Topic: Slide

I really want to improve my slide playing inspired by The River and Burning Hell (they just get better every time you hear them). What i want to know is, What amp settings do you find good for slide and what pedals if any do you use?????


Any feed back would be much appreciated

Keep on rockin yall


Stevie Boy

Re: Slide

I prefer a LP-Style guitar / or an other guitar with humbucker pickups, and a overdriven amp, maybe with a little less bass and highs.
Additionally reverb, but not implicitly with delay (only for e.g. the little bit country style solo in burnin' hell @Rockpalast).

To sum up: Overdriven Amp, less effects, and a BIG sound.

P.S.: It has to be LOOOOUUUUUDDD! big_smile big_smile

Here are my tabbed songs by "Smokin' Joe": http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7236
I LIKE MUSIC! big_smile big_smile big_smile

Re: Slide

I just got a glass slide, and got rid of my metal one. That made a big difference. Less like tin and more earthy sounding.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

Re: Slide

Right! I'm using a brass bottleneck, its sound is in the middle of steel and glass.
It's one like Joe is using @ Rockpalast...

Here are my tabbed songs by "Smokin' Joe": http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7236
I LIKE MUSIC! big_smile big_smile big_smile

Re: Slide

I'm not a big fan of compression, but at lower volumes it can help with sustain which is crucial for a consistent slide tone, particularaly if you're playing with your fingers instead of a pick, which is another major consideration. From Duane, to Derrick, to Joe in recent years, many of the great slide players play with their fingers to get that vocal-like articulation (listen to Derrick Trucks' "Joyful Noise"). It was harder for me to learn to dampen the strings without a pick, but the difference in tone and articulation is huge.

I agree with the LP--fatter sound, flatter neck (unless it's a Special or Junior).

Blessings,
Larry

"...play skillfully and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3b (honest, it really says that)

Re: Slide

I'd advise backing off the drive slightly...crucially get used to damping with both hands. Right hand at bridge and with the left hand fingers that are behind your slide, if you see what I mean.

I'd say damping is the absolute key to electric slide playing.

Larry T's comments on fingers and compression are absolutely on the money.

Are you playing in open tuning? Or in standard. Former is much easier once you get the hang of it.

Personally I prefer G (orA)....it was the favourite of Rory G and Lowell George.

You may be well acquainted with Rory's slide playing but if not I'd try to get a listen to stuff like Souped Up Ford and All Around Man....a master at work

Re: Slide

@ nrob1982: I think that's right - but his question was how to set  amps and pedals... wink

Here are my tabbed songs by "Smokin' Joe": http://www.jbonamassa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7236
I LIKE MUSIC! big_smile big_smile big_smile

Re: Slide

It's what sounds good to you.  You can use a ton a of overdrive, or have a sparkling clean tone.  As long as you dampen out the unwanted overtones and keep it articulate it will sound clear and nice.  I will recommend using a mid range sound and staying away from lots of high end, but again, its what sounds good to you.  Experiment with different slides.  There are plenty of players that play glass, and plenty that play metal.  I started on glass and never could make it sound good.  The I grabbed a standard old metal slide and WOW articultion, control, tone, it was all there.  It also fit better - make sure your slide fits right or its going to bother you big time.  As far as pedals, occasionally a little reverb or delay is what I like to use.  If you crank your amp, sustain/drive shouldn't be a problem, but you could always kick on a TS808 or equivilent for a little push if necesary.  Hope this helps.

Ben

Re: Slide

My main slide sound is a '70-something cobbled up old SG with almost no frets left on it (actually a pretty good thing for slide) through a marshall/dumble clone rig with some reverb and tremolo.  I really like adding a subtle tremolo to the sound because it makes it sound "older" and "swampy".  Keep the gain down and the volume up for better articulation and control.  I pretty much stay away from gain pedals and just play the amps' distortion.  Delay can be fun but it tends to get in the way...

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.