Tips to playing slide guitar effectively

Slide guitar has been around for a while now, and its popularity is unlikely to wane! We have some tips for you if you’re just beginning to play slide guitar. It’s important for you to be comfortable – so find a good position, where you are relaxed. The slide you pick should be the right size for you – not too tight or loose. To learn a Guitar Lesson , it’s a good idea to use a guitar setup with a slightly higher action – this will help your sound. Also remember not to press down too hard on the strings – a light touch will do. As for strings, you will find that thicker strings will sound better. When you begin playing, simply practice on the 5th fret of your first string. Vibrato is an important technique for slide guitar – it can really help you personalize your sound! Finally, never underestimate the value of practice – a good practice regimen is all you’ll need for you to play like a pro. Make sure you listen to some of the greats of slide guitar often. We are sure these beginners’ tips will help you – good luck!

Tips to playing slide guitar

Slide guitar is one of the coolest styles around – everyone from Pink Floyd to BB King uses it. So what is it, exactly? Slide guitar refers to the practice of using a particular object to create a sliding motion against the strings, as opposed to the common fretting motion. The most common type of slide guitar is played using a bottleneck, and that is what we will be talking about here.

Slides are available at most guitar shops, but you can create your own slide by cutting off the neck of a bottle – the neck should be about the length of your pinkie (little finger). You can use a glasscutter to cut the neck off (remember to wear protection goggles!). Then you should grind the edge smooth. Once you’re done, try it on for size and get sliding!

If you’re just starting out playing slide guitar, here are our top tips for you.

• Get cozy. And this means four things:
  • Pick a good slide. Your slide should be the right size for you – just comfortable, not too tight and not too loose.
  • Practice a relaxed position. Remember to find a relaxed position to play slide – tension simply won’t do.
  • Use a correct action. Use a guitar setup with slightly higher action, so there is a lower chance of the slide banging against the frets. Touch the strings lightly with the slide; don’t apply too much pressure.
  • Use strings you are comfortable with. Strings are largely a matter of personal choice and comfort, so find strings that work for you. In general, however, thicker strings are recommended. It is much more difficult to get a good sound with super-light strings.
• Start off with the first string. For the first week that you play slide guitar, play only on the first string of your guitar. Position yourself at the 5th fret and slide back and forth, aiming for a clean sound.
• Vibrato. This means quickly raising and lowering the pitch of a note in small portions. Vibrato is an important technique for slide guitar because it has the potential to really give your slide playing a nice personal touch – you can manipulate vibrato to create a specific mood. You can hear some trademark vibrato in the works of guitar greats such as BB King and Muddy Waters. When playing vibrato, keep a few things in mind. The first string is the best place to learn vibrato. Position your slide at the 5th fret, and rapidly move it on a note in a left-right movement. While doing this, remember to keep your wrist very relaxed, to help you produce a smooth, shimmering sound.
• Practice. There are no shortcuts! Practice and practice till slide guitar comes as naturally to you as singing. Don’t forget to listen to a lot of slide guitar music.

Start off with these basics, and you’ll go far. Now go pick up that bottleneck…and happy sliding!