When moving between major chord positions on the E9 neck, the knee lever that lowers the ‘E’s a half step can often go overlooked…
However, using the E lowers is a great and simple way to create major chords that are often found in helpful positions – especially when moving between diatonic chords in a key using the number system.
The major chords created by using the E lowers can act as a substitute for the A+F pedal/lever combination that creates major chords three frets above the open position. This relationship is depicted in the chord charts below.
These charts display C, F, and G major chords using the E lower lever, both individually and in relation to other positions for the chords…
The ‘E’ designates using the knee lever that lowers that string a half step. The ‘F’ designates using the knee lever that raises that string a half step.
Each number in a symbol represents that note’s fret position, just like in tablature. Click on an image for an enlarged view…
C Major Chords
F Major Chords
G Major Chords
Continue Learning
If you’d like to explore these ideas further, here are a few ways to continue working with them.
Instructional Materials
I’ve written several instructional books that explore technique, fretboard understanding, and musical application in much greater depth.
→ Explore the instructional materials
Private Lessons
Many students I work with are players who feel stuck or overwhelmed by scattered information and aren’t sure what they should actually be practicing.
If you’d like help applying these concepts directly to your own playing, I work with a small number of pedal steel students each month through remote lessons.
For more tabs, chord charts, and scale diagrams, click below…