Frequently Asked Questions
What is slide guitar?
Slide guitar is a particular technique for playing the guitar that is often used in blues-style, country, and rock music. The technique involves placing an object against the strings while playing to create glissando effects and deep vibratos that make the music emotionally expressive. It typically involves playing the guitar in the traditional position (flat against the body) with the use of a tubular "slide" fitted on one of the guitarist's fingers. The slide may be a metal or glass tube like the neck of a bottle. The term "bottleneck" was historically used to describe this type of playing. The strings are typically plucked while the slide is moved over the strings to change the pitch. The guitar may also be placed on the player's lap and played with a hand-held bar and is then referred to as "lap slide guitar" or "lap steel guitar".
Creating music with a slide of some type has been traced back to primitive stringed instruments in African culture and also to the origin of the steel guitar in Hawaii. Near the beginning of the twentieth century, blues musicians in the Mississippi Delta popularized the bottleneck slide guitar style, and the first recording of slide guitar was by Sylvester Weaver in 1923. Since the 1930s, performers including Robert Nighthawk, Earl Hooker, Elmore James and Muddy Waters popularized slide guitar in the electric blues genre and influenced later slide guitarists in the rock genre including the Rilling Stones, Duane Allman and Ry Cooder. Lap slide guitar pioneers include Oscar "Buddy" Woods, "Black Ace" Turner and Freddie Roulette.
Check out our "Videos" page to see slide guitar in action!
How do I know what size to purchase?
Slide guitarists wear their slides on their ring or pinky fingers. Harpley Slides come in two sizes: 3/4 inch inner diameter and 7/8 inch inner diameter. The 3/4 inch slide is roughly a size 8 ring and 7/8 inch is roughly a size 13 ring. Some musicians prefer slides extra snug, while other like the extra space. It is all a matter of personal opinion.
How long will it take to get my order?
We only add inventory to our website once it is already created. This allows us to ship out immediately. We send everything first class USPS so a tracking number is also provided.
Where did the name "Harpley" come from?
As you know, this is a family business and my wife and I decided to combine our daughters' names - Harper and Riley - and came up with the name "Harpley".
Is your product available in any stores?
Currently our product is sold only online and at music events we attend. However, we are looking into some select retail stores. If your store is interested, contact us at info@harpleyslides.com