How to Play 12 Bar Blues on Cigar Box Guitar - Shane Speal's Blues University

Shane Speal's Blues University, Part 1. A new video series taking all blues elements and breaking them down for beginners. Learn the foundational 12 bar blues in this first lesson, both slide and fretted techniques.
Support this channel by having fun:
1. Get a badass cigar box guitar t-shirt at guitarrags.com
2. Shop at stubbyslide.com, where you can find cool guitar slides and cigar box guitars handmade by Shane Speal
3. Get an autographed copy of my book, "Making Poor Man's Guitars." Link-o: shanespeal.bigcartel.com/prod...
4. Visit cigarboxguitars.com, the Encyclopedia of the Cigar Box Guitar
5. LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to my channel for a whole bunch of DIY music instrument stuff.
6. Visit the Cigar Box Guitar Museum inside Speal's Tavern in New Alexandria, PA if you're in the area. spealstavern.com
7. Get Shane Speal Signature cigar box guitar parts (develop, tried and gig tested by Shane) at www.cbgitty.com/shane-speal-s...
Shane's music is at shanespeal.com
Shane's blog and magazine: poormansguitar.com
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Facebook: / cigarboxguitar
Known as the King of the Cigar Box Guitar, Shane Speal is universally recognized as the prime mover of the Cigar Box Guitar cult, a man who has made it his life’s crusade to spread the word and promote the popularity of CBGs. - Premier Guitar Magazine

[@larrykugelman276]

Hi Shane, My name is P'Nash. I'm a Professional Magician/Musician/Singer from Tucson, AZ. I've been performing for nearly 50 years, doing magic & music shows & I've always wanted to play the blues with a slide but never got around to it. Btw, I don't do kids' magic, only adults. I hate kids. LOL Anyway, I watched Justin Johnson play his 3 string shovel guitar and it blew me away! I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. I didn't even realize you could make a guitar out of a garden tool. Crazy, but it works. When I heard the sound of it, I was hooked. When I finished watching his shovel videos I saw your review pop up in the sidebar, clicked on it and was immediately impressed with your playing technique, teachability, (is that a word?) character, frame of mind and dedication to your art, but most of all to your subscribers. You covered everything I need to know to become the kind of blues player I know I can be. I also play harmonica while I play guitar and sing. It's held in a neck holder of my own design. It holds my harp securely with no sideways movement whatsoever, something no other holder on the market would do. I was a Tool & Die Maker for 30 years and had the equipment, tools & ideas to forge my design and bring it to life. I was going to patent it but didn't have the enormous sum of money the patent office wanted. Oh, well. No biggie. I sold a few through the years, one to John Sebastian sometime around '03 when the Lovin' Spoonful were on tour and playing in Canton, Ohio, my hometown. I have several left that have been sitting in my drawer for years. I play by ear and have natural rhythm, near-perfect pitch with my voice and have won many Karaoke contests with my voice, the biggest one being a national contest spanning 6 months and several hundred winners, before finally whittling them down to just 12, all competing in the finals in Nashville, which I won. I also auditioned in Vegas for AGT in 2016 with an act I perfected combining music & magic with fire, levitations and much more, something no one else had ever done. But, enough about me. That's another story for another time. I'm not here to highlight my talents. I'm here to tell your subs what I think of you and your talents and videos. After I watch a few more of your videos I'll give my review and opinion, for what it's worth. For now, let me say that I'm extremely excited to be taught by you and learn what you know.

[@ShaneSpeal]

I'd love to see a photo of your harmonica holder! [e-mail] is my email

[@mrredundancyman]

thanks for doing these videos, Shane. There are too many builders and not enough players.

[@HughesMotorized]

Props to the man! Thanks for all the positive deeds. I can make some fun noises w/ my 3 string thanks to Shane.

[@martinwebb3394]

I can finally tell my grandkids that I went to university - Shane Speal's Blues University!! These two videos are the best absolute beginner videos for CBG anywhere (sorry Del Boy - but you're a legend too!). For the first time ever this old dog has learnt a new trick and can actually get a cool sound out of his CBG. This makes me happy 😀. More please Shane - you've really hit the back of the net with these👍

[@ShaneSpeal]

This is the University that the world needs!

[@grezzmunke]

Great first lesson! Love the way you teach and break things down simply.

[@billndj23]

Shane, love the words of encouragement, and of faith. Thank you . Bill

[@icemanxxxv]

Shout Out! Bought the book built the guitar,of course the Making Poor Man's Guitar best thing I have done in 30 years.

[@christopherhaas7739]

Great and fantastic for us new guys that have been playing for years but never got anywhere. That’s me!

[@loganlaskey4788]

Hi Shane. I really appreciate these new blues university lessons. I love they way you really slow down, focus, and break down all the different parts of the given riff or melody. Especially love the focus and detail you put and show on the picking, rhythm, and other small eccentricities that most other lessons skip. My playing has progressed significantly after just seeing a few of your basic blues videos. I find them extremely easy and enjoyable especially when incorporating them into my current very novice playing. I’ve had a lot of fun with CBGs over the past year or so. Even just finished my first license plate reso CBGitty kit, but haven’t really got that far with playing just using books and other far too complex videos. The ease which I’m able to learn and truly absorb the techniques in these lessons has got me completely in love with playing again. I can’t wait to go through some more of your videos. The obvious love that you have for playing just seems to oozes out of you. I think that’s a huge part of how effective your lessons are. Anyway thanks for all the inspiration and the best lesson videos I’ve found so far. Sincerely, Logan Laskey

[@mikepetersen325]

Thanks for posting all the different videos and lessons.

[@patrickswartz8172]

Great refresher. Always love getting back to basics

[@stevesstrings5243]

Thanks for the lesson! Keep them coming!

[@musicalmiscellany]

You nailed this one Shane. That chug chu-chug is the heartbeat of the blues. So simple but it feels so good.

[@lininpa4064]

I love me some blues and I love that you have started blues university for us Newbies! I have learn more from watching your videos in the past 6 weeks then I have in the year I’ve owned the guitar! I can actually play a tune and my husband and son can recognize it! 😂 Thank you Shane!! Please keep them coming!

[@waltercasler8784]

These are great videos, I hope you keep adding more!

[@paulalexander4778]

You are amazing! I just purchased my first CBG and don't know how to play anything. However, I came across this video and I haye to say that you are a natural teacher. You teach as if I don't know anything. And I don't lol. Thanks for your time and lesson.

[@michaelpounds9146]

Thanks for the instructional videos. Always good to work on the basics and have a strong foundation.

[@randychurch1453]

Just what I needed for learning the basics. Keep them coming. Thanks

[@brianscharsch9767]

Ty Shane 🙏 you made my year!

[@MatKovach]

Awesome stuff Shane!

[@imehesz]

Thank you! I've been looking for videos like these. Keep it up!

[@andrewkozma2537]

Excellent, thank you for creating and sharing such amazing content. Really digging the approach and method to establish great fundamentals, helping me continue to grow as a player. Thumbs up!

[@Ch3knraz3]

Another great video Shane!

[@stephenthomasma7524]

This was fantastic. Glad you did the fretless and fretted. This is so fun!

[@MrCpw1959]

Awesome! Thank you Shane this could not have come at a better time for this old Bassist to learn a few new tricks.

[@offthegoalline]

Greeting Shane 👍🏻🙂

[@petechandler9502]

As always. EXCELLENT JOB of laying it down for us.

[@jamesbennett2533]

I loved this lesson. Keep up the great videos.

[@mitchellwoodham3269]

Love your videos. Thanks for sharing your talents!

[@suefinch44]

nice job!! love your teaching style

[@scotthunt9055]

Thanks Shane! I love the simple approach and espically what the player does with their pick hand.

[@martinhessels8400]

Excellent lesson again!! Thanks

[@johncutler7451]

Great lesson Shane, very helpful! The pace you went through everything was perfect.

[@mekstewart5137]

Way cool showing both with and without slide, and that cool ditty on the 5th and 7th really adds texture to the sound! Great lesson for beginners and those who need a tune up! Thanks!

[@sheilabecker66]

Great lesson. Thanks for the focus on the right-hand work, the toughest part! Keep 'em coming, sir!

[@richardpelland661]

Sounds great! Nice break down for everyone.

[@fernandoaltava]

You are the best, I love the blues and with your lessons I am having a lot of fun, thank you.

[@classic2strokes144]

Hi Shane, thanks for the beginner lessons. Even though, I've been playing on and off for a while, there is always something to learn from watching your videos. I look forward to more lessons in the series. Thanks

[@davidglynnguitars8119]

I enjoy the simplicity of the videos. Makes it easy to understand and play along.

[@ShaneSpeal]

That's awesome!

[@howardcarver4193]

Another great lesson. Thanks

[@PriceBrian57]

Shane man, love you. thanks for helpin all us rubes get better. youve made my cbg journey just that much better

[@RevvyTone]

I have to say something, my friend. I’m just kind of sitting around with KZbin on messing around with a Cbg and this video popped back on. And it got me thinking… there’s a lot of great lessons out there… and you have some great lessons on here… but I really wish I had had these particular blues u lessons when I started out, I think I’d be a much better and more confident player than I am now. These are them best most concise beginner lessons out there. And I won’t hesitate to share these, this one in particular, when people are looking for lessons to get started. I’m “mad” that you nailed this way of teaching 5 years after I got started….but better late than never. Keep doing these my friend

[@richardferrell7412]

Great Video Shane. I’ve been playing it fretted for awhile now but I’ve always wanted to play slide. Now I don’t have an excuse for not attempting it! Thanks Shane!

[@stevenball4020]

Top job Shane, cheers mate..

[@adamwillets1846]

Top work Sir, as always.

[@dhillonh55]

Thanks Shane very informative rhythm enjoyed the lesson.

[@ronellis3857]

Awesome blues Shane,keep chugging along

[@Samlowry27B-6]

Former bass player just getting into three string. These videos have genuinely helped so much awesome job as always.

[@aaronstoker1797]

Loving these videos, keep teaching brother 🤘

[@jesseskellington9427]

Thanks so much for taking it slow and going one step at a a time. This is exactly the video. I've been looking for 😀

[@stump020500]

Shane, uber cool !!! Love the basics, Really dig the Giddybucker.

[@KBahr509]

Thank you for your time and energy! We all benefit from your talent for teaching 😎

[@christophersmith5413]

Great video for us beginners.Thank You Shane.

[@MrCpw1959]

Love this lesson, Shane you are the Man where teaching 3string Blues, I am learning so much. Thank you.

[@jdb257]

These lessons are so good, break it right down for us newbies!

[@jesseskellington9427]

Agreed 👍💯👍

[@larryblair9279]

Thanks Shane. Great for the beginner bluesman like me. Keep'em coming.

[@trevorpease715]

Keep up the great work.

[@wayneladieu7493]

Thank you I love the style and your lessons are just what I need .

[@angelahawke6956]

You are a fantastic teacher - thank you.

[@raycarns7971]

This is great! Just what I need.

[@FlyingMDesigns]

Thanks for the tips and tricks!

[@lanemartin5446]

I like it. The pace is good and it's presented in a straightforward manner.

[@billylebrun3307]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!!!

[@Manandmachine772]

What a Great way to learn the Blues!! Nice and slow for beginners.

[@kentkb1031]

This is so cool!

[@SeaDog-Si]

Hey Shane. Thank you for taking the time to do these beginner videos

[@oefpresents5684]

I am new to cigar box guitar, your videos have made learning so much simpler.

[@martinfisher7193]

Thanks for the great lesson! : )

[@jugslugger]

great lesson and well taught!!

[@shanekneale3879]

Since finishing work I’ve got in to making CBG’s. None are perfect yet but they can be played. I’m sucking in all your hints and tips. I love blues. The more basic the better for me. You are an unreal motivator. Thanks.

[@Harpman333]

Thanks Shane. You got me started playing 3 strings. Great lesson!!!

[@charleszuhlke7047]

Love these videos

[@gailwallace3695]

You are great!!! Where were you when I first tried to learn basic guitar?!?! Enjoyed playing along with you and already looking forward to next lessons!

[@stevehardy1237]

Great stuff, Shane! Wife got be the BBG CBG for Christmas last year and your videos are a huge help.

[@crisdell8534]

Thanks for a great lesson

[@eddiedannemann2938]

Shane, glad that you went to fretted since that is my first CBG. Love the Blues but never played to much since my main guitar is 12 string. Your lessons are so helpful...love the background histories.

[@TheSTEEBOS]

It's great that you're going back and making these beginner lessons more in depth. I always send links to your videos to people I give CBGs to, so they can learn the basics with a stubby slide. I've learned a ton of stuff from your older videos. I'd love to see you do some tutorials on some of your originals or other songs you cover live.

[@ShaneSpeal]

We're rebuilding the band from the ground up. New songs to be written soon, too!

[@seanmshields]

Thanks Shane for covering the basics. Anything that you discuss in the future on rhythm and creating that beat is great information to have.

[@ShaneSpeal]

Great topic idea. Thanks, Sean!!!

[@PonziZombieKiller]

Pure Emotion. Right on brother

[@tompppi]

Great beginner lesson Shane, you’re the reason I got in to building and learning to play cigar box guitars. Looking forward to more great lessons, rock on!!

[@ShaneSpeal]

Many more lessons to come!

[@gregdavis8985]

This is awesome!!! Love the Robert Johnson shirt

[@timmac4677]

I have been playing guitar since 1975, this is one of the best beginner lessons I have ever heard. A new player should have no problem learning to play a CGB or apply this technique to a 6 string guitar, and they will be ahead of the game

[@Wileypilker3]

Just what I need to learn how to play!! Thanks!!

[@rblee2033]

👍🏼GREAT LESSONS !!🎼👍🏼 You made it simple for us older & slower players.

[@dmw83831]

Looks good , I like that new pick up

[@jgbsweeper7325]

Thanks for these awesome lessons for beginners that actually show how to play something that a actually sounds cool !!!

[@tboot]

Very useful for this beginner, thanks!

[@alvaroi.c.9278]

Perfect for beginners. Thanks!

[@seanlincoln77]

Love the sound of the guitar

[@tiwflah]

Thanks so much Shane. At last I'm getting it. I've been making the mistake of trying to do too much too soon, and getting disappointed when it didn't work for me. I think patience is the key, and back to basics. Get the grounding and learn properly. I have found my teacher.

[@beraismail6721]

I will feel the blues in my hearth thank for lessons :) Your teaching skills awesome respect from Turkey

[@Laerdaljoe]

Great news!!!!! Have been listening to you for couple of years now and admire your crafted instruments! Would love to be the new ‘caretaker’ of the Gitty!

[@christianbell7432]

Sitting here strumming away with you, great explanation, thanks :)

[@karencolville9738]

I am enjoying the basics presented, it be really great to be selected for a guitar cigar box give away. It is not midnight, I still qualify TGIF. I can watch the videos over and over and pick up new things. I always felt the blues from the heart, it ought to be played this way to feel authentic. Healthy Cheers!

[@dnaTwist]

Awesome video for beginners 👍

[@jim-brendasleeth2521]

Shane - thanks so much for going to the trouble,,,,, this will be a great help to get going. Well done.

[@arby777]

So many thanks to really SLOW it down so we can get the full feelings of what we should be doing

[@nachopnet]

I really like the series! Perfect for a complete beginner like me especially the way you explain everything. Thank you very much Shane for this content.

[@ShaneSpeal]

Thanks for the feedback, Nacho!

[@timsmith3178]

So fortunate to have found your lessons online. That have been very helpful getting me started. You can teach an old drummer something new.

[@ShaneSpeal]

Yep. Don't I know it. I started on drums, too

[@AcidBathFreakshow]

Loving these, inspiration received good sir! I seriously need to finish making my next CBG so I can get back to learning to play the darn thing lol

[@dastardlydave1455]

Fun start to learning the blues on a CBG.