1 3 5 6 7
  • iii E Minor strings 1 4 5 8 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 10
  • V G Major strings 1 4 5 8
  • V7 G 7 strings 1 2 4 5 8
Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VI A Major strings 3 7 8
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 10
  • VII7 B 7 strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 3 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 4 7 9 10
  • IV F Major strings 2 8 9
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • IV7 F 7 strings 2 6 8 9
  • #iv F# Minor strings 3 5 7 8
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 10
Pedal 4 + Pedal 5 + Pedal 6 + Pedal 7 + Pedal 8 + RKL 1 +1 to G#, 2 +1 to F, 3 +1 to C# (split), 4 +2 to B, 5 -1 to F#, 6 -1 to D#, 7 +1 to C#, 8 +2 to B, 10 -1 to B (split)
  • VII B Major strings 4 5 6 8 10
  • bII C# Major strings 1 2 3 7 9
  • bII7 C# 7 strings 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10
  • iv F Minor strings 1 2 9
  • bvi G# Minor strings 1 4 6 8 10

Under the bar

No pedal or lever, the bar lifted — open strings

Each string: its open note, the change that retunes it, and the note it sounds under the bar.
String Open Retuned by Sounds
1 G — G
2 E — E
3 C — C
4 A — A
5 G — G
6 E — E
7 C — C
8 A — A
9 F — F
10 C — C

A straight bar here spells 23 chords — every chord tone string sounding, every other string left unpicked:

  • A Minor (strings 2 3 4 6 7 8 10), Power (5) (strings 2 4 6 8), m7 (strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10), m7#5 (strings 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10)
  • C Major (strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 10), Power (5) (strings 1 3 5 7 10), Sus4 (strings 1 3 5 7 9 10), 6sus4 (strings 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10), 6 (strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10)
  • E Minor (strings 1 2 5 6)
  • F Major (strings 3 4 7 8 9 10), Power (5) (strings 3 7 9 10), maj7 (strings 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10), Sus2 (strings 1 3 5 7 9 10), maj7sus2 (strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 10), add9 (strings 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10), maj9 (strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10)
  • G 7sus2 (strings 1 4 5 8 9), 7sus4 (strings 1 3 5 7 9 10), 9sus4 (strings 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10), 6sus2 (strings 1 2 4 5 6 8), 13sus4 (strings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10), 11 (strings 1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10)

Find a chord under the bar

C Major on the C6 Pedal Steel

A straight bar spells C Major at 10 of the 12 bar positions. Each row gives the fewest pedals and levers that put it there, and every combination that does it with that few.

Where C Major sits: the bar position, the fewest changes it takes, and the strings that sound.
Bar Changes Pedals and levers
Open 0
  • No pedal or lever strings 1 2 3 5 6 7 10
Fret 1 2
  • Pedal 4 + Pedal 6 strings 4 6 8
Fret 3 1
  • Pedal 8 strings 2 4 6 7 8 9 10
Fret 4 1
  • Pedal 5 strings 1 3 7
Fret 5 1
  • Pedal 4 strings 1 4 5 8
  • Pedal 7 strings 1 3 4 5
  • RKL strings 1 3 5
Fret 7 0
  • No pedal or lever strings 3 4 7 8 9 10
Fret 8 1
  • Pedal 5 strings 1 2 6
Fret 9 1
  • Pedal 6 strings 1 5 6
Fret 10 1
  • Pedal 5 strings 4 5 8 9 10
Fret 11 2
  • Pedal 5 + Pedal 8 strings 1 7 9