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Guitar Slide Review: Enhance Your Sound with this Must-Have Accessory
Published: February 19, 2024
Enhance your guitar sound with our comprehensive guitar slide review. Find the perfect accessory to elevate your music and master the art of sliding technique today!
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Looking to take your guitar playing to the next level? A guitar slide might be the perfect accessory for you. In this Guitar Slide Review, we will explore how this must-have tool can enhance your sound and add a whole new dimension to your music. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, a slide can help you achieve unique tones and experiment with different playing styles. Read on to discover how this simple accessory can make a big impact on your music.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Ernie Ball Glass Slide, Medium (P04228) is a seamless pyrex glass slide that produces a silky bluesy sound. It is 4mm thick with a 25mm outside diameter and 58mm long. Despite its high quality and great sound, customers should pay attention to the size when ordering. It's an excellent slide for guitar players who want a clean sound, but be cautious about the size to avoid fitting issues.
Key Features
- Seamless Pyrex glass
- Silky bluesy slide sounds
- 4mm thick
- 25mm outside diameter
- 58mm long
Specifications
- Color: Glass
- Dimension: 5.75Lx2.00Wx5.10H
- Size: Medium
Pros
- Produces a nice, clean sound
- Good quality and thickness
- Perfect length and weight
Cons
- Customers should pay attention to the size when ordering
The Ernie Ball Glass Slide is a high-quality product that produces a great sound. Customers should be cautious when selecting the size to avoid any fitting issues. Overall, it’s a great slide for guitar players looking for a professional sound.
Overall Score: 8/10
Get the sweet high end tone and ringing sustain with the genuine Fender Slide made to exacting specifications. This chrome steel guitar slide is a favorite among slide players for its fast and smooth performance. It delivers a hair more 'open' sound than other slides, making it the perfect choice for speed, agility, and vibrato. The medium size fits snugly on fingers and is not too heavy. However, the metal may corrode quickly and would benefit from more size options and slightly thicker steel.
Key Features
- Genuine Fender Slide
- Made to Exacting Specifications
- Sweet High End Tone, Ringing Sustain
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.50Lx4.00Wx1.50H
- Size: Standard Medium
Pros
- Fast and smooth performance
- Fits snugly and not too heavy
- Delivers 'open' sound for speed and agility
Cons
- Metal may corrode quickly
- Could benefit from more size options and slightly thicker steel
The Fender Chrome Steel Guitar Slide delivers on its promise of a sweet high end tone and ringing sustain, making it a favorite among slide players. While it may have some minor drawbacks such as quick corrosion and limited size options, its fast and smooth performance, along with the ‘open’ sound it produces, makes it a worthwhile investment for any slide player.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Guitar Slide Set includes a solid brass slide, 304 stainless steel slide, and a borosilicate glass slide, along with 6 guitar picks and 4 finger picks. The slides are suitable for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, offering a variety of tones to enhance your playing. This set is convenient to carry with a gift box and caters to both beginners and experienced players alike.
Key Features
- Solid brass slide for treble and stable bass
- 304 stainless steel slide for good resonance
- Borosilicate glass slide for warm, bluesy sounds
- Diameter: Inner – 0.82 inch, Outer – 0.99 inch
- Convenient to carry with included gift box
Specifications
- Color: Glass, steel, brass
- Size: 3pcs
Pros
- Convenient for both beginners and experienced players
- Variety of tones for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars
- Comes with a compact case and finger picks
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Slides might be too large for smaller fingers
The Guitar Slide Set offers a variety of slides and picks at a great value. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore slide guitar or an experienced player in need of different tones, this set has you covered. However, individuals with smaller fingers may find the slides to be too large for comfortable use.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Pangda 2 Pieces Glass Slide and Stainless Steel Slide in Box for Guitar, Bass, Medium (6 cm) is a set of guitar slides that includes two kinds of slide rings with different functions. The glass slide is made of seamless glass and provides silky bluesy slide sounds, while the metal slide is made of durable 304 stainless steel and offers superior sustain and excellent intonation. Both slides are useful for both professionals and beginners. The package contains the two slides, and they measure 6 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm in size. They are suitable for satisfying different needs and making playing the guitar more fun. However, the glass slide has been noted to be too thin and susceptible to shattering, while the metal slide is considered to be less susceptible to damage. Please exercise caution when using the glass slide to prevent breakage.
Key Features
- Package contents: 2 kinds of slide rings with different functions
- Size: 6 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm
- Glass slide made of seamless glass
- Metal slide made of durable 304 stainless steel
- Useful for professionals and beginners
Specifications
- Dimension: 2.36Lx0.98Wx0.98H
Pros
- Glass slide provides silky bluesy slide sounds
- Metal slide offers superior sustain and excellent intonation
- Good for satisfying different needs and making playing guitar more fun
Cons
- Glass slide is too thin and susceptible to shattering
- Exercise caution when using the glass slide to prevent breakage
The Pangda Guitar Slides Set offers a versatile option for guitar players of all levels. While the glass slide may require careful handling, the set as a whole provides a range of expressive tones for those looking to experiment with slide guitar playing.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Guitar Slide set by Augshy includes 4 guitar slides (1 stainless steel, 1 brass, 2 glass), 4 metal thumb picks, 4 plastic finger picks, and 10 standard guitar picks, along with a guitar accessories box. The slides are suitable for playing guitar, banjo, ukulele, or other stringed instruments. The transparent glass slides are made of seamless Pyrex glass, providing softer, subtle and peaceful sound. The steel guitar slide is made of premium 304 stainless steel, offering extraordinary sustain, nice tones, and clear sounds.
Key Features
- Package includes 4 guitar slides, 4 metal thumb picks, 4 plastic finger picks, and 10 standard guitar picks
- Slides are suitable for guitar, banjo, ukulele, or other stringed instruments
- Transparent glass slides provide softer, subtle, and peaceful sound
- Steel guitar slide offers extraordinary sustain, nice tones, and clear sounds
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 2.36Lx0.87Wx0.87H
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Variety of slides and picks
- Transparent glass slides produce unique sound
- Steel guitar slide provides clear sounds
Cons
- Some picks may be tight for larger fingers
- Plastic case may arrive cracked
- Finger picks are on the smaller side
The Guitar Slide & Accessories Set by Augshy is a great value for musicians looking to experiment with different slides and picks. While there may be some minor issues with sizing and quality, the variety and overall quality of the set make it a worthwhile purchase for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
Overall Score: 8/10
The SUNLP 3 Pieces Medium Guitar Slides set offers a diverse range of guitar slides and picks, perfect for guitar enthusiasts and musicians. The set includes 2 stainless steel slides, 1 glass slide, 6 guitar picks, and 4 plastic thumb & finger picks, all neatly organized in a unique, suitcase-shaped storage box. The slides and picks are designed for smooth and comfortable use, producing an excellent tone. The set is a great value for occasional slide players or as a gift for guitar players of any level.
Key Features
- Smooth & Comfortable
- Excellent tone
- Included selection of picks and slides
- Impact-Resistant glass slide
- Creative suitcase-Shaped storage box
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 3.94Lx2.76Wx1.18H
- Size: Medium
Pros
- Great value for occasional slide players
- Suitcase storage box is unique and sturdy
- Variety of slides and picks offer excellent tone
Cons
- Glass slide can be fragile
- Some customers experienced issues with the carrying case
The SUNLP Guitar Slides set provides a diverse array of slides and picks suitable for any guitarist. While the glass slide may be fragile, the overall value, excellent tone, and unique storage box make this set a practical choice for both amateur and experienced players.
Overall Score: 9/10
Learn to play Delta and slide blues with this comprehensive guide. It covers everything from open tunings to using a slide, adding bass parts, and more. The book is easy to follow, with gradually progressing difficulty and helpful audio samples.
Key Features
- Good for beginners
- Covers the fundamentals of blues slide guitar
- Includes helpful audio samples
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Easy to follow
- Gradually increasing difficulty
- Contains audio samples for practice
- Covers a wide range of essential techniques and ideas
- Complete listening guide to Delta Blues greats
Cons
- May need more finger picking/muting patterns for plucking hand
The Delta Blues Slide Guitar book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn authentic acoustic blues slide guitar. It is particularly suitable for beginners, with a gradual learning curve and helpful audio samples. The inclusion of a complete listening guide to Delta Blues greats adds to the overall value of the book, making it a highly recommended choice for aspiring blues guitarists.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Vivipa 2 Pieces Glass Slide and Stainless Steel Slide for Guitar, Bass offers a set of slides perfect for both pros and beginners. The package includes one glass slide and one metal slide, each with unique features and benefits. The glass slide provides silky bluesy sounds, while the metal slide offers superior sustain and intonation. With a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5, this slide set appears to have received mixed reviews from users, with some praising its quality while others mentioned issues with the material. Despite this, the set has its standout features and comes with a storage tin for convenience.
Key Features
- Package contents: 2 kinds of slide rings in one set
- Glass slide enhances middle harmonics and provides silky bluesy slide sounds
- Metal slide offers superior sustain, excellent intonation, and clear bright sound
Specifications
- Color: Silver metal slide and clear glass slide
- Dimension: 0.98Lx0.98Wx2.36H
- Size: Approx. 6 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm/ 2.36 x 0.98 x 0.98 inch
Pros
- Provides unique and different sounds for guitar and bass
- Convenient storage tin included in the package
- Great for both beginner and pro guitar players
Cons
- Mixed reviews regarding the material quality
- Some users found the glass slide to be made of plastic instead of glass
Despite some mixed reviews about the material, the Vivipa Guitar Slides set offers a variety of unique sounds for guitar and bass players. The convenience of having two different slides in one package, along with a storage tin, makes it a decent choice for players looking to experiment with different slide sounds. However, potential buyers should be aware of the mixed user reviews regarding the material quality of the slides.
Overall Score: 7/10
Explore a new sound with the Stainless Steel Guitar Slide Tone Bar. This standard Pearse Guitar Steel Bar is designed to provide durability and enhanced tone for electric guitar players. The ergonomic body and precision-machined steel construction offer comfort and improved speed while preventing string dragging. With a smooth polished surface and double cutaway semi-bullet tips, this guitar slide delivers a seamless glide over the strings. Though some users have found the ends to be a bit sharp or the size to be too long for smaller hands, many have praised its weight, size, and smoothness. Whether you're a seasoned lap steel guitar player or looking to experiment with new accessories, this steel guitar slide is a great choice for achieving the perfect tone.
Key Features
- Material: Steel, Size : 7.7 x 1.7 x 2.5ccm/3" x 0.7" x 1"(L*W*H)
- Precision-machined from solid stainless steel
- Double cutaway semi-bullet tips prevent string dragging
- Ergonomic body offers comfortable grip and side angles
- Package: 1 x Guitar Steel Bar
Specifications
- Dimension: 4.00Lx1.00Wx1.00H
Pros
- Smooth polished surface
- Great weight and size for sliding over strings
- Affordable and performs well
Cons
- Ends on the finger side can be sharp
- Length may not be suitable for smaller hands
The Stainless Steel Guitar Slide Tone Bar is a solid choice for guitarists looking to enhance their sound. With its durable stainless steel construction, ergonomic design, and positive user feedback, it offers great value for both beginners and experienced players. While it may require some adjustments for individual preferences, its affordable price and overall performance make it a worthwhile addition to any musician’s toolkit.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Ernie Ball Comfort Slide Guitar Slide is a large-sized, machine-turned brass slide with a polished black chrome finish. The slide features a new soft, colorful, and comfortable inner sleeve that is suitable for both electric and acoustic guitars. It is designed to fit ring sizes 10-13, providing a comfortable and secure fit for most players. However, some users have found it to be smaller or larger than expected. The cushioned inner sleeve helps prevent slipping and sweat buildup during extended playing sessions. While some users praise its comfy fit and improved control, others find the tone to be plasticky and less desirable for their playing preferences. The slide has received an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Key Features
- New soft, colorful, and comfortable inner sleeve
- Large: Ring size 10-13
- Machine-turned brass
- Polished black chrome finish
- Suitable for electric and acoustic
Specifications
- Color: Large
- Dimension: 0.24Lx4.49Wx4.49H
- Size: Large
Pros
- Comfortable and snug fit for most users
- Improved control and reduced slipping during play
- Nice cushioning to prevent sweat buildup
Cons
- Some users find the tone to be plasticky
- Sizing may vary, not always true to 'large'
The Ernie Ball Comfort Slide offers a comfortable fit and improved control for most guitar players. Its cushioned inner sleeve helps prevent slipping and sweat buildup during extended playing sessions. While some users find the tone to be less desirable, the slide has received an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Guitar Slide Buyer's Guide
What is a guitar slide?
- A guitar slide is a small tube typically made of glass, metal, or ceramic that is worn on the fingers to slide up and down the guitar strings, creating a smooth and gliding sound.
Types of guitar slides
- Glass slides
- Made of thick glass, providing a warm and mellow tone.
- Metal slides
- Usually made of brass, steel, or chrome, offering a bright and cutting sound.
- Ceramic slides
- Known for their smooth and lighter touch, ideal for acoustic playing.
Factors to consider when buying a guitar slide
- Material
- Consider the material that matches the tone you want to achieve. Glass for warmth, metal for brightness, and ceramic for a lighter touch.
- Size
- Ensure the slide fits comfortably on your finger and covers the entire width of the strings for better control and sound quality.
- Weight
- Choose a slide that feels balanced and not too heavy, to avoid hand fatigue during extended use.
- Thickness
- Thicker slides produce a fuller sound, while thinner slides enable more precise control and flexibility.
- Length
- Longer slides are suitable for playing on multiple strings, while shorter slides are better for single string performance.
- Price
- Set a budget and compare different slides based on the material and quality within that range.
How to choose the right guitar slide
- Experiment with slides made of different materials to understand how they affect the overall sound of your guitar playing.
- Make sure to try out different sizes, weights, and thicknesses to find the slide that feels most comfortable and produces the sound you desire.
- Consider the type of guitar you have (acoustic or electric) and the style of music you play when choosing a slide.
Tips for using a guitar slide
- Practice control
- Start by placing the slide directly above the fret wire and applying gentle pressure to the strings for a clean sound.
- Experiment with different techniques
- Try using the slide for different effects such as vibrato, bending, and muting to explore its full potential.
- Finding the right angle
- Adjust the angle of the slide to the strings to achieve different tones and timbres.
- Use multiple fingers
- Experiment with using different fingers to hold the slide, as each finger can produce a slightly different sound.
Maintenance of a guitar slide
- Cleaning
- Regularly clean the slide with a soft cloth to remove any residue or dirt that can affect the sound quality.
- Storage
- Store the slide in a protective case or pouch to prevent damage and ensure it stays in optimal condition.
- Avoid dropping
- Be cautious when using the slide to avoid dropping it, as glass, metal, or ceramic slides can break on impact with hard surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guitar Slide Review: Enhance Your Sound with this Must-Have Accessory
A guitar slide is a small tube or cylinder that is worn on the finger to slide up and down the guitar strings. It is used to create smooth and fluid sounds.
Yes, anyone can use a guitar slide! It may take some practice to get the hang of it, but with time and patience, anyone can learn how to use a guitar slide.
People use guitar slides to add new and unique sounds to their music. It can create a smooth, wailing sound that is different from playing the guitar with just your fingers.
Yes, guitar slides come in various sizes to accommodate different fingers and playing styles. Some slides are short and stubby, while others are longer and more narrow.
Guitar slides are commonly used in blues, rock, and country music, but they can be used in any genre. They add a distinctive sound to the music and can be used in a wide range of styles.
