Who was the greatest exponent of ELECTRIC slide guitar?*

Hi all

I've been on an Allman Brothers kick recently, and the sheer genius of Duane Allman's slide playing led me to wondering about who is considered to be the greatest exponent of the form in blues/rock.

Obviously the acknowledged masters like Elmore James and Muddy Waters would come into the equation, but who else should be considered?

Please choose an option from the poll (which is rather limited due to my lack of expertise) and thanks for your time

 

I consider Derek Trucks the greatest practitioner today, but Duane Allman the greatest of all time.

 

I personally think Duane Allman is a terrible slide guitar player. I'll cast my vote for Zoot Horn Rollo.

 

I voted for Elmore James because I think he has the sweetest most beautiful guitar sound. That electrified acoustic of his is so perfect. Listening to Elmore on a tube amp is pure heaven. I think George created his own unique sound that is instantly recognizable, which is pretty amazing since he sort of just stumbled upon it so late. For technique, I'll go Robert Johnson. Man, I could listen to Robert Johnson all day long...

 

^^ agreed!

 

Marcia Griffiths.


Oh, guitar, my bad...

 

I chose Elmore James. He was so influential and loved by the other artists mentioned.

 

I can't believe I left out Robert Johnson...

Did he play electric slide though? (Please excuse my ignorance).

 

Lowell George, not on your list, must be considered.
Such a distinctive style and sound:

 

Oh right, whoops! Damn ADD!

 

she ain't half bad either...



also this guy...

 

Elmore James

 

Gorts, please could you remove the second "Other" option from the poll? I tried to edit it but wasn't able to.

Apologies - it's my first poll

 

I voted for Duane because he's the slide god but this list really needs some Sonny Landreth

 

Nice choices

 

In terms of who I listened to and appreciated it's Duane. I know he was influenced by Elmore and I have a couple of compilations of his music but Duane is really the one for me.

 

+1 Duane Allman (or is that to the 2nd power?)

 

Robert Nighthawk Earl Hooker Hound Dog Taylor

A ridiculous number of great slide guitar players have been left off the list.
Ry Cooder. David Lindley. Sonny Landreth

 

I'm on a bit of a Faces kick at the moment so I'll add Ronnie Wood, he has a unique style.

 

You are correct in saying I've left off a lot - apologies for my lack of expertise - I'm learning as I go here

 

Hound Dog Taylor for sure. He's even more punk sounding than Elmore. If you haven't heard the "Release The Hound" record, CHECK IT OUT. It's intense!
I love Earl Hooker too, but I don't think his studio recordings ever did him justice.

 

I hear you on Ronnie - maybe not an acknowledged great, but I've always enjoyed his playing - I feel he's underrated generally.

 

Skydog is the correct answers according to science.