3 string or 4 string? - LearnCigarBoxGuitar.com

In response to a question from a newcomer. Just my humble offering, I'm sure others will have something to add/detract.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

LearnCigarBoxGuitar The last tuning I've used on my 4 string CBG before I remodeled it as a 6 string was CFAD which is DGBE but dropped down 2 frets.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I converted my 4 String CBG into a 6 String by replacing the neck & adding a Truss Rod. I had to switch over to Gypsy Jazz Strings to keep the tension down.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

You can tune a 6 String CBG in fifths (C, G, D, A, E, B) by using Octave4Plus 5ths Tuning Strings (Gauges 50, 44, 26, 11, 8, 6) so you can play lots of fun songs with that big of a range.

[@jeffmensch]

Great explanation, very helpful. Thanks!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UCZliaqrZiQ4r-m5IoSp4sHg The 5 & 6 String Versions (and the 7 & more string versions as well) are becoming popular cause of course you get more versatility & range. If you wanted a 6 String Cigar Box Guitar with a 4 String sound, use Nashville Tuning (High strings from a 12 String set, & an Octave4Plus .006 High B).

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Let's expand that with 5 and 6 String Cigar Box Guitars because they're becoming more popular.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

This:www.stentor-music.com/brands/ozark/ozark-high-strung-guitar-1196/ is a Nashville Tuned Guitar & it's essentially a 6 String Tenor Guitar. It's a 6 String Guitar that sounds like a 4 String Tenor Guitar because it's strung with the High Strings from a 12 String Set (an Octave4Plus .006 High could broaden your range).

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Mine is a 14 String which is a 12 String w/ a Low B.

[@mikehewitt5137]

I builded a 4 string cigar box guitar and i want to put banjos strings. Which are the right strings? Named please!!!

[@LearnCigarBoxGuitar]

Sorry I have no idea, not a banjo player.

[@dv0830b]

Wondering your though. If you only wanted one CBG would the 4 string fretted model give you the most versatility?

[@LearnCigarBoxGuitar]

The short answer is yes but it also offers a few challenges to take advantage of that versatility. If you want to play chords and strum along more like a regular 6 string and are prepared to put the time into doing that then get a 4 string.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@LearnCigarBoxGuitar Or maybe make a 6 string version

[@masterofzero7105]

I prefer a 3 String there easier and fun to play

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The 4 String gives you way more versatility (the 5 & 6 Strings even more than that).

[@LDU2U]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 I am learning to play a 3 string, tuned to GDg, now, if I was to get a 4 string, could I play the exact same chords on a 4 string as I do on a 3 string, (using the 3 string chords incorporating the 4th string), or do I have to learn more chords to be able to play a 4 string? I know many chords could be learnt, but I just want to know if the music, for the most part, will sound similar as a 3 string, with just that higher tone of the 4th string? Hmmm, I hope you understand what I am asking?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@LDU2U You could tune the 4 String GDAE like a Mandolin (but down an Octave) w/ John Pearse 450 Tenor Guitar Strings & JN Guitars has what you need, the Cask Cigar Box Tenor Guitar.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@LDU2U I think GDAE Tuning like a Mandolin (but an Octave Lower) could allow you to use 2 finger chords so that you have something to strum on while you sing