How to Make a Guitar Slide Ring

Old blues guitarists made their own slide rings.

Some guitarists use a handheld metal bar when playing slide guitar. This type of guitar slide is popular with Hawaiian lap-steel guitarists and guitarists that play a Dobro. Other guitarists use a ring called a slide ring that slips over the finger. This leaves four fingers available to fret the guitar strings normally. The slide ring usually goes on the pinky or on the ring finger. This is the preference of the guitar player. Before you start making your own slide ring, decide what finger that best suits your sliding technique.

Things You'll Need

• Metal pipe
• Band saw
• Fine-tooth rattail file

Instructions

1. Select a steel pipe with an inside diameter that fits over your finger. Pick a piece that fits loosely enough to come off without hurting your finger.

2. Mark the length of your finger onto the metal pipe. It is okay if the pipe is a bit shorter than your finger. However, it is important to make the slide long enough to extend across all of your guitar strings at one time.

3. Cut the metal pipe to length with a band saw.

4. File both ends of the pipe with a fine-tooth rattail file to remove all sharp edges. Take your time with this process, as a single burr left on the end of the slide could cut your finger and even scratch your guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use anything from steel, aluminum, plastic or even ceramic tubing. Different materials produce different tones. Metal produces a traditional metallic and shrill tone, whereas plastic and ceramic slides will produce a warmer tone.