How to Master the Pedal on a Steel Guitar
- 1). Properly tune your steel guitar strings. Most steel guitars are tuned to a special tuning called "E9." This tuning is widely used by most steel guitar players, and most sheet music written for steel guitars is written for guitars in this tuning.
- 2). Connect the guitar to an amplifier. Steel guitars are electric guitars and, therefore, need to be connected to an amplification system in order for their sound to be heard. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
- 3). Place one foot on the volume pedal and the other foot on the tuning pedals. Most steel guitars use a two-pedal system. One controls the volume, while the other pedal controls the pitch of the guitar.
- 4). Begin playing the guitar. Use either a guitar pick or finger picks to pick the guitar strings and a slide to shorten or extend the vibration of the plucked strings. While strumming or picking the strings, begin using the pedals to get used to how they affect the volume and sound of the guitar. Use both pedals together to change both the volume and the pitch. The more you use the pedals, the more comfortable you will become with them and the more you will discover what alterations you can create.
- 5). Learn a song with an instructional book or DVD. Begin with easy songs that include minimal pedal usage. Trying to play a song that is too difficult will only frustrate most beginners and cause them to lose interest.
- 6). Practice as often as you can. The more you practice, the better you will become. Try learning as many easy songs as you can before advancing to more challenging songs. Consider taking lessons from a professional or joining a beginner's band as well.
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