How do you "Set up for Slide"?

[Leumas]

So I dabbled in some slide work a little bit last weekend and I'd like to feed that urge a bit more. I've read about guitarists having guitars set up for slide, and I'd like to dedicate a strat for that purpose, what all might be involved in that? Thanks!

 

[Iceman0124]

I've always just gone for higher action in whatever tuning I'm going to be playing slide in. Standard tuning isnt the best to get started on IMO.

 

[blahblahblahblah]

Usually high action in open - G

 

[J076]

I jam a comb under the 1st fret and clamp it down with a capo. Instant slide action!

 

[zontar]

I use my Les Paul with the almost non existent frets for slide in standard tuning. But I also use my AF95. I am in the process of modding my LP copy to keep that one in open G.

I tend to use higher than normal action anyway--so that helps a bit.

I use 10-46 on my Les Paul & LP Copy and 10-52 on my AF95 which are the main ones I play slide on.

 

[SkyDogJr]

If you are going to set a strat up for slide, the first thing you do is block of the tremolo if it's a strat with a tremolo. Essentially, a flat fretboard with a hard tail is ideal, especially if you have to tune to an open tuning and back to standard. If you string it with 11's or 12's (the set may come with a wound "G") get a 19 or 20 if possible, unwound "G".

Some people use open tunings, some use standard tuning...for starting out in open tuning, try open E. You can tune in open D and capo the second fret which gives you the same sound at a lessor tension (For an acoustic, it's a good idea) but then you have to work a little harder and since you are beginning, get use to Open E or open A and the patterns used in both, then when you use open D or G or even open C.

If you have any questions, feel free to send a message...sliding is what I do!

 

[Leumas]

Thanks everyone, I'm off to work but I'll be having a go at this tonight!

 

[paulygates]

I guess you could install a higher nut like on a dobro.