As an Amazon Associate Playpedalsteel.com earns from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links.
Most pedal steels are single neck or double neck guitars that use the E9 and C6 tunings. However, there is also a universal pedal steel tuning—most commonly a 12-string setup—that combines characteristics of both.
The universal tuning blends the lower range and chord depth of C6 with the expressive pedal and lever movement of E9. Because of this, it offers a different way to approach the instrument while still retaining many familiar elements.
Many universal setups use around 8 foot pedals and 5 knee levers. Understanding how these work together can help you decide whether this approach fits your playing.
The Tuning of the Strings
Although universal tunings are highly customizable, many follow a similar structure.
In most cases:
- Strings 1–8 match the standard E9 tuning
- Strings 9–12 extend downward, often outlining an E-based low register
For example, strings 12–9 are commonly tuned to B, E, G#, and B.
This expanded lower range gives you fuller chord voicings and added depth, while still allowing you to play familiar E9-style lines and phrases.
If you’re not already comfortable with how the standard tuning is laid out, it helps to understand how the E9 tuning works before diving into universal setups.
The Copedent of Universal Tunings
The copedent for a universal setup can vary between players, but many share similar core ideas.
Because of this, universal copedents are often easier to compare and understand once you learn the general structure.
A copedent chart shows exactly how each pedal and knee lever affects each string. If you’re not used to reading these yet, it’s worth getting familiar with how copedents are structured and interpreted.
One common feature in universal setups is a lever (often a vertical or locking lever) that lowers the E strings to Eb and keeps them there. This effectively shifts the tuning into a B6-based system.
Pedals and Knee Levers in a Universal Setup
When you look at a universal copedent, you’ll notice that:
- Pedals 1–3 function like standard E9 pedals
- Pedals 5–8 function more like C6-style pedals once B6 mode is engaged
This is what allows the tuning to act as a hybrid system.
The familiar E raises and lowers are still present, usually on the left knee levers, so your core E9 phrasing remains accessible.
When switching into the B6 side of the tuning, it becomes important to reposition your foot over a different group of pedals. Developing good control here is similar to what’s required when learning how pedals and knee levers function together.
Players and Advocates of the Universal Tuning
Maurice Anderson and Jeff Newman were two of the most influential players in developing and promoting universal tuning concepts.
Their approaches helped demonstrate that combining E9 and C6 ideas into a single system could be both practical and musically powerful.
Over time, many players have experimented with universal tunings, though some eventually return to standard E9 and C6 setups due to familiarity.
If you choose to explore universal tuning, expect a learning curve. Like any new system on pedal steel, it takes time to internalize.
Pros of the Universal Tuning
One of the biggest advantages is efficiency.
You can access both E9 and C6-style playing on a single neck, which often means:
- less weight than a double neck guitar
- faster transitions between styles
- a more compact overall setup
If weight and portability are a concern, this can be a major factor when comparing instruments.
It also allows you to stay in one physical position while accessing a wide range of sounds.
Cons of the Universal Tuning
The main challenge is complexity.
Combining two systems into one can feel overwhelming, especially if you are already comfortable with standard setups.
Some common drawbacks:
- steeper learning curve
- more mental mapping required
- harder to find instruments set up this way
If you’re early in your development, it’s often easier to build a strong foundation first before taking on a system like this.
Conclusion
Universal tuning offers a unique and powerful way to approach pedal steel.
By combining the strengths of E9 and C6 into a single system, it opens up new possibilities for range, harmony, and movement.
At the same time, it requires patience and a willingness to adapt your understanding of the instrument.
For some players, it becomes the ideal long-term setup. For others, it’s a valuable exploration that deepens their understanding of how pedal steel works.
Taking This Further
If you want to better understand how different tunings relate to each other, it helps to study how the instrument is laid out as a whole.
If you want to go deeper and apply this to your own playing, you can work through more structured material.
If you’d rather get direct feedback on your setup, tuning, and approach, you can work one-on-one.