Slide strings gauges

mattacjones

Hi, I'm no expert at slide but been doing more of it recently. Currently using a tele with 11 top strings, tuned to open A, 9.5" radius. I picked A to get more tension in the strings. However, I do find the top strings still allow the slide to hit the fret board when hammering on/off. Also, difficult to get the same volume when playing top two strings (competed to 3rd 4th).

So, is this just a question of more practice/refinement or should I go up a gauge, to say 12 top? Slide is brass, not very heavy. 

Any thoughts? 

Cheers 

mgaw

I would stick on heavier strings and see how you go,  I played loads of slide a few years back and found that the knocking against the frets etc was technique rather than thickness

me wife agrees

RickLucas

I play open A.,13, 15, 22 plain, 30, 42, 54. I have even gone to 15, 17 on the top two strings.

Roland

How about raising the saddles?

mattacjones

Saddles is def worth a try. I'll do that tomorrow!

Lewy

You don't need heavier strings, in so far that it's perfectly achievable to play clean slide on 11s (or lighter) and a normal action with enough practice. But if you whack heavier strings on and raise the action a bit you negate the need to do some of said practice (not all of it though because if you're properly cack handed about it then not even heavy strings and a high action are going to save you).

Personally, I persevered to the point where I can play cleanly on a normally set up guitar with 10s but that's because any time I set a guitar up just for slide I always find myself then wishing I could use it for everything else too. 

mattacjones

Thanks - i put saddles up and that's a big improvement

CarpeDiem

I’ve only ever tried slide in standard tuning with 10’s but tried to get my technique right, as it’s only been for the occasional solo. 

chickenbonejohn

The classic slide tunings are open G and open D, with some strings tuned down from standard, so a lot of players go for heavier gauge strings. Without a doubt, a bit more string tension helps and a little  bit more height on the action can also be useful. If you are using 11's, try replacing the top with a 13 and see how you get on. It's all very personal, and slide isn't necessarily as easy at it looks and requires a lot of technique development to get a good clear sound, free from buzzes and rattles. I can play slide on most guitars without tinkering with them apart from the tuning, but to be honest, I'm happier with a guitar where I've got the string gauges and action sorted out for slide, then I can be a bit more relaxed with my technique rather than having to concentrate on clunking the frets all the time.

PAL

I have used 10s & 11s on Blade Strat with no problems . I use regular tuning and light metal slide . Hope this helps.