Playing slide on a standard guitar with low action and skinny strings isn’t the optimal way to enjoy the slide experience, however, making a guitar more slide friendly is a pretty easy process
Playing slide on a standard guitar with low action and skinny strings isn’t the optimal way to enjoy the slide experience, however, making a guitar more slide friendly is a pretty easy process for anyone with even minimal DIY skills. Here are some things to consider if you want to optimize a guitar for slide.
THE INSTRUMENT
An inexpensive acoustic or electric guitar is ideal for converting to slide, and you may find that you’ll get more use out it than you would by keeping it in standard configuration. Also, a cheap ax will often sound rawer and more lo-fi as a result of its construction and pickups, which can actually be a benefit when it comes to slide tone. Just think of what electric blues players had at their disposal back in the 1950s!
ACTION
Raising the action is the first order of business if you are making a dedicated slide guitar, but it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of height increase to keep the slide from rattling against the frets. On an electric guitar you can adjust the bridge and/or the saddle to get the strings high enough off the deck for a clear slide sound, while still keeping the action comfortable for playing with fingers. Raising the action on an acoustic or electric can also be done by using an inexpensive nut raiser, which slips over the stock nut to elevate the strings. Choices here include Grover’s GP1103 Perfect Guitar Nut Height Extender ($5.99 street) and the Golden Gate Resonator Guitar Extension Nut ($7.95 street).
STRINGS
The general wisdom says that bigger strings equal bigger sound, but there are no rules regarding string gauge for slide guitar. Use what feels right, and if a lighter-gauge set suits your preference you’re in good company. For example, slide master