Now Reading: George Harrison’s Enduring Influence On Slide Guitar
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George Harrison’s Enduring Influence On Slide Guitar
George Harrison’s Enduring Influence On Slide Guitar
George Harrison’s Enduring Influence On Slide Guitar
George Harrison’s use of slide guitar is a fascinating aspect of his musical legacy, showcasing his evolution as a guitarist and his ability to blend Eastern and Western influences. Harrison began incorporating slide guitar into his work prominently after The Beatles disbanded, particularly on his 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass. His adoption of the technique was heavily inspired by his interest in Indian music, as well as his collaborations with musicians like Eric Clapton and Dave Mason.
Early Exploration and Influence
Harrison’s first notable use of slide guitar came during the late Beatles period. For example, he played slide on “For You Blue” from the 1970 Let It Be album, using a light, playful tone on his Höfner lap steel guitar. This was a departure from his earlier reliance on standard guitar techniques, hinting at his growing curiosity about new sounds. His immersion in Indian classical music, particularly the sitar, influenced his slide playing—he adopted a melodic, fluid approach, mimicking the microtonal bends and vocal-like phrasing of Indian ragas.
All Things Must Pass and Signature Style
The triple album All Things Must Pass is where Harrison’s slide guitar truly took center stage. Tracks like “My Sweet Lord,” “What Is Life,” and “Isn’t It a Pity” feature his distinctive slide work—warm, soaring, and emotionally expressive. He often played in open tunings (like open E or open G), a technique he picked up from blues and country influences, but he infused it with his own personality. Unlike traditional blues slide players who leaned on raw, gritty tones, Harrison’s style was smoother and more lyrical, often doubling his slide lines to create a rich, layered sound.
He worked with a variety of guitars for these recordings, including his Gibson Les Paul and Fender Telecaster, paired with amplifiers like the Fender Twin Reverb. His collaboration with producer Phil Spector and musicians like Clapton, Peter Frampton, and Bobby Keys gave the slide parts a lush, orchestral backdrop, amplifying their impact.
Later Career and Refinement
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Harrison refined his slide technique. On albums like Living in the Material World (1973) and Dark Horse (1974), his playing became more introspective, as heard in songs like “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth).” By the time of his 1987 comeback album Cloud Nine, produced with Jeff Lynne, his slide work—like on “When We Was Fab”—was polished yet nostalgic, blending his Beatles-era roots with a modern sheen.
Harrison also brought his slide guitar to the Traveling Wilburys, adding soulful licks to tracks like “Handle with Care” (1988). His style remained instantly recognizable: high-pitched, melodic runs that often served the song rather than overpowering it.
Technique and Legacy
Harrison typically used a glass slide on his ring finger, favoring a clean tone over distortion. He wasn’t a flashy virtuoso in the vein of Duane Allman or Ry Cooder, but his restraint and melodic sensibility made his playing stand out. His slide work often mirrored his spiritual outlook—simple yet profound, seeking beauty in subtlety.
His influence on slide guitar is enduring. Artists like Ben Harper, Derek Trucks, and even modern indie musicians cite Harrison’s emotive style as an inspiration. He didn’t just play slide; he made it a vehicle for his inner voice, bridging rock, blues, and Eastern traditions in a way that remains unique.
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