Slides on ‘Cello (Or Octave)

[Jared Heddinger]

Whenever I do a large slide on my mandocello (>3 frets) I either end up splitting the strings or pushing them together so they’re out of tune. Is there something I could do to improve my technique to stop this or could it possibly be a problem with something like the action or spacing?

[Eddie Sheehy]

Use the pad of your finger instead of the tip...

[Jared Heddinger]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Sheehy. It’s definitely helped!

[Charlieshafer]

I also find I don't need anywhere near as much pressure as I'd think. I light glide across the frets seems to work for most uses, unless you're really trying to dig in.

[Jared Heddinger]

Whenever I slide lightly, the note doesn’t see to sustain like it does when I dig in harder.

[Charlieshafer]

Whenever I slide lightly, the note doesn’t see to sustain like it does when I dig in harder.

Yes, good point, that's true; I do add pressure when I reach the end of the slide so I get the sustain that you normally get. It's just the slide itself is light-pressured.

[Jared Heddinger]

That seems to be working along with using the pads of my finger. It’s sounding better already!

[Marc Woodward]

Hmm, or you could use a bottleneck?!


Only kidding of course, but there's some sliding of both types in this video!
I think smooth slides are just a question of pressure and practice although flatwound strings generally make it easier - although I've just got normal strings on my OM.

Cheers,
Marc

[Jared Heddinger]

I love the sound of your octave! Although I’m not a slide fan, your post definitely got me thinking about the possibility of flatwounds. I might have to buy a set of singles.