Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by OldNick on April 17, 2013 at 7:08am

You can build a four string, and put 3 strings on it until you learn, then add the fourth later (or not).  Or build a 3 stringer, learn on it, and then build a four stringer.  CBGs are like potato chips.  You can't stop at just one.

Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on April 17, 2013 at 9:19am

Some may say GDgd (5431 strings)...others might suggest GDgb (5432 strings). Whatever gets the soul charged, works.

Permalink Reply by Brent on April 19, 2013 at 2:17am

Thanks for the advise. I think you are correct. I'll just have to build one of each. Or a few of each. Or just never stop. Yeah that's more like it haha.

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on April 19, 2013 at 5:30am

the mystery 4th string i tune in 'B'  (9GDGb 32-24-16-13)- there are many configurations you could try,  use thicker strings for lower tunings (-:

 

Permalink Reply by Marcus Darwell on April 29, 2013 at 7:19am

I just finished a 4 stringer and could not figure out the tuning. Started out with a very slack DAD variation but it jangled too much. Then tried standard guitar tuning - thought the damn neck would rip right out of her so now very happy with GDGB. Sounds very nice and not too much stress on the guitar.

Permalink Reply by eK on May 8, 2013 at 7:49am

In the meantime, if you have a guitar, tune it to open G (DGDGBD) and experiment with each of the string combos and see which of the four 3-string (DGD/GDG/DGB/GBD) or three 4-string (DGDG/GDGB/DGBD) combinations you like best - or find most intuitive. Then build for that. :-)

Note: Marcus's earlier mention that GDGB sounds nice  is spot on. It's also a good tuning for many different and easily playable chords.