Slide guitarist John Emil performing at UU Coffeehouse

Sometimes, it takes a bit of providence to reveal our true skills.

Take slide guitarist John Emil, who is performing at the UU Coffeehouse on Saturday.

Emil’s love of slide guitar almost didn’t happen. During his early studies of jazz guitar, the young musician took it upon himself to learn all he could about blues guitar. On a whim while visiting a guitar shop in Hollywood, Fla., he saw and purchased a Resonator guitar.

“Resonators are often the instrument of choice for artists who specialize in the Delta blues because it works well as a slide guitar,” said Emil.

Before long, Emil had mastered the instrument, exceling at both the upright “bottleneck” style of play and the lap style. And that’s when the magic happened.

“I was playing in a lot of bars at the time, and I noticed that when I picked up the slide guitar, people sat up and paid attention,” he says. “Instead of looking to others for inspiration when I composed, the slide guitar let me find my own voice.”

His talent led him to gigs on dozens of movies and television programs, from “The Voice” to ESPN specials.

Not sure what a slide guitar sounds like? The slide allows for chord changes without reducing pressure on the strings, so think of the twang of old-school country music, Hawaiian music … or the drawn-out notes in Derek & the Dominos song “Layla” and George Harrison’s “Give me Love.”

John Emil’s mix of roots, blues and rock will open the UU Coffeehouse’s 2015-16 season.

Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8. Tickets are $17, or $15 if reserved at (803) 200-2824.

For more information, visit www.uucoffeehouse.org. As always, no alcohol will be served but guests can bring their own.

Katie McElveen, Special to The State

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 8:12 AM with the headline "Slide guitarist John Emil performing at UU Coffeehouse."