Taking up a new instrument is often easier for me then stagnating on the learning curve of another. I don't know much about playing slide guitar, but I'd like to find out. I like Mississippi Fred McDowell, for example, and Blind Willy McTell. Is this all played in open tuning or standard tuning? Is it the same when they add notes fretted by their fingers, alternating with slide? Are National guitars desirable? Are others better? Are there dobro capabilities in this style of playing, or is that something totally different? I fingerpick guitar or play it with a thumb pick; I also pick and clawhammer a banjo. Can old time music and crusty blues be played on the same slide/resophonic guitar? Finally, why do I here so much sloppy and indistinct slide guitar? How do you avoid this? I appreciate any offer of advice, warning or woe.