Basic Techniques, pt. 2 - Slides (single string)

In last month’s blog post I listed a number of basic guitar techniques that developing guitarists would benefit from learning as they can be utilized in both lead and rhythm playing. Over the next series of posts I’ll discuss these techniques, this month we begin with “slides”.

A “slide” is executed with fretted notes on the same string and connects the sound of one note to the next. Whereas, the player picks the first note and with their finger remaining on the string, the finger “slides” up or down the fretboard to a second note without picking it - the second note then sounding. This is accomplished without taking the finger off the string or fretboard. Sliding in the direction towards the bridge raises the pitch of the note and sliding in the direction toward the neck lowers the pitch of the note. A slide can be the distance of one fret (fret 5 to 6) or many (fret 5 to 15)! Moreover, the slide is represented by the "line" between notes to indicate which direction the pitch is sliding to.   

For Example:

1. Fret the first note

2. Pick the note allowing it to ring

3. With the finger remaining on the string, slide it to the second note

4. Keep the finger on the string when it reaches the second note allow it to sound

Watch the video

Next month we’ll talk more about slides and some different ways they can be used.