I dont own a cigar box guitar, but hope to very soon, in the mean time I have an old beat up Epiphone Riviera and im dropping it to 3 strings ( a somewhat Seasick Steve style) : )

I am a modest begginer and have a few questions

Which strings should i keep on it and in what position?

For my open string tuning, can any string be tuned to any note??

What kind of action should i be aiming for.

thanks 

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  • Seasick Steve's 3-stringer is usually tuned to G-G-B with the Gs an octave apart (according to posts on the forum on his website). Wikipedia says G-A-B but I think that's wrong. I've tried G-G-B on a 3-string CBG with some success.

    Steve has his lowest string in what's normally the "A" position and the high G and B in the usual "G" and "B" positions.

    There are some good tutorial videos on YouTube by a guy who goes by the moniker DT8230. eg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LyyctL0smo

    He tunes to DGDGBD on a 6-string, but essentially he's using the two Gs and the B as per Steve's playing.

    I think Steve sometimes tunes a little higher or lower for different songs.

    Steve seems to use relatively heavy string gauges (supposedly a medium gauge "E" string for the low G, a medium gauge "D" string for the higher G, and a medium gauge "G" tuned up to B for his B string). The heavier gauges make slide playing a bit easier but they're harder work if you're fretting and bending with your fingers. I guess the guitar neck should cope OK with increased loads on the individual strings as it has fewer strings in total.

    For other approaches to using reduced numbers of strings on a regular guitar check out CB Nation member William Fontaine http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/freewayjesus-1

    One of the big things I've learned from playing around with CBGs is that it's OK to mess around with tunings and try all kinds of stuff that might seem crazy at first sight. What's important is to find something that works for you - if it's different from what other people do that's not a problem, that's being distinctive.

  • Ya, it is a common misconception concerning string height and slide. The strings might be slightly higher, but losing the ability to fret single notes, double-stops, and chords would greatly reduce your choices. Correct string tension is the secret.

    http://youtu.be/F89Gr_OyTwo

    Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee

     

    • *like**

      You guys who leave the frets off, or crank the strings so high as to render them useless...
      Listen to a guy who knows..

      It's like pulling the engine from your car to make it lighter
  • The options are limitless, but I would suggest dividing a full 6 string tuning into two parts. For example Open G tuning is DGDGBD low to high using standard guitar strings EADGBE. You could use the ADG and tune GDG or ADF#. Please see my instructional video CD 4 and 6 or your could use 4 strings DGBE and tune DGBD. See CD 5. Or why not just learn the full 6. LOL See CD 2.

     http://www.ebay.com/sch/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from...

    In general, the best option is to set the string height low so you can finger notes and chords over the entire length of the fingerboard. The correct string tension for the slide is achieved by string guage. With a standard scale length of about 24 to 25 inches, medium gauges work well. Although, I frequently use a .016 for the high string to compensate for tuning down below standard.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to write if I can be of further assistance.

    Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee  

    • Thanks Keni, some great advice, its just that I had read (or heared) that you needed a high action when working with slide, so your not just rattling the frets?? which would make more sense???

      Iv'e originally tried to copy SSSteve, tuned to G, A and B using an E string in the A position, a D in the G position and a G in the B position, however the E just buzzes bad (prob lack of experience) and as said before I'm rattling the frets.

      I might try 4 strings, as for 6 strings, i really like having more space between the strings and being able to get faster results, i hope to get my first CBG very soon.

      thanks

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