How to Read Slide on Guitar Tab

A slide on the guitar is used to achieve a smooth transition between notes without a noticeable break. Slides can be either from one specific note to another, or from anywhere on the fret board to a specific note. Slides are indicated by a slash on a guitar tab.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Identify a slide by a forward or backward slash on the guitar tab. The slash may be either between two fret notations, or in front of a single fret notation on the guitar tab.

2. Press your finger onto the indicated string and fret indicated before the slash. If there is no fret notation before the slash, you may start the slide anywhere on the fret board.

3. Pluck the string to achieve the desired sound.

4. Slide your finger up or down to the fret indicated after the slash. Slide your finger up if a forward slash is indicated, or down for a backslash.

5. Maintain steady pressure on the string as you slide your finger up or down the fret board.

Tips & Warnings

• On the guitar, sliding "up" means sliding your finger closer to the body of the guitar.