Setting Up a Slide Guitar for Enhanced Playability

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, learning to set up and play a slide guitar can open up a world of new sounds and techniques. This guide will help you through the process, ensuring that your slide guitar is perfectly set up for both playing and maintenance.

Understanding Slide Guitar Tunings and Setup

Natural slide guitar can be played in a variety of open tunings, as well as in standard tunings. This versatility offers a rich palette of sounds and styles. A notable resource for slide guitar enthusiasts is the video tutorials by slide virtuoso Roy Rodgers, which showcase the nuances of slide playing. However, achieving the best setup and playing technique requires a robust understanding of the instrument.

Setup for Acoustic Slide Guitar

If you’re playing an acoustic guitar with normal action and heavier strings (which are somewhat higher than on an electric guitar), you generally don't need a special setup for slide playing. The challenge lies in achieving the right pressure with the slide to avoid the strings touching the frets. This is a skill that comes with practice but having a good starting position can certainly help. Proper execution of slide technique involves lighter pressure than fretting, allowing the guitar to be versatile for both slide and regular play.

Setup for Electric Slide Guitar

For electric guitars, a lighter gauge string set with a gauge not less than .010 for the high E string is ideal. The action should be standard rather than extremely low, but it doesn’t have to be very high either. Using a lighter slide will also help in reducing the amount of pressure needed. This set-up allows you to play your electric guitar both normally and in slide mode with ease, saving the expense of purchasing a separate slide guitar.

Playing Slide Guitar in Various Positions

The way you hold your guitar can affect the setup and playability. If you hold it in the normal manner, similar to how you would play a regular guitar, higher strings and heavier strings are sufficient. However, if you prefer to play slide guitar while holding the guitar on your lap, it's advisable to use a lap steel guitar. This type of guitar is designed with higher action and heavier strings, which can enhance your playing experience and open up new possibilities.

Adjusting Nut Height for Slide Guitar

A well-built instrument should not strain under the normal nut height of a lap steel guitar. The strings on a slide guitar are typically heavier, ranging from 14 to 56 gauge for G tuning. A nut lifter can be used temporarily, but if you decide you prefer slide playing, you might consider a square neck resonator or a Weissenborn type guitar, which are specifically designed for slide playing. Elderly Instruments and Musicians Friend are reputable sources for these types of guitars.

Proper Action and String Alignment

Raising the action of your slide guitar is crucial to prevent the strings from fretting out due to the pressure from the slide. Ensure that the strings are flat across the neck, not following the radius, by making necessary adjustments to the bridge and possibly the nut. This alignment ensures a clear sound and prevents unwanted fret buzz.

String Specifications for Slide Guitar

To enhance sound quality and ensure stability, it's recommended to use heavier strings, no lighter than 11s. I prefer 13s, which provide a fuller sound and better tension retention when tuning down to open tunings. Flat-wound strings are a good choice as they minimize noise from the slide. Always check that your guitar is in good condition to handle the increased tension, especially if it’s a newly acquired or high-end instrument.

Final Notes

Setting up a slide guitar requires patience and practice, but the results are worth it. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a setup that optimizes both your playing comfort and the resulting sound. Remember, the key is in the right balance of pressure, strings, and action, all of which contribute to your overall playing experience.

Good luck, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of slide guitar!