George Harrison's Evolution in Slide Guitar: Influences and Innovation

The Genesis of George Harrison's Slide Guitar Style

George Harrison, a legendary guitarist whose work left an indelible mark on the music industry, began to hone his skills as a lead guitarist, particularly with the incorporation of slide guitar into his playing style. However, his journey was not one of traditional apprenticeship; instead, it emerged from a combination of self-study and the influence of various musical styles, notably the work of Ravi Shankar and the style of the pedal steel guitar.

Perhaps one of the most significant early influences on Harrison's slide guitar playing was the haunting melody of the song 'Sleepwalk' by Santo and Johnny. Though not a slide guitar piece, it introduced Harrison to the smooth glides and sustained notes on a single string that would later become hallmarks of his unique style.

It is crucial to note that Harrison did not start out by listening to blues-style slide guitar. Instead, his journey in this genre was somewhat unconventional. He learned to play slide guitar during a brief stint with Eric Clapton and Delaney Bonnie Friends in the late 1960s. However, much like his sitar playing with Ravi Shankar, Harrison's style evolved to be uniquely his own, often diverging from the typical blues slide clichés.

The Teaching of Delaney Bramlett

The Brief but Formative Time with Delaney Bramlett

In the late 1960s, Harrison received a pivotal lesson in slide guitar from Delaney Bramlett. Delaney, a renowned singer and producer, played a crucial role in Harrison's guitar development. During a brief tour with Delaney and Bonnie, Harrison demonstrated his keen ear for melody and his ability to craft intricate slide parts that were uniquely his. He quickly developed his characteristic melodic style, which he would later continue to refine and perfect.

Harrison's learning period with Delaney was short-lived but formative. He absorbed the teachings quickly and was soon playing with his distinct voice, although he did occasionally draw inspiration and knowledge from his friends, including John Lennon, who had his own unique playing style.

George Harrison's Unique Influence: Hindustani Classical Music

One of the most defining influences on Harrison's slide guitar approach was his deep immersion in Indian classical music, particularly the Hindustani style that he learned to play alongside Ravi Shankar. The structured approach to melody and rhythm in Indian classical music provided Harrison with a framework that significantly influenced his slide guitar playing.

Unlike typical blues-derived slide guitar, which often relies on repetitive string bends and glissandos, Harrison's playing featured large leaps up and down the fretboard that often encompassed multiple tones and grace notes, all executed with a single pick attack. This unique technique gave his music a distinct, almost ethereal quality that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Harrison preferred to stick with standard tuning rather than the open tunings commonly used by blues slide guitarists. This decision allowed him to switch seamlessly between playing lead and rhythm guitar parts, especially during verses, and to explore extended passages on a single or double string. The result was a voice that was instantly recognizable and often imitated, but always unmistakably George Harrison's.

Conclusion

George Harrison's slide guitar playing was a result of his extensive study of Indian classical music, his individual experimentation, and his unique approach to the instrument. His style evolved over time, influenced by a variety of musical sources, but ultimately became a blend of innovation and traditional techniques. His work continued to be a significant force in the genre of slide guitar, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that continue to inspire musicians today.