Slide technique building?

[nocluejimbo]

Hey all, I've finally entered the realm of slide gutiar playing. I have found some really basic tutorials online, and have gotten off to a fairly good start. I've explored three or four different tunings, and have found open G to be the most comfortable of those.

Here's the question. Do any of you have any good technique builders or pointers for the beginning slider? I feel like I'm playing an entirely new instrument.

[Aldwyn]

I've been shopping for an el cheapo resonator, myself, so I have been wondering the same thing.

I have played with slide from time to time, but am not good at it at all. Usually just goofing around with a bottle of beer! :D

So, I'd love to hear what folks have to say about playing slide myself!

Peace,
Aldwyn

[Harry J]

http://www.harryj.net/Slide_Guitar_Techniques.doc


Harry Jacobson
senior faculty, National Guitar Workshop
www.harryj.net

[Aldwyn]

Thanks, Harry! Nabbed! :D

[Jo]

I've just started doing some slide stuff to, and like you have settled in with open G.

One of the pointers that Tyrone gave me was to start picking out songs and going straight to the note, rather than sliding up to them. Learn to get the exact placement of the slide on the note in the first shot. So in essence you're picking out the notes than sliding up or down to them. When you can do that, then start sliding into the notes.

Led Zep's "In My Time of Dying" is much fun. I've been having a blast. I finally found a slide that fits me. It's a small sized, as well as short. I've been trying to learn using my little finger for the slide, even though I think I'm more comfortable using the slide on my ring finger, but that way I leave my other fingers free for doing some chord stuff.

The other thing was the fingers muting behind the slide makes a huge difference in tone. It kills all those overtones and harmonics that you don't want to come out. That's been the toughest part I think.

[wpanic]

Led Zep's "In My Time of Dying" is much fun. I too have been messing with this tune. A cool song that is pretty easy (at least the main rhythm) to do in standard tuning.

Bill

[bleujazz3]

I've just started doing some slide stuff to, and like you have settled in with open G.

One of the pointers that Tyrone gave me was to start picking out songs and going straight to the note, rather than sliding up to them. Learn to get the exact placement of the slide on the note in the first shot. So in essence you're picking out the notes than sliding up or down to them. When you can do that, then start sliding into the notes.

Led Zep's "In My Time of Dying" is much fun. I've been having a blast. I finally found a slide that fits me. It's a small sized, as well as short. I've been trying to learn using my little finger for the slide, even though I think I'm more comfortable using the slide on my ring finger, but that way I leave my other fingers free for doing some chord stuff.

The other thing was the fingers muting behind the slide makes a huge difference in tone. It kills all those overtones and harmonics that you don't want to come out. That's been the toughest part I think.
I, too have needed to switch over to slide temporarily while my arm is in a sling, maybe lap slide, like Aldwyn has suggested in another thread, if holding the guitar in normal postion is too uncomfortable. I'm thinking maybe a Coricidan glass bottle kind, ala Duane Allman.

This'll be my first attempt at slide, and I don't expect to be raving about my ability. Good thing is, it will open up a new world of guitar I've never attempted and always been meaning to try. Now that my options are limited, slide is a good alternative. Thanks. :)

[johnreardon]

http://www.harryj.net/Slide_Guitar_Techniques.doc


Harry Jacobson
senior faculty, National Guitar Workshop
www.harryj.net (http://www.harryj.net)
Was just going to post a link to your excellent word doc on slide playing Harry. It's great, going to try and pick it up myself.