Comment

Comment by YeahDoIt on September 5, 2010 at 12:02am

Do you have a metal bridge? Metal parts can give a twangier sound. And play with a metal slide, it's twangy.

Comment by Keni Lee Burgess on September 3, 2010 at 12:53am

If you use a standard strung guitar for a reference: EADgbe
it is possible to tune to the three basic tunings:
Open D: DADf#ad or capo second fret to open E
Open G: DGDgbd or capo second fret to open A
Open C: CGCegc
Regarding CBG with 4 strings, I like to use Open G Dgbd (standard strings Dgbe)
I can then also tune Open D Df#ad using the same strings.
Capo will bring you into keys of A and E
Open C would be Cgce.
See this video:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/a-cigar-box-guitar-builders
I hope this explains it further. Enjoy, Ken

Comment by Michael Gabriel on September 1, 2010 at 9:51am

Keni,

Thanks for your reponse.However my question should have been more expansive: In addition to open G, I plan to use many different tunings, i.e., open A,C, D, & E.. I need your recommendation for the best all-around combination of strings to handkle those varied tunings.

Thanks & regards,

Mike

Comment by Keni Lee Burgess on September 1, 2010 at 5:05am

For the soundboard to vibrate correctly the string tension needs to be correct. Too loose, not enough energy. Too tight, locks up the instrument. Usually with a standard scale length of 23 - 24 inches, medium gauge strings are good. You are tuning 1513. (This is actually the four highest stings in standard open C tuning CGCgce / 151513, but in the key of G) This is different than standard open G on a six string guitar DGDgbd / 515135 or on a 4 string 5135 Dgbd. If you want to use your tuning I would suggest:
G (.045) D (.035) g (.026) b (.017) Strings A,D,g,b from a medium pack.
I hope this helps. Enjoy, Keni Lee