How to Tab C6 pedal steel?

[Paul Strojan]

Part of my learning process is making tab from sheet music. In order to learn the C6 neck I am curious what would be the best way to tab out the C6 changes?

[Douglas Schuch]

My opinion, and the method I've used, is I note the pedals under the tab (using standard Emmons for pedal names, so 4, 5, 6, 7, and then note any knee lever changes with a + (1/2 step raise) ++ (whole step), - (half step lower), and so on. This is noted next to the fret number. Otherwise, the usual tab notation is used - a swoopy curve to indicate a slide or pedal change without picking the strings again. But I use dashes since I do mine using word-processing programs. I add a space when it indicates a slide or pedal engagement so it's not confused with lever lowers. So, 6-- means fret 6, with a full step lower. Whereas 6 -- - 8 means fret 6, slide to 8.

Some people use the + and - for pedals the same as for levers. I can deal with that, but it takes a bit more thinking vs. the pedals. If it's a complex bit of tab that I am trying to learn, though, I will usually go through and write in the pedal number under the tab to simplify my life! Of course, if you don't have anything like a Emmons or some other standard pedal arrangement, that might be best.

I don't have much tab on the forum - mostly it's stuff I've done for myself. But I have no problem reading most people's tab, so I guess they do it pretty similar to what I do.

Good luck!