metal guitar lessons Article

Slide Guitar Lesson - Invaluable Information To Elevate Your Playing

Playing slide is probably the closest thing you can come to singing with your guitar.  It is also one of the hardest techniques to master.  In fact, my first attempt at playing slide was with a beer bottle in my bedroom!  It wasn't until I discovered Duane Allman and Ry Cooder and completely studied their techniques that I really became a proficient slide player.  I have condensed this knowledge into a few tips that once you master, you too will be flying with the best of them.

Start in standard tuning.  Most slide players play in an open tuning which is very close to standard tuning.  By learning the techniques first in standard, you will be playing riffs and chord patterns you are already familiar with.  This will make the transition to open tuning a lot easier. 

Practice with your eyes closed.  This is done in order to train your ear and build your confidence as a player.  You are going to have to learn the notes in between the frets to

become a great slide player; you can't just hit the frets dead center.  Playing with your eyes closed will allow your fingers to learn where these sweet spots on the neck are.

Go up a gauge size with your strings.  With the slide, you want a bit more tension and more relief in your neck.  Once again, experiment with a couple of different gauges until you find the spot that works best for you.

Try every slide you can get your hands on.  You will find players who prefer glass slides, brass slides, beer bottles etc.  You won't know what you prefer until you feel it.  Some popular brands you may want to look into include Dunlop, Harris Brass and Mudslide.  Also keep in mind if you play acoustic guitar, you may find that the slide you use on your electric does not do the trick. 

Lastly, watch the masters.  Pick up a couple of DVD's or head over to YouTube and watch their fret hands, you should find your technique really comes together once you see it executed.