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Comment by Tommy Phillips on October 15, 2014 at 10:56am

TN, I just recently finished my first build, and strung up with .023, .012, and .008 for a GDG tuning.

Then I started looking at some of the how-to-play videos, and realized that I was an octave higher than the GDG in most of those videos.

I changed to .044, .035, .023, and not only does mine now sound more like Keni G's on his beginner lessons, it sounds better than it did an octave higher.

Your mileage may vary.

Comment by Jerry Morey on July 21, 2014 at 8:38am

TN Twang,

Thanks for the complement on my guitars. Lots of fun making 'em. Right now I'm using strings that were suggested to me by a sales person at our local music store, Elderly Instruments. He was not very familiar with CBGs but recommended 026, 016 and 013 gauge strings for the GDG tuning at 25" scale that I used on these. I have since read the article on the "How to Play" named how-to-pick-the-right-strings-for-your-cigar-box-guitar. Lots of good information on strings and tuning choices. I plan on reviewing this in depth.

Comment by TN Twang on July 21, 2014 at 7:23am

Clyde,

I'm still adjusting to the idea that there are no right or wrong answers. It would be so nice to prove that one way was best and everyone else was wrong, but, sadly, that just doesn't seem to be the way the world works.

I don't want to misquote Shane Speal, but I believe he was the one who said (somewhere) that he went onstage with 12 (or some large number?) different guitars so he'd have the right tuning and setup for different tunes in his standard set.

Right now, I've got (I think) 5 of 'em all set up in different ways with different tunings. For practice time, I bounce from one to another--sometimes trying to play the same tune or lick on different tunings to see what works.

On another tack, I sometimes buy 4-string dulcimer sets to save money on my 3-string CBGs. D'Addario sets give you 3 different thicknesses of strings with an extra copy of the thinnest string--which is the one I break most often.

Comment by Clyde Eaker on July 21, 2014 at 4:50am

Hey TN Twang, good question with a lot of different answers. None wrong.  I’m new at this also and I’ve been struggling with strings and tunings.  Right now I’m using Ultra Light acoustic strings, the top three, G,B,e and tuning to GDG. I’ve heard of folks using Banjo strings.  Last time I was in the music store we discussed using electric guitar strings because they are lighter than acoustic.  Using the bottom three E, A, G and tuning to GDG.  Less stain on the neck that way.  I don't know why I'm stuck on the GDG tuning.....it may change.

Comment by TN Twang on July 21, 2014 at 2:21am

Jerry,

Nice looking instruments. You do good-looking woodwork. What strings have you got on 'em and how are they tuned? (Or is that the first question you need to answer to learn to play?)

Comment by Jerry Morey on July 19, 2014 at 5:41am

Hello, just getting started in the wonderful world of CBGs. Made three so far (see profile). Now i want to learn how to play them.

Comment by Blind Lemon Cello on May 23, 2014 at 8:47am

FYI for all the Seasick Steve fans..

http://seasicksteve.com/forum/index.php

He also has a Facebook page, but the website is much better.

Comment by Wichita Sam on May 23, 2014 at 8:42am

other sources reports that he tunes it GGB.  this seems more likely....

Comment by Wichita Sam on May 23, 2014 at 8:29am

According to slideguitarist.com  "the three string trance wonder" is tuned  G-A-B...using the E string in the "A" position, the D string in the "G" position and the G string in the "B" position... all this would be "tuned up" 3 or 4 half notes which would make a bright tone and might contribute to it's tendency to "slice of chunks of finger"...

Comment by Blind Lemon Cello on May 23, 2014 at 1:32am

Hey Keith, I have a 3 string with a 25.5" scale dedicated to just SSS tunes. I use 46, 17, 13 tuned to GGB, or Gb, Gb, Bb, sounds real good. Shane Speal has some vids on SSS techniques. SSS is one of my favorite artist, you'll have a blast playing his style.

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