Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on February 7, 2013 at 3:59am

Hi Danny,

You will get any number of opinions, but I think a 3 string model is great to start out on. You can crank out a ton of tunes using an open tuning like G-D-g, or any of the other variations. If you play guitar at all, then maybe a 4 string may be more familiar to you.

Both 3 and 4 string models can be tuned like a standard guitar, either gbe or dgbe, like a 6 string with some of the strings missing.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hickey on February 7, 2013 at 4:14am

Appreciate the response Dan. I have never played before so this will be an intresting learn. And I will have to figure out a way to get a CBG over here. Or look into building one myself, not! I dont have the skill for that one.

 

Danny

 

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on February 7, 2013 at 4:41am

Join our CBGs For Service Members group:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/cbgsforsoldiers

Click add a discussion and make a request and we will get a builder to send you one, no cost.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hickey on February 7, 2013 at 4:45am

thank you dan, I will do that. I appreciate  the help Dan.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Curley on February 7, 2013 at 10:13am

Hi Danny

I'd say starting with a 3 string tuned up like Dan has suggested is the best way to go for a beginner. You're tuned to what some people call a power chord which just makes life a whole lot easier, especially when you're playing slide.

If you're not so into slide and want to play chords then a 4 string will let you play fuller sounding chords (A chord has 3 notes in it and it's not always that easy to get all three with a 3 string without moving your hand up and down all over the neck).

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Permalink Reply by Reeds Taylor on February 7, 2013 at 4:45pm

Hey Daniel...everything their saying is true...my first CBG was tuned Gdg....and as soon as I picked it up....I was picking tunes out that were in my head. Once I started knowing where the notes and chords were on the fret board...my playing is now growing in leaps and bounds.... Here's a simple chord chart for Gdg that I keep taped on the wall near my fav playing spot...and use it everyday...hope it helps  

I wish you well on your new adventure....If I can help you along...just ask....I believe I'm on the next step of the ladder too where you are...so, its all fresh in this head of mine. Haha

Reeds!

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hickey on February 7, 2013 at 10:30pm

thank you both Reeds and Patrick,

I appreciate your advise and recommendations, they will come in handy as I start to learn.

 

Danny

 

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on February 8, 2013 at 12:32am

I like to combine playing CBG with studying basic music theory. So, regardless of the number of strings on your instrument, you will know how to approach playing music. Having less strings certainly makes playing chords easier. Here are some examples:

3 string, tuned GDg:  http://youtu.be/xDmNWRrXbns

3 string, tuned ADf#: http://youtu.be/xDmNWRrXbns

4 string, tuned Dgbd: http://youtu.be/hER0GQCzdoo

6 string, tuned DADf#ad: http://youtu.be/A211hZFewdk

I hope you find this helpful. Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hickey on February 8, 2013 at 6:57pm

thank you, Im sure it will assist in the learning process.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on February 8, 2013 at 1:22am

You can also make a three string one with some of the frets left out, so there's no bad notes..
It does make an instrument that is limited in some ways, but it opens a lot of cool stuff up too, so I'd consider that too, it's like building a piano with no black keys

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Hickey on February 8, 2013 at 6:58pm

Gotcha, thank you for the input

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