#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

One finger Barre cord technique

Hi

I’m really green with learning CBGs (never played anything with strings before).

I’ve done okay learning a couple of simple songs, but I’m not have a lot of luck getting real clean notes when I try to use on finger across all three strings.

Any tips on hand/finger placement, exercises, etc for Barre technique?

I seem to be improving a bit by partially laying another finger on top of the one providing pressure. The box of my guitar is small, so I’m playing it banjo-style in between my legs with the neck more upright—this seems to help my fingers get more easily parallel to the frets. Maybe it’s just practice to build strength and flexibility—any suggestions appreciated.

thanks, TW

0 members like this

Views: 255

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on January 29, 2020 at 2:28pm

Personally I'd lower the bridge, imo your action is a little high and plays hell on intonation by stretching the strings when fretting, with a slide you might be ok. Just my 2cents.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on January 29, 2020 at 7:34pm

Why are you all talking in currency? Ha ha, knowing how many dimes to the inch would help me understand. Do you guys have credit cards and small change all over your benches?

Taff

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on January 30, 2020 at 5:02am

LOL Taff, we can't afford fancy rulers! Mostly us married guys all of us have change in a jar. Guess I could come up with an equivalent chart for different currencies. :-)

▶ Reply

‹ Previous
1
2
Next ›

Welcome to
Cigar Box Nation

Sign Up
or Sign In

Or sign in with:

The Essential Pages

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources

CigarBoxGuitar.com - the knowledgebase of the homemade music movement.
Cigar Box Music - How-to-Build CBGs DVDs, How to Play CBG and more!
3-String-Guitar.com - John "Red Dog" McNair's unique take on cigar box guitars and their history - lots of historic photos!
The Cigar Box Guitar Manifesto - the mission statement and rallying cry for the Cigar Box Guitar Revolution.

Forum

Song lyrics for Steve's new song

Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. 20 hours ago. 4 Replies 0 Likes

AI Search Query - Curious Answer

Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by A.D.EKER on Wednesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes

UK - Best Place to Buy Cigar Box's

Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes

Are metal frets necessary?

Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 20. 7 Replies 1 Like

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes

Joseph J. Rogowski about Current Based Pickup Design

Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes

Flat bucker under box top. Any Success?

Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes

Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?

Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like

just came accross this pickup idea on youtube.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes

VIDEO: Building a CBG with limited resources.

Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes

Free PDF Download: Vintage Guitar Effects Plans - 1967 Fuzzbox and 1969 Treble Boost

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes

No Harmonics

Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes

Camera suggestions?

Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes

CBG site issues, continued.

Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes

Anyone used a violin-style tailpiece on a CBG?

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes

Guitar for the grandson

Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes

Building with vintage paper/pressed board cigar boxes.

Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like

Blog Posts

I'll be fashionable this summer =)

Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like

Everyone can make CBG. And I did it =)

Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes

.✨. Cover Me ..♪♫•¨•. ~ the Delta Blues Outlaws

Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

Q&A with Arkansas-based talented blues musician Billy Jones, one of the very best authentic modern artists

Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes

Big Power Bank for Small CBG =)

Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like

Latest Activity

Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video

Don't Worry Be Happy: 3D Printed Cigar Box Guitar

"Wish I could too Uncle John!!!"

37 minutes ago

Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video

I Can Only Imagine: 2-String Chugger License Plate Cigar Box Guitar

"Thanks Uncle John! I’m always delighted when other Slingers choose it to play."

38 minutes ago

J. D. Woods commented on J. D. Woods's photo

Current Instrument Line-Up

"Hi Uncle John, Ha, ha!! So glad you asked, I wondered when somebody was gonna notice! I'll try…"

1 hour ago

A.D.EKER commented on AGP #'s photo

AGP #530 - ''Pink Floyd''

"Colorfull Build AGP # the last colorfull song they will ever build ,the feud is going…"

6 hours ago

A.D.EKER commented on Poorness Studios's video

Jose Cuervo | Shelly West cover on 4-string CBG

"its good to hear you are part of the "Old Content" did not get any of this ,but you…"

7 hours ago

A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video

There i was Standing at the ..... BCB - A. D. Eker 2024

"Good morning UJ ,How are you ? hope you are fine! i did say "CrossRoads",Blues Rock its a…"

7 hours ago

Uncle John commented on J. D. Woods's photo

Current Instrument Line-Up

"Here is a link to CBG 101. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy04bkM_JSc"

12 hours ago

Uncle John commented on J. D. Woods's photo

Current Instrument Line-Up

"Nice line up. Unusual pick guard on the big git that looks like a Martin. What is that…"

12 hours ago

Uncle John commented on Ghostbuttons's photo

Four projects

"Nice, nice trio."

12 hours ago

Uncle John commented on Crazed Fandango's photo

Frethound 4 String

"Looks great. That looks like one I could really like playing. Four strings too. …"

12 hours ago

Uncle John commented on David Hopkins's photo

Anti-Body Guitars 18,19 and 20

"Great theme, workmanship and guitars!"

12 hours ago

Uncle John commented on David Hopkins's photo

Angel 2x Anti-Body #17

"Very, very nice. I hope it got to a good home and that it will be enjoyed.."

12 hours ago

RSS

CigarBoxGuitar.com Knowledgebase Articles

Add a Panel-Mount Gain to a C. B. Gitty Amp Board

Cigar Box Guitar Building Tip: Neck Reinforcement with Humbuckers

A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make a Straight Headstock

Cigar Box Ukulele Kit Assembly Guide

Advanced Cigar Box Guitar Building guide by Joshua Gayou

“Open A” AEA Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open E” EBE Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open D” DAD Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open G” GDG Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

Diatonic (Dulcimer-Style) Fretting – What it is, How and Why to Use It

More…

Events

20th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival (Day 4)

June 2, 2024 from 11am to 1pm – BeeZr Gastropub
0 Comments 0 Likes

Music

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

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service

Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!

#xg { position:relative;top:120px; } #xn_bar { top:120px; }

Hello, you need to enable JavaScript to use Cigar Box Nation.

Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator.

Sign in to chat!

Scroll \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 -->