How to Use a Volume Pedal with a Pedal Steel Guitar

[@jfinester]

Guitar player here. I’ve used a volume pedal on guitar for decades, in much the same way that a steel player would. It means that I have to set my amp volume a little louder than I’d think, because I don’t open up the pedal all the way unless I’m trying to sustain notes. A steel player told me once that he never used the heel-back (off) position unless he wasn’t playing. I do the same thing-I like to get a bit of attack even if I’m swelling into notes or chords. Running a compressor before the pedal helps too-just don’t use too much or it sounds artificial. I can’t play pedal steel to save my life, but I have great fun faking it on guitar.

[@SteelPicking]

Good information and thanks so much for sharing. As long as you do not put steel players out of a job keep on faking it. lol

[@philsaunders6133]

many thanx to you both from the old continent! as usual ,very comprehensive. Keep picking

[@SteelPicking]

We thank you and, are glad you liked the video. Keep picking! Aaron

[@Larry30102]

Thanks so much Aaron! The camera angle was perfect. You right hand directly over your foot, so one could get good feel for what you were doing.

[@SteelPicking]

My son Jacob did all this. He does a great job and, we are always trying to improve our lessons. Thanks! Aaron

[@TheGoodDrEvil]

I've been a casual steel player (I play several instruments) for over ten years now. I didn't use the volume pedal much at all during the first few years. Reason being, that I personally don't like swells that much. On occasions I do, but certainly not as a default playing technique. I tell ya, for the life of me I don't understand what so many steel players seem to have against the attack of their instrument! It's beautiful! I'm guessing that the swells are a style that sort of became the standard on steel, but I've always considered it as just one option. I do recommend using a pedal and/or compressor even if you don't like playing swells though, to help sustain your notes. Of course, it's good to have a volume pedal on your steel when playing with others regardless, because people will expect you to be able to play swells! Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on swells or people who play that way, just want to clarify for novice players that there's nothing wrong with letting the attack of your notes come through, it's just a preference thing. You're not doing it wrong if you're letting them come through! Thanks for the videos though! I especially like the C6 ones as I'm starting to explore that neck more.

[@SteelPicking]

Yvo, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I really had not thought of this in this context. I feel that some people over do this ie pumping the volume pedal, and it almost becomes like an effect. The steel has so meany things to master and the volume pedal is one of them. Thanks again for your insight. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@TheGoodDrEvil]

It certainly is! I guess my approach to the steel is a little unorthodox in that I simply view it as a guitar that can do things a guitar can't. But I don't necessarily approach it with the stylistic techniques that have become the de facto on the instrument as it evolved. It's a very versatile instrument that can be put to use in so many styles of music. Being able to wield the volume pedal well on steel, is an extremely empowering skill on the steel. I'm hardly on my way to mastering it! But indeed don't overdo it!

[@SteelPicking]

Yes, that is a very good point! Thanks again!

[@SRW762]

I agree

[@superorangeish]

I guess it's a matter of taste. Though one can rip steel with technique, proper volume pedal use can result in evocative emotional stuff I LOVE on steel guitar.

[@CARDINAL701]

I don't know about others, but the kind of shoes I wear to play in are very important, even critical. I'm very particular about them. Can NOT play in cowboy boots... admire those who can.

[@SteelPicking]

Yes, I had a couple bands that tried to insist that I use boots, but I was able to win them over and play in my tennis shoes which is more comfortable and natural for me. Thank you for the support and keep picking!

[@SRW762]

Great video. It will be useful to do same video technique with you playing a song. Amazingly there’s nothing out there like this....good job

[@SteelPicking]

Glad to help, Stephen! Jake and I will definitely look at doing that! Keep picking! Aaron

[@thomastourville1674]

I like what your doing as I’m a beginner. The two camera views are great. Thanks

[@SteelPicking]

Thomas, thanks. My son puts in a lot of work making the videos , and I will pass on your kind words to him. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@nicklloyd9165]

Great video thanks fellas

[@SteelPicking]

Thank you, Nick! We appreciate you watching and subscribing! Keep picking!

[@johnc.8298]

I use a compressor with my steel guitar as well. It helps take some of the percussive "pick" sounds away if I'm not totally on the ball with the volume pedal. Since there's an attack control on the compressor you adjust it as you like.

[@SteelPicking]

Thanks for sharing; that is good information. Keep picking! Aaron

[@vincentlenci]

Thanks Aaron I am really enjoying your instructions!

[@SteelPicking]

No problem. Thank you. Keep picking! Aaron

[@doninetexas]

Great lesson, Aaron!!

[@SteelPicking]

Thanks. Glad the video is helpful! Keep picking! Aaron

[@lewisbighuber7029]

Great demonstration Aaron. As usual very helpful. Seeing is about the best way to convey the way you work the pedal. I did get an Ernie Ball ,as you told me previously it was one you had used. I'm very happy with it. lot hours on it,no problems. I am enjoying the pedal steel. Thanks for your advice.

[@SteelPicking]

Thanks for the information. I played one for years and liked it. We all learn differently so I thought seeing this would help. Jacob did a good job helping me convey my thoughts on this through video.. Keep picking! Aaron

[@Rowina579]

Thank you

[@SteelPicking]

You're welcome

[@kevinraabe457]

TY Aaron....man you're just a swell guy!

[@SteelPicking]

LOL

[@christianobrian9020]

Great lesson, Aaron. Something that I have had questions about for some time; the volume control.

[@SteelPicking]

You are so welcome. Glad it helped. Keep picking! Aaron

[@sonnypaul655]

got my blues cube amp love it thanks for the tip

[@SteelPicking]

Sonny, cool. I really like mine and glad you are enjoying the amp. We are now recording our videos direct out of the amp and find this is just one of the many good feature of the amp. Thanks for sharing and keep picking! Aaron

[@superorangeish]

What I love is the fact that you can play an entire song on the same fret with different strings/pedal combinations!Do you have a vid on this?

[@SteelPicking]

Good idea, will look at that. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@nutsandboltzgarage5889]

Did you ever make a video on this request? I’m interested in knowing too thanks

[@keithburkhart77]

Great video, I understand what your doing but it takes practice!! the volume pedal is so important!! thank you

[@SteelPicking]

Keith, thanks and glad to help. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@MrPatdeeee]

A VERY good video. I only have one problem. I believe you should keep your entire foot ON the pedal and not use just the toes. I am NOT saying I am right; but in the 74 Yrs (beginning at age 14) of watching the greats; most use the entire foot when using the vol pedal. In addition, I believe the volume pedal should be anchored to the pedal bar. That is why brackets came into being many years ago. Except for Emmons where Ron Lashley Sr, found a way to easily anchor it to the bar without a bracket. Again, I am not saying I am right. Just my opinion. Thanks for all of your kind teaching Aaron. May Jesus continue to bless you with talents most do not have. Although, ALL are blessed with talents. They are just not the same.

[@SteelPicking]

Pat, good tips and thanks for sharing. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@thegreat8982]

Hello, this video was very helpful. I just purchased a lap steel guitar, and I was going to add a volume pedal to create the swelling sound, what budget volume pedal would you recommend, that wouldn’t break the bank lol. Thanks!!

[@SteelPicking]

Thank you for the kind words! I would recommend an Ernie Ball volume pedal for a beginner pedal. I have used them in the past, and they have been very reliable. I have linked a specific one in the description of the video if you wish to check it out. Thanks again and keep picking! Aaron

[@superorangeish]

Hi.Does the telonics work with a light source rather than a potentiomter? Also does it have string that controls the motion?Both must be replaced every so often and wondering about getting one that doesn't have a pot.thanks

[@SteelPicking]

The telonics is a light source with no string. I really like mine. Just know they are a little pricey. I feel you do get what you pay for with this product. The steel guitar fourm has quiet a few post on this subject. There are a couple of hard core camps on which pedal is the best, but you can read through the comments and get some good insight. Keep Picking! Aaron

[@larrydering1598]

Aaron 👍

[@SteelPicking]

Thanks! Aaron

[@cincinnatipedalsteel4347]

The Ernie ball is about 120 bucks I believe, just so you know

[@SteelPicking]

Thanks!