24 Sept '00

Hi moonjen,
Since you're not getting much response yet from those who really know, let me give you some stuff you can do, right now, on that beautiful new Larrivee, to illustrate to yourself some of the questions you asked. Tune your low E down to D. If you don't have a slide find some household tool that's smooth metal yet small enough to hold in your hand and straight enough to barre across at least 3 strings (I have a wrench in my hand that works fine). Got those alaska picks on? Put your capo on the 2nd fret(only 'cause that puts one of the chords you can use right where the neck meets the body--easy to find that way). Now with your right thumb playing only on the open base string hit three beats with your thumb then with three fingers sound the D,G,&B strings and as you do slide the bar up to the 7th fret--it will complete a D chord. Alternate your thumb and fingers to taste--you should find a pleasing recipe that tastes something like a blues lick. Next try sliding back two frets, always plucking the strings with your fingers before you slide to the next position. Try the long slide up to the G (that's the one I mentioned you'd find where the body meets the neck) you'll notice as you slide around on those three chords you can keep a steady rhythm going with your thumb still on that Low D. Just playing with it that way can get hypnotic.
Another illustration of sliding without a slide. Y'know "It Ain't Me Babe"?--VERY cool in Drop D. the same thumb and substitute your baby finger (reinforced with your ring finger) for the slide. Try to figure out the song with these chords (in order)

0X777X this you slide into-it's the only slide
000222
222000
440222
555433
777655
010033
000232 This gives you the chords in the order though obviously you repeat them. I think you can figure out from the sound of them where they go in the song. (also sounds good w/o the slide with just a regular D) especially nice is that F#m with the open G string.
If this exercise doesn't move you, pick up your Gibson that's open tuned and using that slide play "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by ear. INSTANT SLIDE BLUES. Hope this gives you something to try until the real players show up!
Happy Playing, John