How to Play a 3-String Cigar Box Guitar: A Deep Dive

So, you’ve got your hands on a 3-string cigar box guitar (CBG). Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey into the soulful, gritty world of DIY music. The most direct answer to the question “How do I play a 3-string cigar box guitar?” is this: learn basic chord shapes, understand common tunings, practice slide techniques, and most importantly, embrace the instrument’s unique limitations and strengths to develop your own bluesy, roots-inspired style.

Tuning Your 3-String Cigar Box Guitar

Before you can even think about playing, you need to get your CBG in tune. The most popular tunings are open tunings, which means strumming all the open strings produces a chord. Here are three of the most common:

• Open G (GDG): This is a favorite for blues and slide playing. The thickest string is tuned to G, the middle to D, and the thinnest to G.
• Open D (DAD): Similar to Open G, but with a slightly lower overall pitch. Again, great for blues and slide. Thickest string is D, middle is A, thinnest is D.
• GDG (octave lower): This is the same open G tuning, but is a popular option if you don’t want to over-stress the neck of the CBG.

Experiment! Different tunings will inspire different melodies and riffs. Use a digital tuner or a tuning app on your phone for accuracy. Relative tuning (tuning to itself) can also work, but it’s best to have at least one string accurately tuned to start with.

Mastering Basic Chord Shapes

With only three strings, chord shapes are simplified. You’ll mostly be playing power chords (root and fifth) and variations thereof. Here are a few essential shapes to get you started, using the Open G (GDG) tuning as an example:

Power Chords in Open G (GDG)

• G Power Chord: Simply strum all three strings open.
• C Power Chord: Barre your finger across all three strings at the 5th fret.
• D Power Chord: Barre your finger across all three strings at the 7th fret.

These simple shapes can be moved up and down the neck to create different power chords. Experiment with adding your little finger to the string on the first string (G in this case) 2 frets higher than your barre to add a major 3rd and change the chord from a simple power chord to a major chord.

Beyond Power Chords

While power chords are foundational, don’t be afraid to explore other voicings. Try muting one or two strings to create different textures. Experiment with leaving the first string open, whilst holding down the other 2 strings.

Slide Guitar Techniques

The 3-string cigar box guitar is practically begging to be played with a slide. The open tunings make it perfect for creating those wailing, expressive blues sounds.

Basic Slide Technique

Hold the slide (a socket, glass slide, or even a metal pipe will work) lightly over the strings. Apply just enough pressure to create a clean tone, but not so much that you deaden the sound. The slide should sit directly above the fret you’re aiming for, not behind it like when fretting normally.

Vibrato and Expression

The key to good slide playing is vibrato. Rock the slide back and forth slightly to add warmth and character to your notes. Experiment with different speeds and widths of vibrato to find your own voice.

Intonation

Intonation is crucial for slide playing. Because you are not using frets, you must develop a good ear for where the notes are to play in tune. Practice playing single notes and chords up and down the neck to improve your accuracy.

Developing Your Own Style

The beauty of the 3-string cigar box guitar is its simplicity and its inherent DIY spirit. Don’t try to emulate existing guitar heroes; instead, focus on developing your own unique style.

Embrace the Limitations

The CBG isn’t a highly refined instrument. It has a raw, imperfect sound. Embrace these qualities and use them to your advantage. Play with feeling and emotion, rather than technical perfection.

Experiment with Different Sounds

Try different types of slides, different tunings, and even different ways of holding and strumming the instrument. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover the unique possibilities of the 3-string cigar box guitar.

Listen to the Masters

Listen to blues legends like Seasick Steve, Blind Willie McTell, and R.L. Burnside. These artists understood how to wring maximum emotion out of simple instruments. Pay attention to their phrasing, their rhythms, and their overall approach to music.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing the 3-string cigar box guitar:

1. What gauge of strings should I use?

Medium gauge strings are generally recommended for 3-string CBGs. A common set would be .042, .032, and .024, but experiment with different gauges to find what works best for your instrument and your playing style. Heavier strings will generally give you more sustain and a fuller sound, while lighter strings will be easier to bend.

2. How do I build my own cigar box guitar?

There are countless resources online that can guide you through the process of building your own CBG. Start by researching different designs and gathering the necessary materials: a cigar box, a neck (often a piece of hardwood), tuning pegs, a bridge, and strings. The process is more about the journey than the destination, but with some patience, you’ll find the reward of creating a very unique instrument.

3. Can I play other genres besides blues on a CBG?

Absolutely! While the CBG is often associated with blues, it can be used to play a variety of genres, including rock, country, folk, and even jazz. The key is to adapt your playing style and techniques to the specific genre.

4. How do I amplify my cigar box guitar?

There are several ways to amplify a CBG. The simplest is to use a magnetic pickup (like those used on electric guitars) mounted in the sound hole or on the cigar box. You can also use a piezo pickup, which is attached to the bridge or soundboard. Both types of pickups can be plugged into an amplifier.

5. What’s the best way to learn new songs on a 3-string CBG?

Start by learning simple riffs and chord progressions. There are many online resources that provide tablature and tutorials specifically for 3-string CBGs. Focus on learning the basic structure of the song and then adapt it to your own style.

6. How do I maintain my cigar box guitar?

Keep your CBG clean and dry. Wipe down the strings and neck after each use. Periodically check the tuning pegs and bridge to make sure they are secure. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a humidifier to prevent the wood from warping.

7. What are some common mistakes beginners make?

Common mistakes include using too much pressure when fretting, not tuning accurately, and being afraid to experiment. Remember that the CBG is a simple instrument, so don’t overthink it. Just relax and have fun.

8. How can I make my CBG sound better?

Experiment with different types of strings, tunings, and slides. Also, consider upgrading the tuning pegs and bridge to improve the instrument’s overall quality. The cigar box itself can greatly affect the tonal qualities of the instrument. Some cigar boxes offer more resonant sound boards than others.

9. Where can I find 3-string CBG tablature?

There are numerous websites and YouTube channels that offer tablature and tutorials for 3-string CBGs. A simple Google search will yield a wealth of resources.

10. Is it possible to play fingerstyle on a 3-string CBG?

Yes, absolutely! Fingerstyle playing can add a lot of complexity and nuance to your CBG playing. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns and techniques to create your own unique sound.

11. What are some alternative tunings for a 3-string CBG?

Besides Open G and Open D, you can try other tunings such as EBE, AEA, or even minor tunings. Experiment to find tunings that inspire you.

12. Can I use a capo on a 3-string CBG?

Yes, you can use a capo to change the pitch of your CBG. This can be helpful for playing in different keys or for matching the pitch of other instruments. Standard guitar capos usually fit just fine.

The 3-string cigar box guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a gateway to a world of creativity and musical expression. Embrace its limitations, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun! You may even find that this humble, DIY instrument unlocks a musical style you never knew you had. Now go forth and make some beautiful, gritty music!