In this video, I demostrate and play a two-string cigar box guitar inspired by Doug's "two string chuggers." Note: for this instrument, I used two 0.009 steel strings. No doubt if i used a set of three low strings (steel or nickel wound'), the results would be quite different. I would be able to tune the strings to a lower G and D. But i figured, i would use what I have available. Meanwhile, i content myself to consider this instrument a two-string cigar box guitar, complete with options for playing "power chords," one finger chords and the like.
2stringcbg1
Views: 21
You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!
Comments
Thank you, once again, Uncle John. "Scarfed." This is new to me. My knowledge of bulding instruments is bascially intiutive and based on experience. I mgiht be familiar with some words (the lingo, terminology, whatever you want to call it) but otherwise that is it. "Less is easier," indeed. I admit to have hit a plateau when tt comes to playing acoustic guitar. To put it more simply: It's like learning new stuff is tricky and i fall back on old habits. With the cigar box guitar, diddly bow and the like, i can break out of the rut. Probably what also helps: I build these instruments. Something about playing a store bought instrument is not the same. Building and playing your instrument gives you the opportunity to try new things and explore. Oh yes, and a word i love, especially nowadays: Improvise!
Scarfed! That is the word I was looking for, Jonathan. That slanted head stock has a scarf joint - a somewhat tricky cut and glue job that in theory puts more (needed) down pressure on the nut and helps reduce the strings hopping around on the nut.
Like you, I like making and test riding instruments and tunings. For anyone who plays standard tuning guitar or uke - going fretted with either DGB or DGBE makes an easy and fun transition. Pretty close to instantly playing the 3 or 4 string CBG as well or better than we can play the 6 string. Less is easier!
Thank you, Uncle John. The neck for this instrument comes by way of C.B. Gitty. Slanted head stock/slanted head: whatever it is, this was how the neck was when i received the package. Yes. I play a fretted stringed instrument: an acoustic guitar. Then again, I also have various instruments i have built from kits: a four string banjo, a "hobo fiddle", ukeleles and a bass. I guess you have seen these already in the videos and pictures sections. Thanks about the playing tips. Oh yes: fingered chords and the use of a slide: I do both but perhaps am just now scratcihng the surface, in a manner of speaking. The more i play, the more i appreicate the music that can come from a single instrument, i am sure.
It's intersting to see the simlpest box to neck connection with the difficult slanted head stock. (My old brain can't think of the word for the slanted head.)
Jonathan, you are trying quite a few different things and that is cool. Building is fun - except for that occasional project when things go wrong or just don't work. Do you play a fretted stringed instrument like a guitar or mandolin or banjo? A fretted 3 string CBG tuned DGB is pretty fun and easy with an open G, 2 finger C, 2 finger D and 1 finger Em. Can also be played slide. Might be fun for you to truy.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Doug. Bar chords on the acoustic guitar have been a consistent challenge for me. These include B and F chords. So something like one-finger chords on a cigar box guitar, whether with two or three strings, are quite refreshing. Complex chording--oh yes, defintitely something i would give a pass on my six string, too.
You are becoming a pretty prolific experimental builder Jonathan! I'm with Kale, Uncle Crow builds are easy to build and sound great.
Glad to hear our chuggers have inspired you Jonathan. Many traditional guitar players see 1-finger chords as limiting, I see that simplification as providing more room to focus on rhythm and singing (especially on songs with complex chording that I would give a pass on my 6-string).
Thanks! It's cool to know one can play a variety of music genres with these instruments: blues, jazz, classical, folk, rock, etcetera. Cigar box guitars are incredibly versatile.
Crow-style CBGs are really fun and relatively simple to build. I like the way it looks.