Contemporary Slide Guitar

Discover the expressive and soulful world of slide guitar with ‘Contemporary Slide Guitar,’ a groundbreaking online course from Lick Library. Led by the virtuosic guitarist and educator Levi Clay, this course is your definitive guide to mastering the art of bottleneck slide guitar, from its traditional roots to its modern applications. Whether you’re a complete beginner to slide or an experienced player looking to expand your vocabulary, this course will provide you with the techniques, theory, and inspiration to elevate your playing. If you’ve ever been captivated by the sounds of players like Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, or Robert Johnson, this course will equip you with the skills to incorporate their influence into your own unique style.
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Levi Clay Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Levi Clay

Lessons Included in this Course

1 Introduction
2 Discussing the Slide & Tuning
3 Instrument Set Up & How The Slide Works
4 Slide Technique
5 Choosing A Finger For Slide Guitar
6 Pick Blocking
7 Sliding & Vibrato
8 Licks In Open E Tuning
9 Slide Guitar In Standard Tuning
10 Fret & Slide Combinations
11 Slide Guitar Licks in Standard Tuning
12 Melody For 'Red Herring'
13 Outro
14 Performance

Course Content Overview

This comprehensive course covers every aspect of contemporary slide guitar playing, with a focus on developing both technical proficiency and musical creativity. You will learn the essential techniques for producing a clean, articulate slide tone, as well as advanced concepts that will set your playing apart. The lessons are designed to be practical and engaging, with a wealth of licks, exercises, and musical examples.

Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:

  • The Roots of Traditional Slide Guitar: Explore the history and evolution of slide guitar, from its origins in the Mississippi Delta to its role in modern music.
  • What is a Slide and How it Works: Learn about the different types of slides, how to choose the right one for you, and the fundamental mechanics of playing with a slide.
  • Finger Placement and Picking Technique: Master the art of precise finger placement and develop a versatile picking technique for a wide range of tonal colours.
  • Angling the Slide: Discover the subtle yet powerful technique of angling the slide to create expressive vibrato and vocal-like phrasing.
  • Fretting in Front and Behind the Slide: Unlock new harmonic possibilities by learning to fret notes with your other fingers while using the slide.
  • Open E Tuning and Standard Tuning: Explore the two most common tunings for slide guitar and learn to navigate the fretboard in each.
  • Practising with Backing Tracks: Apply your skills in a real-world musical context with professionally produced backing tracks, honing your timing, phrasing, and improvisational abilities.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is designed for a wide range of guitarists, from those who have never picked up a slide before to experienced players who want to refine their technique and expand their creative horizons. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to:

  • Learn the fundamentals of slide guitar in a clear and structured way.
  • Develop a more expressive and lyrical guitar voice.
  • Incorporate the sounds of blues, rock, and Americana into their playing.
  • Improve their improvisational skills and learn to create compelling solos.
  • Explore new tunings and expand their harmonic vocabulary.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

‘Contemporary Slide Guitar’ offers a unique and comprehensive approach to learning slide guitar that is both accessible and challenging. Levi Clay’s deep knowledge of the subject, combined with his passion for teaching, makes for an inspiring and effective learning experience. The course is packed with high-quality video lessons, detailed transcriptions, and practical exercises that will help you develop your skills and find your own voice on the slide guitar. By the end of this course, you will have the confidence and ability to play slide guitar with authenticity, creativity, and soul.

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1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

Contemporary Slide Guitar Course by LickLibrary

LickLibrary is thrilled to introduce our latest offering for guitar enthusiasts, the "Contemporary Slide Guitar" course. Designed for both beginners and seasoned players, this course delves deep into the heart of slide guitar, bringing a modern twist to traditional techniques. With comprehensive lessons covering everything from the basics of using a slide to advanced finger placement and picking techniques, this course is your gateway to mastering the soulful sounds of slide guitar. This course is taught by Levi Clay.

Lesson Overview

The Roots of Traditional Slide Guitar

The journey begins with an exploration of the roots of traditional slide guitar. This foundational lesson provides a historical context, helping students understand the evolution of slide guitar playing and its significance in various music genres. By appreciating its origins, learners can better grasp the emotional depth and expressive potential of slide guitar music.

What is a Slide and How it Works

A crucial lesson focuses on the slide itself - what it is and how it works. This part of the course demystifies the slide, explaining its various types and materials, and how these factors influence the sound. Learners will discover how to choose the right slide for their style, ensuring a comfortable and effective playing experience.

Finger Placement

Proper finger placement is key to mastering slide guitar. This lesson guides students through the techniques of positioning fingers on the fretboard, ensuring clean, clear notes. Understanding finger placement enhances control and precision, allowing for more expressive and intricate slide guitar playing.

Picking Technique

The course also emphasizes the importance of picking technique. Whether using a pick or fingers, this lesson explores how different approaches can affect tone and dynamics. Learners will develop a versatile picking technique, essential for adding texture and rhythm to their slide guitar playing.

Angling the Slide

Angling the slide is a subtle yet impactful technique covered in the course. By adjusting the angle of the slide against the strings, players can achieve a variety of sounds and effects. This lesson teaches the art of slide angling, offering tips for smooth transitions and vibrato enhancements.

Fretting in Front and Behind the Slide

Fretting in front and behind the slide opens up a new dimension of musical possibilities. This advanced technique allows for the creation of harmonies and counter-melodies, enriching the overall sound. The course provides step-by-step guidance on mastering this skill, significantly expanding the learner's musical repertoire.

The Benefit of Using a Backing Track

Incorporating a backing track is an invaluable part of the learning process. Practicing with a backing track not only improves timing and rhythm but also enhances musicality by simulating a real-life playing environment. It encourages improvisation and creativity, preparing students for performances and jam sessions.

Conclusion

The "Contemporary Slide Guitar" course by LickLibrary is an all-encompassing program designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to excel in slide guitar playing. From understanding the instrument's history to mastering advanced techniques, this course offers a rich learning experience, fostering musical growth and expression.


Guitar Techniques Used in This Course

This meticulously crafted course not only broadens your musical horizons but also immerses you in the captivating world of slide guitar. With LickLibrary's "Contemporary Slide Guitar," embark on a musical journey that promises to enhance your playing technique, musical understanding, and expressive capabilities.

Levi Clay playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Levi Clay

Levi Clay is an English born, Scotland based guitarist who has carved out a career over the last 10 years with a focus on his expertise as a music transcriber, writer, and performer of many styles of music. From his earlier days playing in rock/metal group Hellcat Molly, to his...

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