What a Wonderful World #5 alternatives for Pedal Steel

[Jerry Overstreet]

Application is standard pedal steel E9 10 string tuning.

Key is not important, but for simplicity's sake, let's use F as the root.

Interested in variations or examples of how you guys play the 5# change in this tune. The part where the lyrics go "and I say to myself".

I got it, but it's not very interesting as what I hear in other examples of the song.

Let's look at E9 tuning first, then maybe the C6 tuning after we've explored that.

Thanks.

[Fred Treece]

The thing that makes that #5 chord interesting in the Louis version is the major 9 lick by the French horn leading so nicely into the 2m7 chord. How to incorporate that lick around the melody on a Db chord in the key of F on your E9 neck is a pretty good trick.

You’re coming out of a A7 / Dm change (8th fret? 5th to 6th fret?), probably keeping the melody on top of whatever register you’re playing in.

The Dbmaj9 single note lick is Eb-Db-C, landing on Bb on the first beat of the 2m7 (Gm7).
That could be done at fret 9 no pedals, with the melody note held in the lower register with the lick on top. Harmonics might be cool 😎
Then slide down to 8 for the Bb note (on str 2) and fake the Gm7 with C7sus (B pedal + D lower).

I don’t have tab, so I’ll stop right there before my words get too weedy. It’s just an observation, really.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Thank you Fred. I'll try that after while. Yes, I should have stated it's the whole phrasing around the #5 that makes this change interesting to me. The getting into and out of it as well.

[Ron Hogan]

Jerry,

Don't forget the long lost C6 tuning.

CLICK HERE

Ron

[Jerry Overstreet]

Jerry,

Don't forget the long lost C6 tuning.

CLICK HERE

Ron

Not to worry Ron. I love me some C6 and that's probably ultimately where I'll end up playing it.

I'm just trying to get the tune, changes and feel under my fingers right now.

Really nice job though. I thoroughly enjoyed your playing of it.

[Fred Treece]

Beautiful stuff there, Ron. Well beyond my theoretical understanding and playing ability, but it sounds fantastic.