Glass slides are typically lighter and create a airy, sharp sound. Metal slides produce a deeper, warmer, and louder tone but are heavier on your finger. Different slides will sounds different on specific guitars, Before you commit to a slide, test it on your guitar to make sure it creates the sound you want. [2] X Research source
Your middle finger will need a larger slide since your middle finger is bigger than your others. Using this finger will produce a hearty tone, but you will not be able to use your other fingers to play notes or mute the strings. This means that you will only be able to produce the slide sound. Your ring (or fourth) finger will need a smaller slide than the one for your middle finger. This slide covers the whole fretboard and helps produce a full sound. You can mute the other keys with your index and middle fingers, which allows you to play normal notes as well. Your pinky finger will need a much smaller slide than your other fingers. Your finger will not cover the whole fretboard, but your can use your other three fingers to play normal notes and mute the strings while you play. [3] X Research source
This prevents extra noise reverberation between the strings and the fretboard as you slide. If you are using an electric guitar (which typically has low action), you will have better luck with a glass slide.
Some common open tunings are D-G-D-G-B-D, E-B-E-G#-B-E, and D-A-D-F#-A-D. [4] X Research source If open tuning is unfamiliar to you, you can use a regular tuned guitar. You just may not be able to get the same kind of sound out of your guitar from sliding. You can use online resources to help you open tune your guitar. You can also ask someone else to help you get it tuned correctly. [5] X Research source
To do this, gently press your fingers on the strings. Use just enough pressure to keep the strings from making unnecessary noises as they vibrate. [6] X Research source
You should also not press the string into the fretboard. Even if your eyes say that you are directly above the fret, listen to the note. If it sounds flat or wrong in any way, move your slide up and down until it makes the right note. [7] X Research source
If you are using the slide on your middle finger, you will not be able to mute the strings. Just apply gently enough to get the sound you want. Try playing songs you are familiar with using your slide to get used to the different feel of the technique. [8] X Research source
The more you move your hand around, the better feel you will have for the strings.
You can use the finger that you are picking with or the heel of your hand to help mute the strings. Sliding between the notes is part of the slide sound. However, if you slide between the notes you play, the sound can get overwhelming or redundant. Practice different songs to decide when to slide and when you should mute the strings.
For example, if you want a bluesy sound, start below the fret and slid up to the fret. [9] X Research source This may be uncomfortable because you are conditioned to aim just under the fret. You can also use vibrato to get a different kind of sound from sliding. However, don’t try to move the string up and down as you would with normal vibrato because this won’t work with the slide on. Instead, get the same effect by moving the slide back and forth slightly.
There are advanced sliding techniques where you can learn to angle your slide. However, when you are beginning, keep it centered directly above the fret until you are completely comfortable.
When you play the lower strings, the slide will be on all the strings. Just be sure to mute the higher strings very well with your index finger.
