3 String Stick Dulcimer Fretting or CBG Fretting Layout ???

Posted by James Boutilier on May 7, 2011 at 10:50pm

Hey all, James here. Newbie.

I posted a long version in the general forums in section : BUILDING TECHNIQUES, HINTS etc....

 

Basically. I have a hard time learning strings.  Got a 3 String Dulcimer (strumstick) and I'm learning.  IT's a 26.5" DAD simple fretting (very long fret 1 and 2).

 

It's CLEARLY different from the 3 String CBG.

 

I saw the CBG and LOVED THEM. I wanted to try to build one, but thought they were fretted the same as the strumstick.  I think I saw one fretted this way somewhere....???

 

Anyway, I'm guessing anything I learned on the Strumstick would not help me, I'd need to learn chords, etc... different?  It's not a striaght forward fingerboard?

 

And making one -- What do you think about the strumstick type layout on one of these -- or is the standard CBG so much better

 

Thoughts, Opinions?  I'm rather confused now.

 

Kindest

jim

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Replies

  • Wichita Sam May 8, 2011 at 9:13am

    James,

     

    I've been where you are... not knowing enough to know what to ask to get the answers you need.

     

    Hang in there.  Read up and keep asking questions.  And, anytime you want to talk, call me....  email me at wichitasam@yahoo.com and I'll give you my phone number, so we can talk long enough so that you can start connecting the dots....

     

    the best,

     

    Wichita Sam

    James Boutilier said:

    Hey Same, thanks...

     

    Hum... can you make that a little more idiot proof?:

    fretted diatonic scale.... most CBG are fretted chromatic

     

    I see both have DAD, both are 3 string, so if I play something on first 3 frets.... how are they going to be different?

     

    I guess I'm asking if what  know on the strumstick is now no use, and if I make a CBG (regular tuning) will I need to know how to layout that fretboard and learn new chords and arrangements?

     

    Sorry, I'm VERY green to this stuff but trying.

    If I understand something, I can pretty much make most things metal or wood, but music stuff is really tough for my understanding (sadly).

     

    Kindest

    jim

  • James Boutilier May 7, 2011 at 11:20pm

    Diane !  thanks - you replied whilst I was typing and dreaming about my head pills... I mean my pie (grin.)

     

    I'll hit that link in the morning.

     

    Love this site -- forum folks are actually helpful, not insulting (like some electronic forums I know)

     

    Kindest,

    jim

     

    OK I LIED-- I just clicked there-- WOW.... CBG Strummer Forum.... the info never stops !

  • James Boutilier May 7, 2011 at 11:18pm

    Richard-- thanks mate-- baby steps works (grin).

    That or maybe the nasty tension-sinus head pain at the moment is drowning out all the confusing chatter , haha.

     

    anyway, so, what you are saying is the strum stick in DAD and the 3-string CBG also DAD, are the same beast to play minus some in between notes (and limited chording etc... in respects to the strum stick.)  So not all is lost if  want to try both ?

     

    As far as making one, I could make a either style fretting on a CBG just use the proper program to get a scale and fret layout I guess.

     

    Ok, time for Tea, Pie and Tylenol.

     

    Maybe I'll order a cigar box tomorrow !

    sucks no parts in my neck of the woods.

     

    (ps- dont know of plans around for building a CBG but NOT one that the tail end comes out the box? Can only find the other type.)

     

    THANKS ALL !

     

  • Diane in Chicago May 7, 2011 at 11:17pm

    There is a whole group here for people interested in dulcimer fretting.  Lots of fun to play because all the "wrong" notes are missing.  The way the frets are spaced you get do, re, mi, etc.  No do-sharp or mi-flat to confuse things.

     

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

     

    Read up, take your time and ask questions!

  • Richard Sanabia May 7, 2011 at 11:11pm

    Hi Jim. The strum stick you have is a diatonic instrument. Some half step frets were removed to make playing a little easier in some keys. You could add the missing frets, and then you would have a chromatic CBG. You are limited in some of the keys you can play in. Most strumsticks are played in D & G. In DAd, the name of the chord is the same as the note of the low string. The chords are not complete, (modal), but acceptable. Example, in DAd, the name of the note at the first fret is E, bar across the three strings with a slide gives you a usable E chord, even an E minor chord, not perfect, but usable. Use that technique to gain "feel" and become good with a slide. If you are confused, you can call me and I will "walk you through some explanations" until the "light" turns on. Once you get some basics, then the way will be a lot easier. Look here, and you will see that a lot of great music can come from the diatonic tunings you have: http://youtu.be/T4-VOMlpazg

    I hope I have helped, Richard in Tennessee.

  • James Boutilier May 7, 2011 at 11:03pm

    Hey Same, thanks...

     

    Hum... can you make that a little more idiot proof?:

    fretted diatonic scale.... most CBG are fretted chromatic

     

    I see both have DAD, both are 3 string, so if I play something on first 3 frets.... how are they going to be different?

     

    I guess I'm asking if what  know on the strumstick is now no use, and if I make a CBG (regular tuning) will I need to know how to layout that fretboard and learn new chords and arrangements?

     

    Sorry, I'm VERY green to this stuff but trying.

    If I understand something, I can pretty much make most things metal or wood, but music stuff is really tough for my understanding (sadly).

     

    Kindest

    jim

  • Wichita Sam May 7, 2011 at 10:59pm

    strumsticks are fretted diatonic scale.... most CBG are fretted chromatic... strumsticks are made to make playing simple... CBGs are made to play (more or less) like guitars....

     

    both are fun, there are lots of resources here for both... enjoy,

     

    the best,

     

    Wichita Sam

     

     

  • James Boutilier May 7, 2011 at 10:57pm

    ADD-ON:   Ok, so I just notice there is DAD scale on the CBG too ????  Ahhh.  Now I'm really confused.

     

    Maybe my question should be :

     

    HOW IS THE FRET LAYOUT ON THE STRUMSTICK (stick Dulcimer) DIFFERENT from Standard CBG ???

     

    Thanks

    jim

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