How to Play the Slide Guitar in Standard Tuning

Playing a slide guitar can allow you to hit notes that you weren't able to create before.

Slide guitar adds a different dimension to playing guitar. Many seasoned guitar players change the tuning of the guitar so they can hit specific notes in songs without using the rest of their fingers. The slide is slipped onto either the middle or index finger and then used to push strings down on a fret. This technique allows guitar players to create a smooth transition from chord to chord, as well as the ability to hit notes between the frets.

Instructions

1. Choose a slide. A metal finger slide that can be purchased from a store is the most popular. A homemade slide can be made out of a broken bottleneck, such as what was used in the early 20th century by blues players. Bic lighters and Zippo lighters also work. Use a smooth piece of metal if you can find an appropriate shape. Each slide creates a different sound. Note that a store-bought slide will be able to slip onto your finger. A bottleneck can as well, but you need to be careful not to cut yourself. A lighter is usable, but you will not be able to play as many notes with your other fingers because they will be used to secure the lighter to the neck of your guitar.

2. Slip the slide on your index or middle finger. This is really about personal preference. A lighter or scrap metal can be held in your hand and pushed against the strings. You can press each slide against as many strings as you want to produce whatever sound you choose.

3. Push your slide down and strum the strings with your other hand. Move the slide up and down the neck while you strum. A sound similar to the Beach Boys or Hawaiian music can be achieved by sliding up and down the highest noted string, which is the bottom string. Practice by moving the slide slow and fast and up and down the neck. You can change the pitch by keeping your slide on a fret but bending the strings toward the top or bottom of the neck --- not to be confused with up or down the neck.

4. Create a sound similar to a motorcycle or car by putting the slide on the lowest string, which is located at the top. Move it up and down the neck. Many bands from the 1970s, such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, used this technique to distort sounds. They combined this with a distortion pedal to create original work.

References

• You Tube: Learn to Play Slide Guitar
• You Tube: How to Play Slide Guitar Intro to 1930 Bottleneck Blues Style