Slides are typically made from glass, metal, or ceramic, and every slide has certain qualities that might be preferable for a particular application. “Application” is the key word here, as,
Slides are typically made from glass, metal, or ceramic, and every slide has certain qualities that might be preferable for a particular application. “Application” is the key word here, as, for example, a heavier slide tends to works best on a guitar with fatter strings and tall action, while a lighter, thinner-walled slide is usually better for guitar with skinnier strings and low action. The style of music and type of guitar you play are obviously important factors in choosing the right slide, so try different types and see how they work for you. Whatever you pick, make sure it fits your finger snugly and doesn’t fall off when you hand is pointing south, but not so tight that you can’t slip it off easily—especially if you like to switch between slide and fingers in different sections of a song. Here are a few things to consider about how a slide’s size, shape, and material affect tone:
THICKNESS
In general, thinner slides offer better control because they are lighter and they keep your finger closer to the strings. If you’re a beginner, start thin and work your way up. Thick slides can be harder to control, making it easy to “overshoot” the targeted fret when sliding around the neck—although they tend to produce a fatter sound, and are the way to go if your guitar’s setup has been optimized for slide with higher action and heavier-gauge strings.
SHAPE
Most slides are basically straight tubes, but some have a flared shape that can help your vibrato and make it easier to navigate different neck shapes and fretboard arcs. A flared profile can also minimize buzzing and allow for easier angling when playing in non-open tunings. Then there are domed slides, which have a rounded surface on one end and may have