string gauge for slide

[Mr. C]

Now that I have two guitars (electric that is) I've been thinking of how to utilize the "extra" guitar. I decided to tune it to open E and then found out that it is a common tuning used for slide guitar which I happen to be interested in learning. I'm just wondering what gauge strings is common for playing slide. I'm thinking heavier than the 10's I currently have on the guitar.

 

[IronFlippy]

Heavier strings help, but also raise the action. Youll get a better slide tone.

 

[faderbug]

Heavier strings help, but also raise the action. Youll get a better slide tone.

when the action is soooo high you can barely play it with your fingers you get the best slide tones

 

[Dani Pace]

Yep, heavy strings, high action and maybe even lower the pickups. If you are new to slide you should try a variety of slides, they come in a variety of weights and different materals. Glass sounds slightly different from metal, thin is a little different from thick. You may want to try a few different tunings too, I use a dobro tuning myself (I learned on dobro first) 6-D, 5-G, 4-D, 3-G, 2-B, 1-D (G tuning) for most things. Another useful tuning is 6-D, 5-A, 4-D, 3-F#(F for a minor,) 2-A, 1-D (A tuning) this one in really good for blues, especially in the minor tuning. Don't forget to take advantage of the drone notes when playing slide, you have to lift the slide off the strings, and mute certain strings with your right hand.