How to Practice Playing Slide Guitar

To practice electric slide guitar, the aspiring guitarist needs to alter the usual method of pressing down strings with their fingers to make notes. Instead, a slide guitarist uses a tube that's fit against the strings to produce vibrato. He then moves it along the fretboard during the song to change pitch. Here's how to practice playing slide guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric guitar
• Metal or glass bottleneck slide

1. Tune the guitar to the key of D. Lower the E string's pitch until the seventh fret matches the open A string's tone. Then tune the G string so it matches the fourth string on the fourth fret, and then tune down the B string to the third fret of the third string. Tune down the E string so it sounds like the second string on the fifth fret.

2. Use the thumb of the right hand on the last 3 strings. Use all the fingers for the first 3 strings. Keep the pinky finger pointed up while playing. Relax the right hand so it moves effortlessly along the fretboard.

3. Practice picking and sliding back and forth. Get used to the feel of the guitar and the slide or bottleneck. Play all 6 strings and experiment with different vibrato using the slide.

4. Place the slide on the twelfth fret. Make sure it's loose enough so you can bend your finger. Play a few notes and damp the index finger, keeping it behind the slide. Practice riffs using treble first, then add the bass later.

5. Play staccato notes on any guitar string. Hit the note, then lift the slide. Hold the damping finger down until the sound stops.

Tips & Warnings

• Famous slide guitar players include Gene Wooten, Elmore James, Duane Allman and Bonnie Raitt.