3 string vs 4 sting

Bluzmann August 27, 2010 at 7:56pm

Thank you for the input. I will build a 3 and 4 sting guitar and I ordered Keni Lee's CD 4 and 5 so I can learn to play the instruments.

However, even if I can't play them, they are fun to make.

ChickenboneJohn August 26, 2010 at 12:55pm

I personally prefer 3 strings, 3 notes is all you need for a chord, and for slide work they are really good, just using the top 3 notes of a regular open G or open D tuning, very easy to transfer from playing 6 string open-tuned slide stuff. I found 4 strings a bit awkward to get a tuning that I like (but that's just me), unless you go for the tenor banjo/guitar tunings for fretted playing.

Keni Lee Burgess August 26, 2010 at 12:52pm

Yes, it is nice to have one of each. Not only are you exploring the two parts that make up the full 6 string tuning, but if you have the opportunity to use them in a duet with a partner, they sound great together. From a song arranging point of view, you will both be forced to explore and play totally different ideas. If you make a banjo too (5 string - gDgbd) then it is just like your 4 string, but you can experiment with adding that high g drone string. This concept can be extended to uke and mandolin too, adding the unique sound qualities found in these instruments to your sound. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUPOzfzuocs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbSFDMHgDL4

Uncle John said:

Hi Lee,
A four string with frets has much in common with a 6 string. A 3 string is a different animal, especially if it is unfretted. The answer is clear. You need one of each.

Uncle John August 26, 2010 at 11:17am

Hi Lee,
A four string with frets has much in common with a 6 string. A 3 string is a different animal, especially if it is unfretted. The answer is clear. You need one of each.

otis August 26, 2010 at 9:13am

im with keni, ive watched alot of his videos and they have helped immensely!

Josh Gayou (SmokehouseGuitars) August 25, 2010 at 11:38pm

Suck up every bit of info from Keni Lee that you can. He is a masterful teacher.

Keni Lee Burgess said:

I mainly play in open tunings. For example, my 6 string is tuned open G (DGDgbd).
I tune my 3 string GDG (strings 543 of the 6 string) It works really well as a bass instrument or a simple rhythm and lead guitar.
See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdRMFN_5Ck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGX3bWHSHt0
I tune my 4 string Dgbd (strings 4321 of the 6 string) It works well as a tenor guitar. Also great for playing chords. See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLGnnF-TIbY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB6vm3jtRLk

If you understand this approach, you can apply this knowledge to play banjo (gDgbd) uke, or mandolin.
Please feel free to write if you have any questions. Enjoy.

Keni Lee Burgess August 25, 2010 at 9:40pm

I mainly play in open tunings. For example, my 6 string is tuned open G (DGDgbd).
I tune my 3 string GDG (strings 543 of the 6 string) It works really well as a bass instrument or a simple rhythm and lead guitar.
See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdRMFN_5Ck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGX3bWHSHt0
I tune my 4 string Dgbd (strings 4321 of the 6 string) It works well as a tenor guitar. Also great for playing chords. See below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLGnnF-TIbY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB6vm3jtRLk

If you understand this approach, you can apply this knowledge to play banjo (gDgbd) uke, or mandolin.
Please feel free to write if you have any questions. Enjoy.

Josh Gayou (SmokehouseGuitars) August 25, 2010 at 9:04pm

Make a four string. You can always take one of the strings off and play as a 3 to figure out which feels best to you.

Mark Werner August 25, 2010 at 8:25pm

Good question. I tend to prefer 4-strings, but then I'm an experienced guitarist. Been playing since the 70s.

Three-bangers have a certain "purity", and lots of guys make really great music with 'em.

Why not do one of each? C'mon, you know you will.....

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3 string vs 4 sting

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