Slide guitar!

[Fractal]

So I have been wanting to learn some slide guitar. However, I only have a single guitar, a semi hollow d'angelico. Is it worthwhile trying out a slide on such a guitar, I also have the action really low. I thought this would be a good place to ask since you all probably have similar guitars. If you don't think it is a good guitar to start with, can you suggest cheap guitars that would be a good place for a first exploration of slide? Thanks

[billkath]

Might well be worth your while investing in a slide nut

STEWMAC.COM : Slide Guitar Extension Nut

[SwingSwangSwung]

I picked up a cheap used Strat clone for $50. It had a really good neck - which was all I was concerned about. I stuck a Gotoh dual blade humbucker in the neck pickup slot, raised the action a bit, and ended up with my favorite slide guitar (I have 4). This thing screams the most awesome tone (as long as I don't use the el crappo pickups which are still mounted in the bridge and middle pickup positions).

One thing that will really help you is to get a good slide. I've found the big leaded glass slides create a better tone, make vibrato & intonation easier.

Also, the right hand will be a big part of your slide playing. If you playing slide in standard tuning, or with distortion, you'll need to mute the unplayed strings with your right hand. I finger pick when playing slide which makes it easier to mute the unplayed strings.

Have fun.

[cosmic gumbo]

While you can attempt slide on any electric guitar, low action and light strings work against you, unless you have a very experienced touch, and even then, heavier strings and a higher action are always preferred. I've found that funky cheap guitars are often perfect for slide, especially ones with necks too crappy for much else. You can put heavier strings on than you'd ever use for regular playing, and then, even a cheap guitar will really sing.

[Hernandinho]

If you can afford it, I would buy a guitar specifically for slide. Since slide usually requires high action, you don't need to worry too much about it having a quality neck. Also, no need for super-precise intonation either. Result: any old piece of junk guitar can be used for slide.

[derek]

I use the same tele I play rock/pop stuff with for slide. It has .11's on it, and low action. It is all about touch and technique imo, not that I am that good. I only play slide in standard tuning. I certainly see the logic in having a dedicated slide guitar, and using open tunings, but I like being able to play either way on the same guitar. YMMV

[cosmic gumbo]

I've been working on some Son House tunes on my ukulele and the slide sounds pretty funky on the nylon strings.