Learn to play 3 string Cigar Box Guitar - Swampy Riff Lesson.

[@briancarpenter4156]

We need more good people like you in this world.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, my friend. M~

[@coltonjad4825]

Instablaster.

[@retroregamiga]

My wife bought me a ‘build your own’ cigar box guitar years ago. I constructed it but didn’t ever really play. Your videos have totally changed my spare time. Loving it. Keep up the good work

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Chris. My first one was a kit too, came out AWFUL. So, I decided to build my own. That was 470 builds ago. 😎

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

This was a fun video to make, and my wife never laughed so much, as she did after the tripping thing, so we thought we'd share the laughter. She is fine, not hurt at all. What a sport. :)

[@BobBowman962]

Hands down, your sense of humor make your videos the best to watch. I'm glad she's alright and Great Lesson!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you very much Robert, I appreciate the kind words. M~

[@jcantin9491]

So glad I found you. Love the way you teach me how to play my 3 string guitar

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I'm glad you found me, too. lol Thank so much for checking out the videos. M~

[@marcd1981]

Hi Michael, I see this video is from about 3 years ago, and I'm watching it on June 10,2023. I wanted to thank you for the lesson, as I am picking up my first CBG tomorrow from the gentleman that made it for me this past week, and I really like this style of music. I also like the tuning you have in this video, I think it gives it more of that swampy sound you are going for.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Marc. That's awesome, Happy Pickin. M~

[@frankiemanning1743]

I just found your channel. My Wife just bought me a 3 string cigar box guitar and I'm learning to play it. Thank you for your videos

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That's awesome Frankie. Have fun and thanks for watching the videos. M~

[@tomwilson7154]

No joke...I got the same phone call within the past 4 hours (1994 Volvo wagon). I immediately recognized the voice and disconnected before she (the taped voice) said 7 words! Funny that you uploaded today and if you wait long enough you will hear from plenty of others with the same experience!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Yeahhh.. And they always seem to call you right when your in the middle of something important LOL They are a PAIN.. M~

[@tomwilson7154]

I did have a question about the guitar. Is it one you built? I have a three string CBG with piezo pickup and it picks up my clumsiness in that every time my hand clank of slide across it, the sound is emphasized. Now, as I approach age 78 I am fighting against arthritis in my hands so got this guitar (never played in my life) to try to learn and in so doing keep my fingers and thumbs more flexible. So far so good, as the two trigger fingers which were "starting" at least are not bothering me now. But some of the melodies I am trying to learn would be far easier to play ( my hands don't stretch well and I have a lifetime of hard use on them now) on four strings instead of three strings. Also, I think a humbucker or flat wound pickup (I honestly don't know the difference among the choices yet) might be the answer. I am not afraid to tackle building something. The street rod I use for my avatar I pretty much scratch built including my own chassis for raw materials, so I am not thrown off by the idea of a CBG (that is not to say I could build a good one...!). If I decide to build, is there any advice you might offer about choice of pickup, choice of 3 or 4 string, choice of strings (does anyone use flat wound on a CBG or is that just on bass?) and guidance on building the fretboard (or just buy it from Gitty?). Thanks. A little guidance would be appreciate, but maybe this is not the forum for that? If not, let me know. Thanks!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@tomwilson7154 Hey Tom, send me an email and I'll try to answer a lot of this for you, it may be tomorrow though. [e-mail]

[@pctips4all]

That was awesome!!! Get that warranty….. hahaha!!!! Your wife was great in that video 😊😊 She got moves. Thanks again for all you do for the CBG community!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks brother. She's a real sport. 😎

[@pctips4all]

@@SouthernFireGuitars that is really cool that she will be in your videos!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@pctips4all LOL yes it was.

[@999Arvis]

Your riffs and lessons are so awesome! I tried this on my 6 string and its 👌🏾

[@dmw83831]

I have the black vox like yours . I love it for playing small places

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Dennis. It's great for a small amp. M~

[@DanielHill-fc3wd]

Loved the story about your trk warranty

[@coryduke69]

Just picked one up while antiquing with the wife....love your teaching style

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Cory. They are fun. lol M~

[@rickybaker7544]

Man do I love your commentary. Glad to hear the wifes ok.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ricky. M~

[@MsMonas1]

Heads up > call your dealership about the warranty. Those other calls are a scam. You know it is because they will ask you what year> tell them it is a 1910 ford. They will hang up and you will smile. Cool riff, lovely guitar, glad your wife had a nice 'trip' :

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@rstarguitar5350]

Haven’t seen one of your videos in a long time they just keep getting better and better

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, R Star.

[@pahoskins]

I just discovered your site and as one who has just acquired a cigar box guitar, it's perfect for me ! Great lessons that are doable for the average guitarist, a sense of humour and a charming dancer. Thank you for making these videos.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Philip. Thanks for checking them out. I appreciate that. M~

[@waden404]

Great lesson. Thnk u. Been collecting boxes for awhile and am starting to dabble with makinh my own.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks you, Wade. That's great. Pick out a box and do it. :)

[@charlesharper7292]

God bless y'all! 🤣🤣 I think this is my favorite riff you've taught.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Charles. I appreciate that. M~

[@ronellis3857]

My first song on my cbg, thanks Michael 😊

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome. Ron. Thanks for watching the video. M~

[@KennethHall-tp4hw]

Im gettin me a 3 string Cigar box, already got the Vox mini, just need the dancing wife! You rock Dude!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ken. That's awesome. M~

[@billyhigh5250]

She getting jiggy with it lol. Love the tune Michael awesome.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Yes she is lol Thanks Billy.

[@larryrenegar997]

I want me a cbg and that amp. I truly enjoy your vids. Keep em coming

[@jwnewman75]

Music like this makes me want to set limb lines and trout lines!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Ohhh Yeahhh. M~

[@dirkschwartzel3360]

Nice buddy, your humble fan from good old germany 🇩🇪

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Dirk, I appreciate that. M~

[@yatopart614]

Merci pour cette belle démonstration ! Bravo.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Stephane. Thank you for checking it out. M~

[@skizzyfritz7872]

Hey Mike, Thank you for lessons that a beginner like me can follow. You break it down in easy to follow steps starting with what the right hand does first. I wish everyone taught like this. Please keep making more lessons.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you very much Skizzy, Yes, more are coming. M~

[@billalleman3658]

I absolutely love your videos. Can’t wait to build one. I already own a small vox amp it’s old and not nearly as fancy as the one you have but it’s still a pretty good little modeling amp.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Bill, The older Vox amps are built better any way, than these newer ones, I think. 😎

[@rickaguirre]

Thanks for sharing that it helped me immensely!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks RIck. M~

[@joelx1270]

Great video Mike! Love the bee at 6:43

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

He's my friend. He always flies around when I'm Jammin. :)

[@roscofu]

These lessons are great! Thanks and keep em coming!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Brandon. M~

[@cigarpalschuck2220]

Enjoyed the video, both for the lesson and the hot tip on the amp and your humor. I feel you pain with the extended warranty people. They keep trying to sell me an extended warranty on a truck I haven't owned in several years.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Chuck, I appreciate that. The warranty people, they are consistent. lol

[@stofopdenaald132]

Just bought a sigar box guitar. This seems like a fun one to try out 👍😁 thanks!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks, Congrats on the new guitar. Have fun. M~

[@davefoster6156]

Very cool song reminds me of something The Allman Brothers did a long long time ago. I saw a picture of a lunch box guitar look really cool.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate it. M~

[@ferenczsinko6770]

Beautiful Music

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ferenc. M~

[@troykurz9615]

I'm digging that amp. I have a Vox AD15VT and it was my best gear purchase. I'm also using a Pignose amp, it's quite gnarly.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks, Troy. I like the Vox amps too. I don't have a Pignose amp... Yet.. lol

[@BrendanMurrayJubana]

That’s an awesome lesson man. Glad your channel was recommended to me. 👍

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you much, Just Dandy. I'm glad I was recommended. M~

[@stevesstrings5243]

Nice tune! I wonder if any of the youngsters got the classic SNL reference about “we need more cow bell?”

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Steve, I don't think they got it. I was wondering if someone would mention the cow bell reference, and you're the winner. lol M~

[@stevesstrings5243]

For the uninitiated, here is the SNL skit link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYfWgn-ioJKHZtU

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@stevesstrings5243 Cool ,I never get tired of watching that thing lol

[@agoogleuser3787]

Haha! I keep introducing folks to that fine snl moment in history....😂

[@sabineweller7130]

Thank u Michael, so boring at home, your training with Cigarbox is great and uplifting. 👍nice landscape in the swamp? Greatings from South of Germany.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Sabine. Thank you for watching. Stay safe there in Germany 😎 M~

[@rockers2rockers616]

Great amp. Mucho excellent content video

[@marcmayou1422]

love the insurance , I drive a 2001 Honda, always gets me there and back.

[@scuzz152]

I got such a kick out of the video, I showed my wife your wife's dance. When my wife quit laughing, she said "I'd a killed him for putting that up!" Glad you're still alive Michael, I enjoy your top notch videos too much! Just about to build my first CBG and find all your "how to" clips the best out there. Great content, great editing and useful info for anyone, whether they have a shop full of machines or just some hand tools. Thank you!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks scuzz, Yes, I'm still alive lol She thought it was funny. Glad to hear you are starting your first CBG, its hard to build just one lol Good luck with it. M~

[@Harvey_Pekar]

You're going to go viral, dude.

[@manicdonkey]

Thanks for the lesson, I'm building a CBG for my nephew and wanting to pick up some good riffs like this to teach him. That Vox mini5 is damn impressive for a small amp. I usually don't impulse buy like this but I picked one up through your affiliate link.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Nick. Thank you very much, Its going to be a good impulse buy. You're going to love that amp, Lots of power. M~

[@jasonreheis]

Another great video Michael 👍

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Jason, for checking it out. M~

[@philipprint9510]

Great riff, glad the wife's ok.!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Phillip, and she is great, thanks. M~

[@atticuslynchraw]

Oh i love this vox amp .

[@seadoggozo-fishingguitarsa1837]

Thanks! Great video ....oh, and a great lesson too 🤣🤣 Just finished my first CBG so any more riff lessons will be great. Thanks again.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Seadog, congrats on your first CBG. More riff lessons are coming. :)

[@greenhornfarmer3598]

first time viewer...like your channel...BTW....at least the wife tripped on the beat! LOL........

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Greenhorn. Yes, it was on the beat lol

[@boximus123]

Awesome tutorial I just got my first cbg and this was the coolest little beginner tune I have found thanks for making the video 🤙

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks boximus. Congrats on your first CBG. M~

[@jameswilson6374]

Thanks for the videos! Though I don't own a cigar box guitar I do play slide on my les paul in open E tuning. Always looking to add something new to my bag of tricks and you make it fun too! Keep'em coming brother!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks James. If you have a Les Paul, You need a CBG, A total blast to play. M~

[@petermuller3577]

I like this lesson. Please can you show the vox-amp rhytm-section-settings from this song in the discription or with a picture in the lesson

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Peter. I know it was on the Metal setting, but not sure the exact selection. I will display them in future videos. M~

[@Keeperofallsecrets]

Great video!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, FloridaGirl. M~

[@T_Burd_75]

I got the same call. The warranty on my 1991 Geo Metro XFi had expired. Whew! Good thing they called me. I wouldn't have known what to do to keep my car on the road. ;-)

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Yes, they are truly life savers lol

[@michaelwhalen7991]

Good stuff Mike ! Liked and subscribed. Mike from Boston... P.S.looks good down in your neck of the woods, too crowded round here.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Michael. Yeah, I don't like crowded lol

[@NeedMo-Steelers]

Omg that was hilarious 🤣 Did a nice job!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ron for checking it out. M~

[@thomas_dries]

They're looking for me about my vehicles extended warranty too! And I don't even own a vehicle... 😂 Loved the humor in this video! And you're such a wonderful player. You've just earned a sub!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Thomas. I appreciate that. M~

[@billylynes8187]

digging this man

[@cesarmancini8339]

Gracias nice tune 👍

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Thank you Cesar. M~

[@johnanthony6765]

brilliant 👏 👏 👏

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks John. M~

[@olgreybear7997]

New subscriber. Hope you get the issues with the Dodge sorted out. Pleased to meet you and thanks for the lesson too!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for the Sub, Ol Grey Bear. I appreciate that. The truck is doing great. lol Thanks for checking out the lesson, M~

[@dalegrant7015]

I'm nearly there withe this riff Michael but there seems to be an extra note I Just can't get somewhere near hammer on,s and or the pull off,s or am I hearing things. Love your lesson,s 😎

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Sometime I hit the low G string as a bass note,without thinking. That may be it. M~

[@robertmcpheron8489]

Thank you for the good video

[@mrb4886]

I have the amp in black. Highly recommend it.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Mr. B. It is an awesome amp, for sure. 😎

[@dragonclaw88]

ive looked everywhere for one of those amps...guess they quit making them..now its the VOX MINI GO amp...i just ordered the 10 watt..comes in 3, 10, and 50 watt...the 10 and 50 have a built in looper along with all the rhythm stuff

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Tex, Ive been hearing that people can't find that Vox Mini 5 any where. That's weird. That Vox with the built in looper sounds pretty cool. M~

[@frogmanpipes9561]

I just built my first cigar box guitar. Its electric with a resonator pan. I'm using a pizio. Should I place it on the bottom of the resonator pan or should I put it on the bottom of the wood lid?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi frogman, I place mine under the pan or paint can lid right under the bridge. M~

[@mahendra2435]

what a fantastic man ....

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Mahendra. M~

[@p-mlin.1117]

Give U thumps up for UR brilliant good and positive attitude ;-) aaaaaaaand the fine cbg ;-) Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New-year 2020-2021 .. " Dog Spirit " P-M Denmark.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I appreciate that, P-M. Thank you. You have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well, my friend. M~

[@p-mlin.1117]

@@SouthernFireGuitars wooov :-) Thank YOU to....friend from long away ;-) See you some other time bro Hand shakes and knots from here :-) .

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@p-mlin.1117 Thanks

[@p-mlin.1117]

@@SouthernFireGuitars :-) hellow friend :-) Can i make you a question, now we have an " open line " hehehe :-() . Do you build CBG Guitars ???? IF, you are, what's are all this about a Humbucker pickup / microphone..is it the best for a CBG ??? My english are not perfect, but your good attitude surely can figure out of,what i try to mean ..big smile :-() Most friendly from here . P-M.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@p-mlin.1117 Yes, I do build them. You can see them here--->> www.southernfireguitars.com/ A humbucker pickup is a magnetic pickup like in a regular electric guitar would have.

[@TheKottonheads]

Cool man! I'm getting one ASAP!! Great sound and I know where to get someone to teach me.....😄

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks brother. M~

[@vmaxmike2001]

great vid

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, vmax. M~

[@dalegrant7015]

I'm not a musian either I have my new cigar Box guitars and just like to be able to sit near the beach after a surf and play.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That sounds cool.

[@danielboone6325]

Damn! Now I want to build a three string!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Daniel. Do it. Its a lot of fun.

[@roylivingston9085]

In this video what brand strings did you use and what gauges. It sounds good. Please and thank you

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

They are bronze wound .040 .030 .022

[@TahtahmesDiary]

Looool I’m clumsy too, I feel your wife’s pain 🥰💚

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for checking it out, must have been those boots she was wearing lol

[@ranz91759]

Good Stuff !!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Randy. M~

[@ranz91759]

I’m ready to learn 😎

[@johndaker6639]

Could you do a video on Bob Marley's three little birds on the three string guitar

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That's a great song. M~

[@Veronaplayer]

Hi Mike, it's so much fun to watch your videos and that your explanations are funny and easy to understand. Thanks a lot for this. Please allow me a question. Which botleneck are you using in this video? What length is that? That's exactly what I'm looking for and I can't find it here.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Vernon. The slide I'm using is a Dunlap #218 slide, and I put a piece of Camo tape around half of it. Here is the link amzn.to/3eMvhlE

[@friedfish69]

You oughta hire that dancer.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank, I agree. 😎

[@speedscoming]

so cool bro

[@toralfczerniak8250]

I would also like to build a cbg with a scale length of 23 inches - but I can't find anywhere in which spacing the frets must be set on the neck. I'm from Germany and the templates for it are not available in stores .Can you help me?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Toralf, That's great, building your own CBG. I got my 23'' scale template online from www.cbgitty.com/

[@michaelheese6344]

The box 5 is unavailable but they do have a box 3. Guess I might have to settle for the 3. Great song by the way.

[@jonhwoodapucaranapr.7539]

É isso man muito bom...

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks brother, I appreciate that. M~

[@mikeclarke9281]

Hi, i have a diatonic cbg. Do you know where i could find a cord chart please

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Try CBGitty.com Or Google it.

[@davidholmes3776]

It’s great to see a long suffering husband like yourself still able to have some fun.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, my friend. M~

[@mikeclarke9281]

Hi, im trying to find a cord chart for a diatonic cbg. Can you help please

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Don't know off hand. Try CBGitty.com or Google it

[@harryodum5598]

Do you build these guitars for sale? I sure would like to pick up one seems like all you can find are these three strings made like a toy with those $10 pick up and neck out of furring strip. I've been playing since the early 60s and now I have arthritis in the hands so bad it's really hard to do it 3 string would be the way to go

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hey Harry, Yes, I do sell them. I do have a few available right now, you can see them here www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernFireGuitars

[@tumbleweed4213]

Cool Tune Michael! uhh I feel like I owe you some money for all these guitar lessons...Appreciate it Brother!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome. Thank you Tumbleweed, I would use it to buy me a newer truck LOL M~

[@tumbleweed4213]

Southern Fire Guitars I also drive a Ram pick up and have received the same call 🤔 hmm

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@tumbleweed4213 that's weird, and every call is from a different area code hummm.

[@chrispartridge2530]

Another great vid Micheal. I notice that you've got a sound hole in your Camacho, which mine doesn't have. Would you suggest I put one in? Still trying hard to get volume on the hammer on thing...............I only get any with the volume cranked up to annoy the neighbours volume!!! Hey ho, guess I'll keep trying Greetings from lockdown UK Stay safe my friend ( ps love the tripping over section, great mover that lady)

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Chris, If you have a pickup, and your playing mostly with an amp, sound holes may be more decorative. Go a head, annoy those neighbors. :) Stay safe M~

[@mral13131313]

What wireless set up are you using Michael?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi there, The wireless guitar system That I'm using amzn.to/2YcQCPs

[@mral13131313]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Thankyou, greetings from the Isle of Wight.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@mral13131313 Your welcome, Thanks, That is quite a ways from here lol

[@mral13131313]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Sure is but a guy from your side of the pond was showing the flag for you this weekend. It was the Isle of Wight Festival this weekend and because of Covid it was mainly British acts this year but Seasick Steve made it. Don’t know if he’s well known over there but he’s a real favourite in U.K. and Europe with his 3 string guitars and Crazy Dan, his drummer. Worth looking at on KZbin.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@mral13131313 Sounds like a good time. I know who Seasick Steve is, Ive seen his videos. :)

[@stupidcomics1030]

That riff rules and so do you

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you very much. M~

[@sstorey60]

May I ask what gauge strings you're using on this build?? I'm building my own at the moment but can't decide what gauges to use and these look perfect, not too thin not too thick

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Traceur 2k, I'm using .040 .030 .022. M~

[@sstorey60]

@@SouthernFireGuitars those were what I was going to choose but were worried they would be too thin, thanks for the reassurance and keep up the awesome playing and tutorials. Thanks again

[@jaybarnes5728]

Fun video

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Jay. M~

[@toralfczerniak8250]

What is the mensur of your CBG and which strings are you using?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

The guitar is on a 23'' scale, strings 040 030 022

[@mikehumphrey5]

What gauge strings are you using and what strings. EAD ? Please help

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I buy them in bulk packs from CBGitty. Nickle wound 040 030 022

[@turinhorse]

0:50 in case anyone didnt get the joke... hes talking about an Indian scammer call. just hang up

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Turnin. M~

[@user-wg3pd9kb3b]

You have groupies? How cool.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

LOL Thanks Tim. that is cool. 😎

[@tonylee3805]

I get them too I own a 1969 Chevy Van

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Tony, for checking out the video. Yep, those phone calls are annoying. lol

[@shipoffools2183]

I can’t play for sheet! But I can see a three string cigar bor guitar in my future!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

It's all about the FUN my friend. M~

[@onedaywellallbedead4338]

Thanks for the great lessons Michael..... Maybe think about taking out an extended warranty on the wife also ! 😆

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome Home-sick-steve, Thank you for checking it out. Yes, I will look into that warranty lol M~

[@auzoo]

What size strings are you using

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Paul. I'm using 040 030 022. M~