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3 or 4 string for a beginner?

Posted by Daniel Hickey on February 7, 2013 at 9:31am in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

I have recently been introduced to the CBG, I love the sound. Im in Afghanistan and am looking to learn, but which would be easier for a complete beginner to handle. I would appreciate an comments. Thank you.

 

Danny

 

SFC Hickey

3rd Infantry Division

Kandahar, Afghanistan

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Replies

  • The Phrygian Kid February 8, 2013 at 7:22am
    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
    • Daniel Hickey > The Phrygian Kid February 9, 2013 at 12:58am

      Gotcha, thank you for the input

  • Keni Lee Burgess February 8, 2013 at 6:32am

    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

    • Daniel Hickey > Keni Lee Burgess February 9, 2013 at 12:57am

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

  • Patrick Curley February 7, 2013 at 4:13pm

    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).

    • Reeds Taylor > Patrick Curley February 7, 2013 at 10:45pm

      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  

      305968247?profile=original

      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!

      • Daniel Hickey > Reeds Taylor February 8, 2013 at 4:30am

        thank you both Reeds and Patrick,

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

         

        Danny

         

  • Dan Sleep February 7, 2013 at 9:59am

    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.

    • Daniel Hickey > Dan Sleep February 7, 2013 at 10:14am

      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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