Slide Guitar

cobainjagstang123

I love to use a slide when i play, but all the slides I have are too big...do any of you know of an adjustable slide or a smaller slide???

irish_punk13

Well you can either try playing with it on another finger, or try buying a new one in a smaller size. I don't know how the shops are around you, but most of the ones I've been to here will let you try them on before buying to make sure it fits right.

Another thing you can do is cut a finger off of a somewhat thick glove to take up more room inside the slide for now.

Good luck with finding something that works.

Robbmonster

The glove idea is a good one I think.

Other than that, I'd just suggest experimenting and trial-and-error.

irish_punk13

Robbmonster said:
The glove idea is a good one I think.
Other than that, I'd just suggest experimenting and trial-and-error.

I did that when I still had my glass slide. What's funny is that the glass ones are the only ones that I've ever had an issue with. Brass seems to fit perfect on me, and it's brighter sound works really well through my amp.

I don't know how helpful I would actually be as far as actual technique goes since most of my slide stuff is styled after the way Blixa Bargeld plays.

Doug

I can offer two suggestions, Cobainjagstang, that have each worked for me. My slide is on me pinky so it's definitely too big, but...

First, I found that a socket wrench has a smaller hole. But the more important benefit of using a socket wrench is that it's heavier near the end of your finger, so you do not have to wiggle your forearm to get the vibrato effect...all I do is wiggle my wrist or hand and the socket wrench becomes a natural pendulum with the heavy end swinging on it's own momentum.

Second, I wind a scrap of Kleenex tissue around the end of my finger before inserting. Then I gently twist my finger into the socket to seat the tissue. If you remove your finger carefully the first few times ya play, the tissue will eventually remain inside perfectly formed to your finger.

Now there's a bit of amusement when you first set out to using a socket wrench. When you go to the hardware store to buy one, and ask the clerk, "Where are your socket wrenches, sir?", the clerk will direct you and ask, "What size do you need?". Watch the reaction when you reply, "Dunno. I'll have to try em on."

Cheers!