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3 string chords

Hey all,

Is there such a thing as a simple chord chart for a 3 string??? There is a chart like that available for virtually every other stringed instrument, so why not a CBG? Lotsa talented players out there, can you help?

Thanks, Sam

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on April 4, 2010 at 3:29pm

I'd like to say that Diane in Chicago has a set. I'll check - WY

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Permalink Reply by Sam Williams on April 4, 2010 at 4:02pm

Uh, thanks?

Wes Yates said:

I'd like to say that Diane in Chicago has a set. I'll check - WY

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on April 4, 2010 at 4:54pm

Set of chord charts.

-WY

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Permalink Reply by Wade on April 4, 2010 at 5:20pm

not an expert, but if your using a DAD tuning there are lots of dulcimer chord charts out there.

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on April 5, 2010 at 1:07am

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/threestrangthangs/forum/topics/...

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on April 5, 2010 at 1:34am

Yes, dulcimer books can be a solution to working with 3 string CBG, but you are going to run into a little trouble working with fret numbers. (Dulcimers have a limited diatonic scale as opposed to a guitar's chromatic scale)
In general, if you want to strum chords, the set up of a 4 string cbg is more applicable. For instance, tuning the strings like the 4 higher strings of a guitar, Dgbe makes it possible to play in a standard method. Just by tuning the high string down to d (Dgbd) you are now in open D tuning. Please see my page, I am currently blogging a series of lectures called Chord Chemistry 101.
I have an instructional video CD available on 3 string cbg that you might find helpful.
http://shop.ebay.com/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&a...
Due to the 3 string set up, it is easier to approach playing with the use of two note doublestops that are basically nothing more than fragments of chords. Also, tuning the first string differently will very easily change the whole open tuning offering more possibilities.
I hope you find this helpful. Please feel free to write, if I can answer any further questions. Enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Wade on April 5, 2010 at 3:40am

I forgot about the missing frets Kenny! If sam is using an open tuning, simple chords could be made by barring 2 or all three strings and moving up and down the neck ex. open d = D chord 1st fret=Eflat 2nd fret = e, etc;

I ordered your CD's awhile back-they really helped me out-even if everything did'nt sink in yet, The technique and history alone were worth the price.

Wade

Keni Lee Burgess said:

Yes, dulcimer books can be a solution to working with 3 string CBG, but you are going to run into a little trouble working with fret numbers. (Dulcimers have a limited diatonic scale as opposed to a guitar's chromatic scale)
In general, if you want to strum chords, the set up of a 4 string cbg is more applicable. For instance, tuning the strings like the 4 higher strings of a guitar, Dgbe makes it possible to play in a standard method. Just by tuning the high string down to d (Dgbd) you are now in open D tuning. Please see my page, I am currently blogging a series of lectures called Chord Chemistry 101.
I have an instructional video CD available on 3 string cbg that you might find helpful.
http://shop.ebay.com/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&a...
Due to the 3 string set up, it is easier to approach playing with the use of two note doublestops that are basically nothing more than fragments of chords. Also, tuning the first string differently will very easily change the whole open tuning offering more possibilities.
I hope you find this helpful. Please feel free to write, if I can answer any further questions. Enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on April 5, 2010 at 4:29am

Thank you Wade for your purchase and comments. Currently, using my blog and the series 5 lessons, I have been trying to clarify chords. Understanding how to build chords, (1,3,5 tones for a major chord, etc.) and how to alter them (flat 3 for minor,etc) the fingerboard becomes more understandable. In my opinion, understanding theory is key. Regardless of how many strings or the tuning of an instrument, you can figure out how to play it, if you know theory. Chord charts can be useful, but by understanding the relationship of scales, doublestops, and chords playing can be a much more rewarding exploration. I am trying my best to keep it easy and fun to understand, but like everything in life, some work is involved. Here is a great book:
http://www.amazon.com/Edlys-Music-Theory-Practical-People/dp/096616...
Enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Mark on April 5, 2010 at 6:33am

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Permalink Reply by Outhouse Instruments on April 5, 2010 at 7:12am

That's more notes than I use as a bass player ! LOL

Time to by a bus and hit the road.

Look at it this way, you can play slide and hit every note. This works for most songs, some just don't sound good.
Here are the notes.

G G# A A# B C C# D D# E F F#
If you are tunes to open G the first fret will be G#, the 2nd-A ... 3rd-A#. Get it?

What ever you are tuned to as an open chord the first fret will be the next note.
This kills on some stuff with a slide.

( this isn't really exact ... some of the chords will be 7th or 3rds but will be some form of the chord)

You can some of this in the group CBG Tabs

Matt