Slides create smooth, gliding notes by eliminating traditional fretting, popular in blues, rock, and country music. Originally made from bottlenecks or metal tubes, modern slides offer various materials and designs. Key brands include Dunlop (Pyrex Glass & Brass Slides), Ernie Ball (Glass Slide), Shubb (Axys Reversible Slide), and Rock Slide (Moulded Comfort Slide). Glass slides offer warmth, brass provides a bright attack, and ceramic blends both qualities. Used for open tunings and lap steel techniques, slides expand expressive possibilities, adding soulful vibrato and sustain.
