Very basic slide guitar questions

Subject: Very basic slide guitar questions
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 11 May 13 - 09:44 PM

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.

Subject: RE: Very basic slide guitar questions
From: GUEST,toomanynationalsnotenoughtalent
Date: 11 May 13 - 10:36 PM

"Finally, why do I here so much sloppy and indistinct slide guitar? How do you avoid this?"

Because like with anything else, skill shows. Being able to mute, with both hands, and only have what you want to be heard be heard takes years of dedication. But to the uninformed bad slide playing may sound bluesy. And for some it's such a novelty that the playing of someone who dabbles once or twice a week sounds "cool".

I am reminded of the chef Mario Batali who more than once has said "Dude... That's not rustic... That's lazy..." When commenting on the chopping of a prep cook.