For decades, the search for the perfect, comprehensive E9 chord chart has led countless musicians to one definitive resource: the Mel Bay's Pedal Steel Guitar Chord Chart E 9 Tuning. As of late
This deep dive will explore the chart’s unique methodology, its creator’s monumental legacy, and why this specific Mel Bay publication is still considered the "standard-bearer" for anyone serious about the 10-string pedal steel guitar. We will look beyond the simple chord names to the technical entities—the pedals, the levers, and the diagrams—that make this chart a timeless classic for both beginners and advanced players.
The Legacy of the Author: DeWitt "Scotty" Scott
The true value of Mel Bay's E9 Chord Chart is intrinsically linked to the man who created it: DeWitt "Scotty" Scott. Scott was not merely a music instructor; he was a foundational pillar of the modern pedal steel community.
- Born: April 10, 1932, in Amarillo, Texas.
- Passed Away: September 23, 2015.
- Nickname: Known widely throughout the pedal steel community as "Scotty."
- Career Highlights: Scott began his journey with the steel guitar in 1948 at the age of 16, quickly becoming an exceptional performer.
- Key Achievements: He is a revered member of the Pedal Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
- Community Founder: Crucially, he was the founder of the International Pedal Steel Guitar Convention, an organization that helped define and standardize the instrument's instruction and performance.
- Standard-Bearer: His most famous publication, the *Deluxe Pedal Steel Guitar Method*, is considered the standard-bearer for pedal steel instruction, with the E9 chord chart serving as a vital companion piece.
Scott’s instructional materials, including the E9 chart, are celebrated for their disciplined structure and comprehensive approach, often including traditional musical notation alongside tablature, giving students a solid theoretical foundation.
Decoding the E9 Chord Chart: The "Special Diagram Form"
The main reason the Mel Bay E9 chart is so highly sought after—even in an era of digital apps—is its unique visual presentation. It solves the core problem of the pedal steel guitar: how to visualize chords that are constantly shifting with the use of pedals and knee levers.
The chart is designed to be a "handy, easy to read" reference that shows the basic E9 chord forms.
1. The Pedal Steel Diagram Form
Unlike standard guitar chord diagrams that show fret positions, the Mel Bay chart utilizes a "special pedal steel diagram form." This diagram is essential because it must visually represent not only which strings are being struck but also which pedals and levers are engaged to produce the desired chord.
The chart typically shows the string configuration for various chords—Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, and other essential forms—in relation to the open tuning and the three main floor pedals (A, B, and C) and various knee levers.
2. Chord Families and Essential Forms
The chart systematically organizes the most critical chord families. A pedal steel player must memorize multiple ways to play the same chord (a C Major, for example) depending on the context and the required movement. The DeWitt Scott chart provides a clear map for these complex relationships, showing positions for:
- Major Chords: The foundation of country music.
- Minor Chords: Essential for blues and darker harmonic colors.
- Dominant 7th Chords: Crucial for turnarounds and blues progressions.
- Suspended and Diminished Chords: Used for tension and passing movements.
Understanding the E9 Tuning and Nashville Set-Up
To appreciate the chart, one must understand the E9 tuning itself. Often called the "Nashville Set-up" or the E9 Chromatic Tuning, it is the standard for modern country and Western swing music.
The Standard E9 Copedent
The chart is based on the standard 10-string E9 copedent (the mechanical arrangement of the pedals and levers). The open tuning for the 10-string E9 is typically B–D–E–F♯–G♯–B–E–G♯–D♯–F♯.
The power of the E9 tuning comes from the pedals and knee levers, which raise or lower the pitch of specific strings to create new chords without moving the bar.
Key entities that the chart helps you navigate:
- Pedal A: Raises the G♯ strings (strings 3 and 8) a whole step to A.
- Pedal B: Raises the B strings (strings 2 and 6) a half step to C.
- Pedal C: Often raises the E strings (strings 4 and 7) a half step to F.
- Knee Levers: These provide additional changes, such as lowering the D♯ to D (the RKL, or Right Knee Left) or raising the D to E (the LKL, or Left Knee Left).
The "split-pedal" setup, popularized by players like Buddy Emmons, is the foundation for this system, allowing for greater musical flexibility. DeWitt Scott's chart provides the visual roadmap for all these complex mechanical changes.
Accessing the Mel Bay E9 Chord Chart: Why a PDF is Rare
While many musicians search for a free "Mel Bay's E9 chord chart PDF," the official, high-quality chart is primarily distributed as a printed fold-out chart or as an eBook component within larger instructional methods.
Mel Bay Publications, Inc. is a major publisher of music instruction materials and protects its intellectual property. The chart's value is not just the information, but the clarity and quality of the diagram—a feature best experienced in the official, professionally produced format.
The chart is frequently bundled or referenced in other Mel Bay titles, ensuring its continued relevance:
- *Deluxe Pedal Steel Guitar Method* by DeWitt Scott.
- *Easiest Country Pedal Steel Guitar Book*.
- *Gospel Pedal Steel Guitar eBook*.
For the aspiring pedal steel player, investing in the official chart or one of Scott's comprehensive method books is the recommended path. It guarantees an accurate, easy-to-read, and complete reference that is essential for mastering the E9 tuning and the rich traditions of the pedal steel guitar.
