If you're looking for tips for beginner slide guitar, knowing what to avoid is just as important as learning the slide techniques.
So here's a series on the top mistakes I see new slide guitarists making, and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Tension in the sliding arm and hand
This first one is a biggie as being relaxed and fluid with the slide is a cornerstone of my whole slide teaching philosophy. It's not easy to stay relaxed when you are trying to do something new that feels awkward and alien, so tensing up is common. Unfortunately this tension makes it hard to make the very small fluid adjustments necessary to play in-tune, and the tension gets transmitted to the listener making your playing unpleasant to listen to! Therefore I go to great lengths to help my students release any unnecessary tension in their playing from the start with my Fretless Foundations module (have a browse of that here).
To start releasing tension, try finding the lightest possible pressure you can use and still sound a note. Do that by deliberately holding the guitar as tightly as you can, and then consciously relaxing each muscle. Let your mind move around your body, telling each individual element to relax. You'll be amazed at how much tension you are holding without realising. Don't forget to relax areas that aren't directly involved with the instrument, such as your face - the forehead and neck always seem to be particular tension-culprits!
Once you've experienced this low-tension playing position, try and remember the feeling. Then, when you are playing, take regular tension check-ins, where you pause and assess how much you have tensed up. If you've formed a habit of playing in a tense way, it will be hard to break, so keep checking in and deliberately releasing the tension. Eventually your body will get used to playing in a fluid and relaxed way, and the effects on your playing will be well worth the effort! Not to mention, the health benefits - playing for any amount of time in a tense position can have really negative repercussions for your back and muscle health.
Remember, if you're struggling, I'm always happy to help you on your slide journey. Get in touch today, or book a free one-to-one session with me, where we can discuss any slide issues you're having, gear, set up, and whether we can work together on this awesome way of playing guitar!
Book your free one-to-one: https://calendly.com/philliphenrymusic/slide-success-discovery-call
Happy sliding all!
Phil