Einnor,

Most people you talk to seem to prefer the open G tuning, but I preferred the open D.

When you're starting, and need some instant results to keep yourself interested, instead of putting the slide on your pinkie, try wearing it on your middle finger, like Bonnie Raitt does; it has a little more strength and control; you can always try the pinkie later, as you want to add more.

When you move the slide, rest your index finger on the strings to damp them behind the slide. As you take the slide off the strings, lift your index finger as well.

Until you get your technique down a little better, you may want to fingerpick. Damp the strings with your right thumb and fingers, just letting go of a string as you want to pick it or let it ring. When you're using this technique, you can even play in the more familiar standard tuning.

Well, that's about all I know about slide. Now if I could only get someone to help me play my mandolin.

Paul.