Who was the greatest exponent of ELECTRIC slide guitar?*

Duane IMO was better straight up player than slide player. But of course he was popular.
No slide player can play like Sonny Landreth does being able to play chords and fragments behind the slide. Everyone else is one dimensional compared to him.

 

Inspired both George Harrison and Duane Allman to pick it up.

 

not to start a fight but how is Elmore better than Duane, I've heard Elmore's playing and Duane's and Duane soared out the stratosphere at times where as Elmore's playing seems a lot more tame, they both have great feel.

 

The wasn't his main forte though? There's pretty good early tune, Steelin'.

 

Maybe he's considering that Elmore was the originator although his disciplines eclipsed him in terms of technique.

 

Interesting choice reb - I thought about Page, but wasn't sure...

 

Ok a few things have emerged - Ry Cooder and Sonny Landreth should definitely have been included in the poll, as well as Rory Gallagher and Jeff Beck (and I'm sure I missed a lot more).

Thanks guys (and gals) this is great stuff

 

Any comments on Clapton's ability as a slide player?

He has no votes in the poll, which surprises me...

 

Duane sure did as you say, but Elmore's playing at the specific time period he played was revolutionary and raw beyond any measure of *his* time. The historical context is hugely important to me when responding to classifications such as this.

 

This is a tough one.

Johnny Winter's slide work on Second Winter was outstanding. No doubt, Derek Trucks is the best out there today. Still I had to go with Duane.

 

I saw him live back in the 70's and was amazed how well he played the slide guitar.

 

Rod Price (RIP) of Foghat

 

Here is a list I found on a guitarist site of rankings of the top 10 slide guitarists. Top10Slidepage4

1. Sonny Landreth
2. Elmore James
3. Duane Allman
4. Ry Cooder
5. David Lindley
6. Johnny Winter
7. Warren Haynes
8. Jeff Healey
9. Derek Trucks
10. Joe Walsh

 

Along with Elmore James and Muddy Waters, one should not overlook
JB Hutto
Homesick James

 

The bottle and the bow.-

I really like Page's slide playing on the Danelectro.

 

Gotta go with Duane. Having said that, I haven't heard much Elmore James. I'll have to check out his work.

 

For me, without a doubt...Rod Price of Foghat.

 

Tampa Red

 

Rory Gallagher. Absolutely no contest, what-so-EVER.

 

Still only one vote for Muddy Waters - that really surprises me.

 

Duane Allman
Bonnie Raitt
Rory Gallagher

 

His playing was very primitive, which has its charm perhaps.

 

The clarification also helps

 

I can't vote here because I love so many of them with an equal passion:
Duane Allman
Johnny Winter
Mick Taylor
Rory Gallagher
Lowell George
Ry Cooder
Elmore James
...

 

David Gilmour has not been mentioned yet on this thread. I think he should be.

For just letting it rip with slide guitar, I'd have to say Johnny Winter gets my vote. For playing slide in the most impressive way, it would be Jeff Beck. Jimmy Page was also excellent, as was Mick Taylor. Ry Cooder and Sonny Landreth also excellent.

I get the love for Duane since he played so tastefully. But somehow the end result does not get me as much as it does others here.

Elmore James was overall most influential, with an assist I suppose from Muddy Waters.

So in the end I have no vote. Heh.