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Cigar box guitar players' workshops in the Midlands

Hi good people, I've been asked by a couple of people about doing some players' workshops, and I'm I've now organised something. If you fancy the idea of getting started, learning the basics or developing your playing, get in touch or post on here.

Numbers are coming in nicely, and I've booked the local church hall...so I'm having to charge £10 a head to cover the cost.

The date is Saturday 28th July, 1.00- 4.00 pm, at St Gregory's Church Hall, Bearwood, West Midlands

It's much more fun learning in a group rather than individually, but don't be worried about embarrassing yourself in front of others with your playing, it's supposed to be fun and the whole idea is to be supportive and generally encouraging.

If anyone else further afield fancies the idea, I'm happy to travel as long as I can cover the cost of my diesel....just let me know. I'm already booked for a 'make and play' day in Twickenham on 14th October, but providing the numbers stack up, I'll try and make things happen for you wherever you are.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Parleblue on July 16, 2012 at 9:52pm

I`m in :-)

Permalink Reply by Little Soul Eric on July 17, 2012 at 8:37am

CJ im just about to re-string my guitar and get it ready for the 28th

and i noticed your strings you use (G - D - G with 023 -016 -012 strings)

are these mediums or lights ?

cheers Soul

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on July 24, 2012 at 11:17pm

I've had a couple of late cancellations, so there are still a few places before I get overwhelmed. Tickets for Boxstock have now arrived on my doorstep, so will be on sale on the day.

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on July 25, 2012 at 6:24am

Anyone coming over from the Bromsgove area? I've got someone asking for a lift to the workshop.

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on July 27, 2012 at 5:22am

Hi good people, Paul Smith has kindly stepped in with an offer of a lift...isn't this movement wonderful?! I'll see you all tomorrow. For those of you who have visited me at my house/workshop, the venue is literally at the bottom of the road...just off the little roundabout with the big oak tree in it....you can't miss it...trad. 1920s wooden church hall (used a few months ago for filming a World War II drama!!)

Permalink Reply by Graham Alibone on July 28, 2012 at 9:44pm

Morning fellow builder/strummers, what a good day and night at Bearwood and the Maverick pub yesterday, thanks very much Chickenbone for setting everything up. It was good to put faces to names. See you all at Boxstock. Special thanks to Soul for going the extra mile(s) for me.

Take care all, 'Fingers'.

Permalink Reply by Paul 'PapaHogg' Smith on July 29, 2012 at 12:09am

I second what 'Fingers' has said. Great workshop, great people, great food, great gig... More please!

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on July 29, 2012 at 12:18am

Thanks guys....hope you all had a good day. Sorry I couldn't offer any biscuits to go with the tea & coffee back at Chickenbone Towers...but hope you enjoyed that bit of peace & quiet & sunshine in the back garden. How about that Blackriver Bluesman and Bad Mood Hudson?!! What a dynamic (and freakin' loud) duo!!! Got to love the stage outfits..brocade fronted suits and sharkskin shoes...

Watch out for some video in the next few days of the workshop (from the ever-helpful and enthusiastic Ralph Cardall).

Permalink Reply by bouydog 8-9-8 on July 29, 2012 at 2:02am

Belated good morning everyone, what a great day and evening lovely to meet you all and thanks to John for the very usefull instruction and hospitality.

Yes they were loud.

Looking forward to doing it again see you all soon.

Permalink Reply by Spike on July 29, 2012 at 4:19am

I'll add my two penn'orth ........ the workshop was great, and everyone went home having learned, either to get started on CBG or to improve their playing. For me, the revelation was the alternative tunings - I've been playing in "power chord" mode for the last 2 years but the change of "feel" from a different tuning was surprising and inspiring.

Thanks again to CJ for giving so generously of his time. Sorry I couldn't make the evening gig; sounds as if a good time was had by all!

Steve Pike (a.k.a. "Klaatu")

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on July 29, 2012 at 4:31am

That's useful feedback about the other tunings..the open G was the tuning I originally used when I started on cigar box guitars. I think sometimes trying a different tuning can be a refreshing change.

Permalink Reply by Little Soul Eric on July 29, 2012 at 11:03pm

I Just like to say a Big Thank You to John (One fantastic Day )

Really great to meet up with all of you and look forward in meeting up again very soon..and again Thanks John for the relaxing evening tea in the back garden then the curry house >>>>>

Black river bluesman & Bad Mood Hudson ....what more can i say .........THEY ARE MAD N LOUD ...lol

Thanks to everyone .....Soul