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It is no secret that music from the 1960s and 1970s created a paradigm shift that resonates in musical culture to this day. However, during this shift there was a sound that was so innovative and mesmerizing that musicians and listeners were captivated whether they were aware of it or not.
The slide guitar began finding its way into rock, and other forms of music during this time, and the emotive abilities of the playing technique also found its way into mainstream culture. The music of this era is sprinkled with some of the most delightful sounds ever heard on recording, and the slide guitar was dripping with tone.
The musicians and bands that utilized slide guitar on their recordings were becoming aware of its mysterious and attractive sound, and rock and blues music’s use of guitar riffs and solos are likely influenced by bottleneck blues playing of the early 1900s. How did the slide guitar change music, and find its way into the homes of millions of people during the ’60s and ’70s?
The answer lies in its sound, which resonates in recordings. Let’s tune in and listen to some of the most influential slide guitar music…
Allman Brothers Band: At Fillmore East
As time goes on, it becomes more and more apparent just how groundbreaking the Allman Brothers Band were with their music. This iconic live album from the band captures their essence nicely, and it is no secret among slide players and listeners that this album is often recognized as one of the best rock albums of all time.
Duane Allman’s slide work in many of these songs is like an encyclopedia of tonal expressions and articulation for slide technique, and the sound he creates is often considered some of the best ever to be heard. His tone is so full of harmonic distortion, vibrancy, and depth that it is hard to describe in words.
The interplay of slide licks and fills between Duane and his brother’s vocals creates so much texture and life within these songs. This was beautifully done on this album, and any guitarist back then that listened to this was likely inspired and influenced by the feeling and phrasing that was created.
Many guitar players pick up slide playing because of Duane Allman’s influence on them, and he has helped shape the sound of slide within the electric guitar idiom. The vocal-like qualities he captures with the slide have given many guitarists ideas for ways to speak through their instrument.
This album paved many paths in music history, and Duane’s slide playing within it created momentum for rock and roll and its guitarists.
Rolling Stones: “I Wanna Be Your Man”
There is such a strong force of blues influence within the Rolling Stones’ music that it was inevitable for slide guitar to find its way within some of their music. One of their earliest singles, this track features slide by Brian Jones and most likely created intrigue for countless rock and roll listeners.
The band has been so influential to rock and roll music, and any slide guitar playing found within their songs likely creates repercussions in the genre.
A creative guitarist, Jones found a voice with the slide in various Rolling Stones recordings, and the sound helped shape their musical direction in these tunes.
Bonnie Raitt: Self-Titled Album
It is hard not to love Bonnie Raitt’s musical talents and skills. Her bottleneck guitar playing has been heralded since the early 1970s, and she has even performed with legendary slide guitarist Mississippi Fred McDowell, which helped her gain exposure during this time.
Her ability to dive into the roots of music, as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician, was exemplified by the fact that she captured much of the essence of American music whenever she played bottleneck on tunes. This self-titled album is a great example of the warmth and soul of her music, and the slide work shows the depth of feeling that can be evoked within a song.
She’s also contributed session work for notable artists during this era, and her musical influence within these circles was evident during rock and roll of this time. Artists and bands that she worked with, such as Leon Russell, Little Feat, and Jackson Browne, were critical figures in rock and roll that were undoubtedly touched by her playing.
Ry Cooder: Paris, Texas (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ry Cooder’s ability to create soundscapes and textures with slide guitar is unbelievable, and this soundtrack is a great way to experience this. As bands like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and many more created albums that felt like stories and experiences, Ry Cooder’s work on Paris, Texas showed just how much slide has a voice in the big picture of things.
The slide is such an emotive musical force, and its sonic capabilities have always captured the ears of listeners who hear it. Ry Cooder displays this brilliantly within the soundrack, and listeners can feel this with each note’s articulation, vibrato, and tone.
Instrumental in moving the slide guitar forward during this time, Cooder undoubtedly contributed to the evolution of slide guitar. His playing and style is so versatile, and as rock and roll continued to incorporate many musical expressions, it is possible that Ry Cooder’s playing opened up new doors for guitarists of this era.
Duane Allman: An Anthology
The session work that Duane Allman did during this time frame had so much personality and style. His slide playing can be heard on tunes by Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Delaney & Bonnie, Wilson Pickett, and many more. He played a piece in the history of the Muscle Shoals studio’s amazing influence on musical culture, and his tone on some of these recordings is so full of warmth and profundity.
His musical feeling and adaptability, especially with the slide guitar, had to influence the musicians around him in these settings, and many of these artists were critical for the evolution of rock and roll. Duane was adept with improvising on the slide guitar, and he had so much soul in every note.
You can certainly hear the influence he was having within the music during these sessions, and there is no doubt that the sound took on a certain energy with his playing.
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band: Self-Titled Album
Mike Bloomfield’s guitar playing is a great example of rock and roll guitar style, yet his playing has so much character and personality that keeps it distinguishable. Many people may not realize just how great of a slide player Bloomfield was, and he used to jam with Muddy Waters and Little Walter once in a while.
Waters was influential to Bloomfield’s slide playing, and eventually Bloomfield was a pivotal member of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Their self-titled album contains some quintessential slide playing from Bloomfield, which carves a path for any guitarist that listens to his playing.
He has also recorded slide guitar for influential Bob Dylan tracks, in which his slide sound has undoubtedly reached the ears of countless listeners over the years. It is often in staple recordings such as these, that musical affluence and sounds exponentially expand their influence on musicians (and styles of playing) the more time goes on.
Pink Floyd’s Meddle: David Gilmour’s Earlier Work
David Gilmour’s guitar playing has influenced so many rock and roll guitarists that it is truly incredible. His blues influence and distinct phrasing is a characteristic aspect of his playing, and his slide guitar work on many of Pink Floyd’s tunes are perfect examples of this.
Some of Pink Floyd’s earlier albums (right after the departure of Syd Barrett) contain such neat slide work by Gilmour, and show just how much the slide can shape sounds within music. Since Pink Floyd was such a great band sonically, Gilmour’s ability to voice slide guitar in their soundscapes has touched the souls of many rock and roll fans.
His capacity to create phrasings and effects that capture listeners’ attention is undeniable, and the slide guitar has certainly gained more foothold in the rock and roll sound because of Gilmour.
For more on slide guitar, and its unique ways of evoking sound in music, check out the page below…