String height for chording and sliding

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dave V on December 17, 2009 at 12:34pm

It's possible of course, but it's sort of a compromise when it comes to string height. A very low action makes it difficult to slide without bumping frets, and a high action is hard to fret without intonation problems and sore fingers.

The dime and nickel test is a good start but it's not set in stone. I'd just go a tiny bit higher than that and be careful not to press the slide too heavily on the strings.

Permalink Reply by Rickshaw Ron on December 17, 2009 at 12:38pm

Yeah, I see what ya mean. Just work with it till it feels right and I guess with some patience and practice, you'll know it when you feel it.
Thanks for your input.

Dave V said:

It's possible of course, but it's sort of a compromise when it comes to string height. A very low action makes it difficult to slide without bumping frets, and a high action is hard to fret without intonation problems and sore fingers.

The dime and nickel test is a good start but it's not set in stone. I'd just go a tiny bit higher than that and be careful not to press the slide too heavily on the strings.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on December 17, 2009 at 1:00pm

of course if you get really good, you can finger and slide on a fretless.... like ahhhh.... Shane.... If you look closely, a lot of the "combo" play is done with "stubby" slides to do melody work on a single string... a lot different proposition than a full barre across the neck slide action....

regardless, a lot of work indeed...

good luck,

Wichita Sam

Permalink Reply by Rickshaw Ron on December 17, 2009 at 1:07pm

Thank you for your input. Yeah, I see what you mean because the problem with low strings for slidin' is bumpin' the frets. I guess no frets=no bumps. But in your opinion is fretless harder to play?

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on December 17, 2009 at 1:55pm

Ron,

Fretless is always "harder" because you have to listen... it's so easy to be a few milimeters off or have your slide crooked. Finger style requires much more precision.... That's what makes the things Shane does so amazing...

I have several songs in my rep. that I play "slide style" on a fretted three string. "She's just a Friend" is one of those... All those barre chords are really slide positions without the slide. I get to throw in that 2nd string shuffle to make it more interesting and I have done it fretless, but it is hard to do that and get the sound clean... not muddy from the finger work being out of position a minor fraction....

Anyway, try it all. Each style has a different sound....

the best,

Wichita Sam

Ron Mason said:

Thank you for your input. Yeah, I see what you mean because the problem with low strings for slidin' is bumpin' the frets. I guess no frets=no bumps. But in your opinion is fretless harder to play?

Permalink Reply by Rickshaw Ron on December 17, 2009 at 2:01pm

Sam I know what you mean. I try to play fiddle and without the frets it's very easy to off a little with your finger positions which really shows up in your ears. I can tell very easily when I'm off just a little.

Wichita Sam said:

Ron,

Fretless is always "harder" because you have to listen... it's so easy to be a few milimeters off or have your slide crooked. Finger style requires much more precision.... That's what makes the things Shane does so amazing...

I have several songs in my rep. that I play "slide style" on a fretted three string. "She's just a Friend" is one of those... All those barre chords are really slide positions without the slide. I get to throw in that 2nd string shuffle to make it more interesting and I have done it fretless, but it is hard to do that and get the sound clean... not muddy from the finger work being out of position a minor fraction....

Anyway, try it all. Each style has a different sound....

the best,

Wichita Sam

Ron Mason said:

Thank you for your input. Yeah, I see what you mean because the problem with low strings for slidin' is bumpin' the frets. I guess no frets=no bumps. But in your opinion is fretless harder to play?

Permalink Reply by Jarmo Katajisto on December 17, 2009 at 2:23pm

i have not much skill yet or never ... but

i use about string high (in nuts place) from fretboard about 3 mm and (in 19 frets) string high is about 6 / 7 mm from fretboard.
maybe less string high in nuts place and in 19 fret place is better, i must check it.
i like also play finger and slide style, if i can someday in future :D

Jarmo

Permalink Reply by Rickshaw Ron on December 17, 2009 at 4:10pm

Hey Jarmo, thanks for your input. I'm still just tryin' to work it out in my head. Weather's been too bad to get out and work in my garage. You would probably think it's a heat wave but it's been cold to me. Below 60 degrees.