If you are a music lover and looking for different ways to improve your musical journey. You are in the right place! Here are the 11 Easy Slide Guitar Songs perfect to start your musical journey and which will help you shape your musical career.
Learning slide guitar is one such technique that can take your guitar playing to the next level. It can improve your learning and taste in music in no time. So, let’s get started.
What is a Slide Guitar?
Before we dive into the songs, let me quickly explain what slide guitar is. Slide guitar is a technique where instead of pressing the strings down directly with your fingers, you use a slide (usually a glass or metal tube) to glide along the strings.
This creates a smooth and sliding sound that’s distinctive and full of emotion. Slide guitar is commonly associated with blues and country music but can be found in various genres.
Now I think you have an idea of what slide guitar is. So, without any delay, let’s know about the songs associated with it.
11 Easy Slide Guitar Songs
Here is the list of the 11 Easy Slide Guitar Songs; let’s go through them all.
You can also learn more about guitars and guitarists as a musician. Here are the Top Guitarists Of All Time. They will introduce you to a new level of musical appreciation, whether you are a guitarist or seeking knowledge.
1. “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James
One of the most iconic slide guitar songs is “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James. It features a catchy slide riff that’s relatively easy to play. The song has a driving blues rhythm and is perfect for beginners to practice their slide technique.
2. “Statesboro Blues” by Blind Willie McTell
“Statesboro Blues” is a classic blues tune that many artists have covered over the years. The slide guitar part in this song follows a simple pattern and is a great introduction to playing slide guitar in an open tuning.
3. “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson
If you’re looking for a legendary slide guitar song, “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson is a must-learn. This blues masterpiece showcases Johnson’s incredible slide guitar skills and offers an excellent challenge for beginners to work on their technique.
4. “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” by Muddy Waters
“Rollin’ and Tumblin'” is a blues standard that countless musicians have covered. The slide guitar part in this song is repetitive and easy to pick up, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want to get comfortable with slide playing.
5. “Walking Blues” by Robert Johnson
Another Robert Johnson classic, “Walking Blues,” is a fantastic slide guitar song for beginners. The song has a straightforward structure and features a memorable slide riff that’s fun to play and a great way to improve your slide technique.
6. “Death Letter” by Son House
“Death Letter” is a haunting blues song by Son House that showcases the power and emotion of slide guitar. This song may sound a bit difficult to learn at first, but it’s worth the hardships.The song’s dark and intense atmosphere, combined with the slide guitar parts, will give you a true taste of the blues.
7. “Come On in My Kitchen” by Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen” is a beautiful acoustic blues song that features delicate slide guitar work. The song is played in an open tuning, which gives it a unique sound and makes it easier to incorporate slide techniques into your playing.
8. “Catfish Blues” by Robert Petway
“Catfish Blues” is a blues standard that many artists have covered. Robert Petway’s version is particularly popular and showcases a simple yet effective slide guitar riff. It’s a great song to practice your slide technique and get comfortable with the sliding motion.
9. “Preachin’ Blues” by Son House
Son House’s “Preachin’ Blues” is a high-energy slide guitar song that keeps your fingers moving. It’s a great example of how slide guitar can bring a dynamic and expressive element to your playing. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful slide guitar parts make it a real blues gem.
10. “It Hurts Me Too” by Tampa Red
“It Hurts Me Too” is another classic blues song. Tampa Red’s version features soulful slide guitar playing that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics. It’s a great song to work on your slide technique while immersing yourself in the blues.
11. “Sitting on Top of the World” by Mississippi Sheiks
Last but not least, we have “Sitting on Top of the World” by Mississippi Sheiks. This song has a catchy slide guitar riff that’s relatively easy to learn. It’s a fun and upbeat tune that will have you tapping your foot and enjoying the joy of slide guitar.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve been introduced to 11 Easy Slide Guitar Songs, it will help you develop your slide technique and add a touch of soulful sound to your playing. Learning slide guitar takes practice and patience, but the rewards are well worth it. These songs serve as a great starting point for beginners to dive into the slide guitar world and explore its expressive possibilities.
FAQs
1. Is slide guitar only for blues music?
No, you can use slide guitar for different genres like rock, country, jazz, and including blues.
2. Do I need a special guitar for slide playing?
While you can use a regular guitar for slide playing, many players prefer guitars with higher action (string height) to accommodate the slide without causing fret buzz. Resonator guitars and guitars with metal or glass slides are also commonly used for slide playing.
3. Can I use any type of slide for slide guitar?
Yes, there are many types of slides you can use, like metal, glass, or ceramic. Experiment with different slides to find the one that suits your playing style and desired sound.
4. How do I improve my slide guitar technique?
Improving your slide guitar technique requires regular practice. Start by focusing on accuracy and intonation, ensuring you hit the desired notes. Gradually increase the speed and work on incorporating slides, bends, and vibrato into your playing. Listening to and learning from experienced slide guitar players can also greatly enhance your technique.
