This is one of the most unusual finds I’ve ever come across, slide or otherwise, when it comes to a certain key being “just right” within the context of what we are playing and experimenting with.
When most folks play in standard tuning slide they always think towards the key of E, figuring that it must be the best key since we have all those open strings, including two Es. The truth is, however, that if we want to play in C the possibilities seem even more gratifying. Of note is the fact that C has an open E and G, and since one of those – the E – is the major third of C, it gives it an even more unusual timbre, and tonal relationship to the home chord.
Add to that the fact that a root note can exist so closely on the B string at the first fret, and throw in the other notes as well, and we suddenly see how C may simply be the most versatile key of all for standard tuning slide. So, try out some of these Ideas and see what you come up with. This really surprised me, in terms of all the wonderful and endless ideas that can happen, and I’m sure it will you, too. Enjoy!—Arlen Roth
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