This approach towards slide guitar is often neglected by players who want to get into it because the proper techniques are overlooked. The tilting and angling of the slide for achieving true accuracy are very important, and of course, the all-important right-hand dampening goes a long way towards achieving this sound.
In some cases you’ll see that the slide has to do its job while open strings are still ringing, or harmonizing with it, and that is one of the most effective uses of this open position style.
Ry Cooder, with whom I worked on the movie Crossroads with, is a big exponent of this sound and the open position major pentatonic scale that helps achieve a more “country” effect, which is very useful in this style.
Other notable players who’ve used this technique to great effect are Lowell George of Little Feat, and the great Lee Roy Parnell. Enjoy!—Arlen Roth
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