How to Play a Resonator Slide Guitar

Resonator slide guitar playing has this magical ability to transport you to a different time and place. The sound is raw, yet refined—a paradox that makes it uniquely captivating. If you're curious about how to wield a slide and get those hauntingly beautiful sounds out of a resonator guitar, you're in for a wild ride. This post will break down everything you need to know, from the basics to some pro tips that will have you sliding like a blues legend.

Getting to Know the Resonator Guitar

First things first, what exactly is a resonator guitar? Unlike your regular acoustic guitar, a resonator guitar has a metal cone (or cones) instead of a wooden soundboard. This little tweak boosts the volume and changes the tonal characteristics, giving it that metallic, twangy sound that's perfect for slide playing. Resonators come in various shapes and sizes, but they all share that distinctive look with a metal plate on the front.

There are generally three types of resonator guitars: the tricone, biscuit, and spider bridge. Each has its own unique sound, but they all lend themselves beautifully to slide guitar playing. Tricones tend to have a more balanced tone, whereas biscuit and spider bridge types offer a punchier, more direct sound, which is often favored in blues and bluegrass.

When it comes to brands, National and Dobro are the names you'll hear most often. They’ve been crafting resonators for decades and are considered the gold standard. But don't worry if you're on a budget—there are plenty of affordable options that can still give you that classic resonator sound.

Choosing Your Slide

Choosing the right slide is crucial for getting the sound you want. Slides come in all kinds of materials, including glass, metal, and ceramic. Each has its own distinct tonal qualities. Glass slides tend to produce a smooth, warm sound, while metal slides (like brass or steel) are brighter and more aggressive. Ceramic slides offer a nice balance between the two.

The size of the slide is another important consideration. It should fit snugly over your finger but not so tight that it restricts movement. Most players opt to wear the slide on their pinky or ring finger, as this leaves other fingers free for fretting notes—a technique known as "fretting behind the slide."

Weight is also a factor. Heavier slides generally produce better sustain, which is crucial for those long, wailing notes. If you're just starting out, you might want to experiment with a few different types to see which one feels the best in your hands and suits your playing style.

Tuning for Slide Guitar

Standard tuning can work for slide guitar, but the magic really happens when you venture into open tunings. Open D (DADF#AD) and Open G (DGDGBD) are two of the most popular tunings for slide guitar. They allow you to play chords simply by barring the slide across all the strings, making it easier to focus on your slide technique.

• Open D Tuning (DADF#AD): This tuning gives you a D major chord when you strum all the open strings. It's a favorite among blues players and offers a deep, resonant sound.
• Open G Tuning (DGDGBD): This tuning produces a G major chord and is often used in bluegrass as well as blues music. It’s a bit brighter and twangier than Open D.

Experimenting with these tunings will open up a world of possibilities. You can slide effortlessly up and down the fretboard, letting the guitar do most of the work in creating those rich, full chords.

Basic Slide Techniques

Once you've got your slide and tuning sorted, it's time to dive into the technique. The key to great slide playing is control. You want your slide to glide smoothly across the strings without creating unwanted noise. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Light Touch: Apply just enough pressure to the strings to create a clear note. Pressing too hard will cause the strings to rattle against the frets, which isn’t what you want.
• Mute with Your Picking Hand: To avoid unwanted string noise, use the palm of your picking hand to mute the strings you're not playing. This is especially important when playing fast runs or complex passages.
• Intonation: Aim to place the slide directly over the fret, not behind it like you would with your fingers. This will help you stay in tune.

These foundational techniques can be tricky at first, but with a bit of patience and practice, you'll start to get the hang of it. If you're looking for some more detailed guidance, Riffhard offers lessons that dive into the nuances of slide guitar, taught by some of the world's most respected guitarists.

Developing Your Slide Vocabulary

Just like any other guitar technique, slide guitar comes with its own set of licks and phrases. The blues scale is a great place to start. This scale is the backbone of countless slide guitar riffs and solos, lending itself effortlessly to expressive, emotive playing.

Begin by learning the basic blues scale shapes in your chosen tuning. Once you’ve got those down, experiment with sliding into and out of notes within the scale. This can add a vocal quality to your playing, making your guitar sing in a way that’s incredibly satisfying.

Don’t be afraid to borrow from the greats. Listen to players like Robert Johnson, Son House, or modern masters like Derek Trucks for inspiration. Pay attention to how they use slides, bends, and vibrato to convey emotion. Try to mimic some of their licks, and then put your own spin on them.

Slide Guitar in Different Genres

While slide guitar is often associated with blues, it has found its way into a variety of musical styles, each offering unique opportunities to explore its expressive capabilities.

Blues: The blues is arguably the birthplace of slide guitar. It's all about expression, and the slide allows you to mimic the human voice, bending and sliding into notes with a soulful touch.

Country: In country music, the slide adds a twangy, nasal quality that complements the genre's storytelling nature. Think of players like Jerry Douglas and his work with the dobro.

Rock: Rock legends like Duane Allman and George Harrison have used the slide to add a layer of grit and emotion to their solos. In this context, the slide becomes a tool for creating soaring, anthemic melodies.

Interestingly enough, even metal has seen its share of slide guitar moments. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have used the slide to add a unique texture to their heavy riffs. While not as common, it shows the slide's versatility and its ability to add depth to any genre.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Learning slide guitar can be challenging, but with a few tweaks, you can overcome the most common hurdles.

• Maintaining Intonation: Keeping your slide perfectly over the fret isn’t easy. A useful trick is to practice with a tuner to ensure your slide is in the right position. Over time, your ear will become more attuned to the subtle shifts in pitch.
• Controlling Noise: Unwanted string noise can be a real headache. As mentioned earlier, use your picking hand to mute strings you’re not playing. You can also try using a lighter touch with your slide to minimize excess noise.
• Developing Consistent Vibrato: Vibrato adds emotion to your slide playing, but it can be tricky to master. Start slow, focusing on small, controlled movements. Speed and intensity will come with time and practice.

If you’re serious about improving, consider checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons that address common challenges in guitar playing, providing actionable tips to help you overcome them.

Incorporating Slide into Your Playing

One of the most rewarding aspects of learning slide guitar is finding ways to incorporate it into your existing playing style. Whether you're a blues purist or a rock enthusiast, the slide can add a new dimension to your sound.

Start by adding some simple slide licks into your solos. This can be as easy as sliding into a single note or replacing a bend with a slide. The more comfortable you become, the more you can integrate slide techniques into your leads and riffs.

Another approach is to use the slide for rhythm playing. Open tunings make it easy to create rich, droning chords that can add depth and texture to your songs. Experiment with different strumming patterns and dynamics to see what works best.

Recording Slide Guitar

Capturing the nuances of slide guitar can be tricky, but with the right setup, you can get a great recording.

Microphones: If you're using an acoustic resonator, a good condenser mic is your best bet. Place it about 12 inches from the guitar, pointing towards the 12th fret. This captures a balanced sound with plenty of detail.

Electric Resonators: If you're working with an electric resonator, try miking both the amp and the guitar itself. This gives you more flexibility in mixing, allowing you to blend the natural resonance of the guitar with the amp’s tone.

Don’t forget to experiment with different placements and settings. The goal is to capture the full range of your slide playing, from the subtle nuances to the bold, expressive notes.

Exploring Advanced Techniques

Once you’ve got the basics down, you might want to explore some advanced techniques to really make your slide playing stand out.

• Double Stops: Playing two notes at once can add a harmonically rich layer to your slides. It’s a technique often used by slide guitar masters to add depth to their solos.
• Harmonics: You can use the slide to play natural and artificial harmonics, creating an ethereal, bell-like quality. It’s a technique that takes practice but can add a stunning layer to your sound.
• Alternate Picking Patterns: Mixing up your picking patterns can add complexity and interest to your slide playing. Try different combinations of strumming and picking to keep your audience engaged.

For those eager to expand their skill set, Riffhard offers lessons that delve into advanced techniques, taught by some of the best in the business. It's a fantastic resource for taking your slide guitar playing to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Playing slide guitar on a resonator is a journey filled with discovery and expression. From choosing the right slide to mastering advanced techniques, each step brings you closer to that iconic sound. And if you're looking to deepen your skills, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of lessons from world-class guitarists to guide you along the way. Happy sliding!