Setting up the Guitar
The Fretboard
When choosing a guitar for slide, certain things must be taken into consideration. Whether you will be using an acoustic or an electric guitar, it preferably should have a flat fretboard rather than a curved fretboard.
A flat fretboard will maintain a consistent action throughout the length of the neck. This will make it easier to slide several strings at the same time, as well as having a reasonable action for fretting notes when necessary.
If your guitar does not have a flat fretboard, you will still be able to achieve a good slide sound once you have discovered the right amount of pressure with the slide.
The Nut
Nut
There are plastic, bone, brass and steel nuts available for guitars. Brass and steel nuts are recommended because the open string tone will be closely related to the sound of the slide. It is however a matter of personal taste which nut you use.
The nut must not be set too low because it may cause fret buzz, and must not be too high to make normal fretting difficult.
Strings
The strings to use must be of a medium to heavy gauge so a strong tone is achieved with the slide. If the strings are too light you may find not enough pressure can be applied to the strings with the slide before bottoming out on the fretboard.
The decision to use a round wound or a flat wound string is a matter of personal taste, as is the choice of using a wound or unwound third string. Only by experimenting will you find the strings to suit you.
Finally, the gauge of strings you use may affect the position of your neck. If your guitar is not used to a heavier gauge you might find the neck may move forward and create a bow.
A qualified guitar repairer should be able to assist if any problems occur.
The Action
Now that the fretboard, the nut and the strings have all been decided upon it is time to take a look at the height of the strings throughout the length of the fretboard. Remember if the action is too low, or the strings too light then you risk the slide bottoming out on the fretboard. If the action is too high it will make normal fretting difficult.
