In addition to Jazz guitar, I also casually study the Pedal Steel Guitar (PSG). This is not an instrument I typically spend much time on, but recently I’ve been inspired to better understand the layout of the instrument. Below is a diatonic chord chart I put together for standard E9 tuning.
In the chart below, letters “A” “B” and “C” correspond with the first three foot pedals (from left to right). Letters “D#” and “F” correspond with the knee levers which lower and sharpen the two open E strings. And lastly, letter “C#” corresponds with the knee lever which lowers the 2nd string either a half or whole step.
Roman numerals refer to the harmonized major scale. Upper-case roman numerals signify a major chord, and lower-case roman numerals signify a minor chord. Unless specified, the bar is not moved to achieve the indicated chord. In fact, most of these pedal/lever/string combinations can be practiced without using a bar at all.
Most of these chords use the “standard” three string “grips”; with Isus2, ii, IV6, all V’s and viio7 being exceptions. If new to the PSG, the standard three-string grips are as follows.
Grip 1 = Strings 3,4,5
Grip 2 = Strings 4,5,6
Grip 3 = Strings 5,6,8
Grip 4 = Strings 6,8,10
Start out playing the standard three strings grips indicated by simultaneously plucking with the thumb, index and middle fingers for I, iii, IV, VI, and vii0 triads. Once familiar with these chords, the chart above should start to make sense.