Hi,

I am new to CBGs. I am planning to make my first CBG. I am wondering how do I get my CBG to be diatonically fretted so that I cant play a "wrong" note. Any advice? I am planning to buy a standard set of guitar strings and make either a 3 or 2 string CBG. Thank you.


Views: 5741

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

ive made lots of em..
u calculate the fretboard like usual, but u leave some frets out.
3 strings is the ticket, u can make 2 to use the one set of strings between them

heres a couple of mine, dont hesitate to message me if u have a specific question

this is your basic dulcimer/strumstick fretting arrangement. we have used frets #2,4,5,7,9,10,11,12 (and repeat)


that arrangement actually does have 2 'wrong' notes, but its still pretty good, so thats the one I'd start with if i was you. In order to avoid those two wrong notes u need to split frets 10 and 11, like on this one


by taking the same pattern with the frets, but starting at a different position in the cycle, we get different 'modes' of the scale. This was my first cigar box guitar, a Phrygian mode strummer


this six string one is my latest, its built on a hexatonic blues scale. Its basically only a 3 string guitar, but with octave doubles


good luck with it mate, heres a couple real fancy ones to get ya thinkin
Hi,

to be honest I have no clue about fretboards and how they work. I see a number of frets, how do you know how much to space them apart? I see 16 pieces of fret? How do you know to space theme apart? They are spaced differently. I think my question is very basic, but i dont really know anything about the fretboard, hope you could enlighten me. Thanks
I like to use Stew Mac's fret position calculator. I find a metric rule to be the easiest to use, but that's just me.
http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator
use the drop down to click on Dulcimer.
Don
Here is a whole group dedicated to this idea:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/dulciworld

And here is the particular thread that talks about fret placement:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/dulciworld/forum/topics/fret-sp...
I made a pair for my kids, not hard at all, even if you do not understant the math behind it. I could not find it but a builder made a CBG with all the frets but they were diferent color to highlight the frets. Pick a scale, use the calculator to set the distances, I find centimeters better to use, or print a 1:1 if you can, leave out the ones you don't need and cut the slots, you will be done before dinner.
Cheers Ron.

[IMG]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f333/mookie098/P1010986.jpg[/IMG]
Hi, ok I went to this website (http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator ) and went to Dulcimer. I want to check a few things. I am buying a six string standard set of guitar strings from online. So I want to use two or three strings, how does this affect my sounds? Also, if i have a 25 inch fret scale, it means I must build my handle of the dulcimer such that from the nut to the 12th fret I have 12.5 inches? I am still wondering how the idea works. Like how is the dulcimer diatonic fretting different from the guitar. I still dunt understand the no "wrong" note idea with regards to fretting. If i added 6 strings and had this dulcimer fretting or if i had one string or two, how does it make a difference? Also, I am interested in this as i heard its much much easier to play diatonic fretting. I am wondering If i follow all the details, like for example have a 25 inch from nut to saddle, and have no frets. Wouldnt i be able to still play no " wrong" note? How does the fretting help at all in this process? Thank you and sorry for the ignorance, I am totally new to this.
The first CBG I built had a 25ish length neck, with hind sight it was wayyy to long for the box, try thinking about something in the 19-22" scale, like maybe 21 which has been a good length and sound for me. Easier to reach, easier to hold better balanced, still sounds great. Just something to think about since it is a CBG not a strat, but hey, no rules so you might like the longer neck and I don't.
Search for the diatonic scale some good threads on it. 3 strings is a good middle of the road place to start
Should be a few answerers in this somewhere:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/main/search/search?q=diatonic+scale

Cheers Ron.
If you selected diatonic/dulcimer on the stew mac site, your octave will be at 8, which they show in red. A chromatic/guitar will have the 12th fret as the octave. So the 8th fret is your halfway mark.

Diatonic fretting means that you only have certain notes, much like playing in the key of C and using only white keys on your piano. If you only play the white keys you can't play f# which would be considered a "wrong" note in the key of C.

A diatonic instrument is generally tuned to a specific key (for example D) and only the notes of the D scale are playable because of the fret layout. So no "wrong" notes.

If you look at the fingerboards on Jef's instruments, the frets are not evenly spaced. Some are intentionally left off the instrument. Those are the "wrong" notes.

If you have never played a stringed instrument before, then yes a 3-string diatonic guitar is a great starting place. You'll want to tune it Key of D/DAD or Key of G/GDG or Key of A/AEA or like that. That's a way's down the road, the tuning does not really matter so long as the strings are tuned relative to each other. We'll walk you through it when you get there.

You can search the Strumstick website and learn more about this kind of guitar. They have videos and tutorials.
www.strumstick.com

Jai said:
Hi, ok I went to this website (http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator ) and went to Dulcimer. I want to check a few things. I am buying a six string standard set of guitar strings from online. So I want to use two or three strings, how does this affect my sounds? Also, if i have a 25 inch fret scale, it means I must build my handle of the dulcimer such that from the nut to the 12th fret I have 12.5 inches? I am still wondering how the idea works. Like how is the dulcimer diatonic fretting different from the guitar. I still dunt understand the no "wrong" note idea with regards to fretting. If i added 6 strings and had this dulcimer fretting or if i had one string or two, how does it make a difference? Also, I am interested in this as i heard its much much easier to play diatonic fretting. I am wondering If i follow all the details, like for example have a 25 inch from nut to saddle, and have no frets. Wouldnt i be able to still play no " wrong" note? How does the fretting help at all in this process? Thank you and sorry for the ignorance, I am totally new to this.
I agree, 25" is pretty long. I'd go with something shorter. Also keeps the neck from warping if it is shorter and looks better with the small soundbox.

Mungo Park said:
The first CBG I built had a 25ish length neck, with hind sight it was wayyy to long for the box, try thinking about something in the 19-22" scale, like maybe 21 which has been a good length and sound for me. Easier to reach, easier to hold better balanced, still sounds great. Just something to think about since it is a CBG not a strat, but hey, no rules so you might like the longer neck and I don't.
Search for the diatonic scale some good threads on it. 3 strings is a good middle of the road place to start
Should be a few answerers in this somewhere:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/main/search/search?q=diatonic+scale

Cheers Ron.
Hi,

thanks for the reply. So technically it is the key that I play and the fretting. So should I build a 21 inch one, with 16 frets? I tried to put this in the fret calculator. I should not be having 18 frets for a diatonic fretting right? You mentioned 8 is my halfway point. So my 8th fret will be 10.5 inches from the nut? I also looked at mcnally strumstick page and he said that the other two strings harmonizes with whatever played on the fretted string to make a chord. Thanks everyone so far for making so much effort to respond to me, I already feel like I am part of a helpful community :)

Diane in Chicago said:
I agree, 25" is pretty long. I'd go with something shorter. Also keeps the neck from warping if it is shorter and looks better with the small soundbox.

Mungo Park said:
The first CBG I built had a 25ish length neck, with hind sight it was wayyy to long for the box, try thinking about something in the 19-22" scale, like maybe 21 which has been a good length and sound for me. Easier to reach, easier to hold better balanced, still sounds great. Just something to think about since it is a CBG not a strat, but hey, no rules so you might like the longer neck and I don't.
Search for the diatonic scale some good threads on it. 3 strings is a good middle of the road place to start
Should be a few answerers in this somewhere:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/main/search/search?q=diatonic+scale

Cheers Ron.
Yes with a 3 string diatonic, you pretty much have a nice chord wherever you play. If you run the melody up the thinnest string, you get a nice drone on the other two strings. If you play the melody over all three strings, you get lots of different chords from the two two strings you are not fretting at the time. There is a dulcimer chord chart floating around here, I'll steer you there when your instrument is done.

Meanwhile, as far as number of frets: I put in a silly number into the calculator and then just use the ones I need. I rarely play up the neck on this, those frets are mostly for visuals. So put in 24 frets, and just start measuring until you run out of fingerboard.

Also, always measure nut-to-fret, not fret-to-fret so you don''t compound small measuring errors and have it completely off further up the neck -- where errors are particularly grating.

Jai said:
Hi,

thanks for the reply. So technically it is the key that I play and the fretting. So should I build a 21 inch one, with 16 frets? I tried to put this in the fret calculator. I should not be having 18 frets for a diatonic fretting right? You mentioned 8 is my halfway point. So my 8th fret will be 10.5 inches from the nut? I also looked at mcnally strumstick page and he said that the other two strings harmonizes with whatever played on the fretted string to make a chord. Thanks everyone so far for making so much effort to respond to me, I already feel like I am part of a helpful community :)

Diane in Chicago said:
I agree, 25" is pretty long. I'd go with something shorter. Also keeps the neck from warping if it is shorter and looks better with the small soundbox.

Mungo Park said:
The first CBG I built had a 25ish length neck, with hind sight it was wayyy to long for the box, try thinking about something in the 19-22" scale, like maybe 21 which has been a good length and sound for me. Easier to reach, easier to hold better balanced, still sounds great. Just something to think about since it is a CBG not a strat, but hey, no rules so you might like the longer neck and I don't.
Search for the diatonic scale some good threads on it. 3 strings is a good middle of the road place to start
Should be a few answerers in this somewhere:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/main/search/search?q=diatonic+scale

Cheers Ron.
Hi,

I so far get the idea, but I am wondering how do I know which Frets I need or don't need. Could you advice me on that? I am going to start work on the guitar this weekend. Also, when I play, the purpose of the frets are to make a certain note and know where it is right? If it is fretless, you pretty much have to guess where the notes are? Am i right to say that? So I would press down at the fret (or near the fret?) and play the strings? Also you mentioned run the melody up the thinnest string. How does that work? Are'nt the strings around same thickness? I am still waiting on my guitar strings order. How do i also tune them to DAD? or GAG? from a regular set of guitar strings? I am pretty sure I need to buy a tuner or something right? Thanks.



Diane in Chicago said:
Yes with a 3 string diatonic, you pretty much have a nice chord wherever you play. If you run the melody up the thinnest string, you get a nice drone on the other two strings. If you play the melody over all three strings, you get lots of different chords from the two two strings you are not fretting at the time. There is a dulcimer chord chart floating around here, I'll steer you there when your instrument is done.

Meanwhile, as far as number of frets: I put in a silly number into the calculator and then just use the ones I need. I rarely play up the neck on this, those frets are mostly for visuals. So put in 24 frets, and just start measuring until you run out of fingerboard.

Also, always measure nut-to-fret, not fret-to-fret so you don''t compound small measuring errors and have it completely off further up the neck -- where errors are particularly grating.

Jai said:
Hi,

thanks for the reply. So technically it is the key that I play and the fretting. So should I build a 21 inch one, with 16 frets? I tried to put this in the fret calculator. I should not be having 18 frets for a diatonic fretting right? You mentioned 8 is my halfway point. So my 8th fret will be 10.5 inches from the nut? I also looked at mcnally strumstick page and he said that the other two strings harmonizes with whatever played on the fretted string to make a chord. Thanks everyone so far for making so much effort to respond to me, I already feel like I am part of a helpful community :)

Diane in Chicago said:
I agree, 25" is pretty long. I'd go with something shorter. Also keeps the neck from warping if it is shorter and looks better with the small soundbox.

Mungo Park said:
The first CBG I built had a 25ish length neck, with hind sight it was wayyy to long for the box, try thinking about something in the 19-22" scale, like maybe 21 which has been a good length and sound for me. Easier to reach, easier to hold better balanced, still sounds great. Just something to think about since it is a CBG not a strat, but hey, no rules so you might like the longer neck and I don't.
Search for the diatonic scale some good threads on it. 3 strings is a good middle of the road place to start
Should be a few answerers in this somewhere:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/main/search/search?q=diatonic+scale

Cheers Ron.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 21. 11 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

CB Bass Guitar

Started by Mi Rankin in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Justin Stanchfield Jan 27. 5 Replies

Latest Activity

Doug Thorsvik posted a video

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

Cigar Box Guitar Slingers - Spokane, 195th Zoom Mtg 03/25/24. Only 1-finger chords, free songbooks here: https://www.cbgslinger.com/download CBG SOF Songbook...
1 hour ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Thank you Poorness ! for loving it ! appreciated!"
17 hours ago
Southern Ray replied to Timothy Hunter's discussion just came accross this pickup idea on youtube.
" Very interesting. Thank you Timothy!"
17 hours ago
Kent Thurston updated their profile
18 hours ago
Southern Ray posted a photo

Punch Project!

She now sports gold metal CBGitty knobs, speaker and an Artec 2.5 watt speaker. Finished this in…
19 hours ago
Southern Ray posted a photo

Project Punch!

Gonna finally get back on this long-delayed project that is more than half complete. (The matching…
19 hours ago
Poorness Studios liked A.D.EKER's video
21 hours ago
BrianQ. left a comment for Rob (Uker) Porras
"Hope this helps?"
21 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's photo
Thumbnail

Dueling Flatheads

"I appreciate the kind words Papa D! I have always loved the look of these cigar boxes. Glad to have…"
yesterday
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
yesterday
A.D.EKER posted a video

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

The recorded History By Alan Lomax for the library of Congres of the Blues, from Mc Kinley Morganfield (Aka Muddy Waters) the in this take recorded Tribute ...
yesterday
Papa D commented on Doug Thorsvik's photo
Thumbnail

Dueling Flatheads

"Beautiful..Nice work Doug.."
yesterday

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->