Hi As to tuning. I would start with what was called "Spanish Tunning' wich is DGDGBD from 6th to 1st string also known as G tuning.. Get a banjo chord book and figure out your neck for chords ... Brass is a great slide.. Mr Jim Dunlop sells a good one..Remember to keep your fingers of the left hand on the neck when sliding (with pinky) to help the tone (ALso great for vamping).Right hand alternating bass with treble "story telling" is the trick..Once you have G chord thinking down the good news is you just move everything over one string when going to D tuning >So the second string is played like the first(in G).. At any rate have fun and good luck.. Also there are alot of great old wooden guitars that are great for slide work.. Old "Kays" and "Slingerlands" and Kallamazoo's can be ery inexpencive and realy do the trick.. All the best Guy Wolff