How to Choose String Gauges for a Slide Guitar

The slide guitar is a technique used to make a slurred sound from a standard guitar. To create this technique the guitarist uses a slide-on finger to press the strings while moving up and down the neck of the guitar. To play the slide guitar correctly, use the appropriate string gauges.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Evaluate the strength in your slide hand. The strength in your hand determines the gauge you need. The higher gauge strings, 14 or higher, are hard to press down. The lower gauge strings, 7 or less, are light and easy to push onto the fret bars.

2. Check the height of the strings on the guitar neck. Choose a lighter string gauge if the height or action of the strings is higher than normal, such as an 8. Likewise, if the strings are lower or the action is lower, choose a thicker string gauge, such as a 13.

3. Pick the guitar string gauge that is comfortable to you. Most slide guitarist use a 9 to an 11 with an average height or action of the strings on the guitar neck.

4. Practice with the strings. Adjust the height and the amount of strength you use as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• The thicker the gauge of wire, the fuller the slide guitar sound.
• The type of slide used alters the sound produced. The are many types and sizes of slides that achieve various sounds. Try different slides until you find the one right for you.