So I built my first 3 stringer using an old 1 gallon can and it makes noise pretty good. This is the third stringed instrument I have built, the first was an electric 4 string bass back 20 years ago in high school that I built to give myself incentive to learn to play and it works beautifully but I failed to learn to play. Skip ahead to this x-mas and my lovely wife bought me the wonderful book "The Handmade Music Factory". Well the Diddly Bow was made in about 30 minutes and I learned how to make noise and maybe pull together some rhythm. Then back out to the shop and, with the help of my wood working father, I cobbled together a maple neck with dark something fretboard and jammed it into my can, added some C.B.Gitty tuners and a couple of 1/4-20 brass screws for the nut and bridge, some Low G strings (again C.B.Gitty) and it sounds really nice (at least I think). I may add some sound holes in the future but really the can resonates pretty well as is.
[img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8374524904_db4148912e.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8374041227_b71344cceb.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8374042299_3fd50b6555.jpg[/img]
I can kinda play a few things, Bad to the Bone, a blues riff or two, etc... I have looked at all the videos in the "how to play" section on here and will keep referring back and practicing what they teach (A big thanx to those kind souls for posting up their great videos). I was wondering if it is worth it to purchase one of the "how to plays" from Keni Lee or from learncigarboxguitar.com or somewhere else? Or should I just try to pick up what I can from YouTube and the great and funny teacher Shane Speal?
Anyway, thanx for any advice that you fellows have and thanx for all the great info posted here for building these fun instruments.
Jaysin
Replies
There is indeed plenty of free material but in the end you get what you pay for.
I should also say that my course is exclusively for people who want to play slide on a 3 string. I don't cover things like chord shapes or playing a 4 string or using a pick. So if that's your preference and you're not interested in slide then go for Keni's
If however slide is your thing and you want to learn some fingerpicking then the stuff at learncigarboxguitar.com will help (as may Keni's too, I don't know).
Just get both of them. ;)
I just found this site while looking for some simple help without needing to know anything about music.
https://www.youtube.com/user/NightOwlBlues?feature=watch
she has a great couple of videos on how to play "Amazing Grace" that's easy to follow in 2 videos then lots of practice
I don't think there is one all encompassing method. I took lessons, attended seminars, bought books, audio tapes, and videos. I also spent a lot of time playing with other people too. What it really boils down to is, using the information you gather to practice and develop your own understanding of how to play the guitar.
My lessons are simply a recreation of how I learned to play. Certainly there are other teachers just as effective as myself.
If you have any questions, please feel free to write. Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee
Thanx for the advice. I have been playing with stuff off of youtube so far and it's good enough to start. I'll play around a bit more before I decide on the direction I want to go with the "how to play" lessons.
I already have a request to make another can guitar for my brother-in-law. It seems that everyone I show this thing to just can't get enough of it.
Thanx again,
Jaysin
P.S. if you have another opinion about the way I should learn please do chime in.
hey that cans got great colours, nice - put some frets on that neck, it'll be easier to learn ...
good job
The problem is that you cannot pass an informed opinion before you try it.
I
I have purchased learncigarboxguitar.com ($47 AUD) and a number of other CD's. I have found them all good but the stand out is learncigarboxguitar.com. It is very detailed and covers everything for the raw beginner with no music or CBG knowledge what so ever. I have found that the format takes a bit of getting used to. They are very quick to answer any questions you may have.