What's the Difference Between a 3 String and 4 String Cigar Box Guitar?

[@budm.1450]

Absolute genius man. Those are some of the best sounding handmade blues guitars I've ever heard. That is REAL soul brother. Well done, from a 71 year old banjo picker.

[@divinity8900]

just play guitar, banjo is useless

[@Jinx-oj3ve]

roberto! Banjo takes a lot of different skills so in a sense, guitar is useless compared to it if played well. Considering they are 71 and most likely played for at least 40 years they would out pick any guitarist. :)

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@divinity8900 What? That’s even more ridiculous 3 years later!

[@graemeselkirk]

You're enthusiasm is infectious Mike--I now have 6 CBG's.

[@gitmoholliday5764]

My Grandpa could play a 3 string like the devil on a sunday morning, he picked them with his tooth, but he lost that last one in a bar fight with Jethro over a price chicken. 😭

[@MinimGuitars]

I tune my 4 strings to ADGB so it's like the middle 4 strings of standard 6 string tuning, you can play normal chords by rewiring your brain to ignore the two E strings - plus it's really simple to tune the A down to G to get open G. The fun of these things is you can do whatever you want!

[@chrisw5742]

Tune that to 5ths tuning like a tenor banjo........

[@JackieMatthews610318]

Excellent! I like them very much. By the way, have you ever heard that kind of tunings are quite similar to Japanese Shamisen or some other eastern or central Asian instruments? I, Japanese, also play a newly invented instrument named ‘Ichigo-Ichie’ - meaning ‘an encounter in one life’ or ‘fifth degree’ - that has the tuning just same as your 4 strings guitar! I’ll learn from you so much.

[@ModelLights]

Rika Jump to 2:50 in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLYgImVoseee5Y Nylon strings and D G D tuning, and sounds Asian.. Of course watch the whole video after that bit, it's all good. And this video had info on making one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp7dp5mvhM6tjJo

[@rickwieland7920]

You are definitely the best cigar box guitar player I have ever heard. Your picking is extremely clean, your slide is amazing, your sound is fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@maverickpanda]

Bro what about justin johnson

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Bandito Yea, I would have to second that. Justin is in a world of his own.

[@gtbwi]

I'm really glad that I discoveredy your Channel... like a lot of people I have always been jealous of musicians singers and the like anybody that can make music ... Because it seems to be such a satisfying thing a joyful thing to be able to play an instrument that's why I'm jealous...! well now things are different I discovered 3 string cigar boxes 4 string shovel guitars one string Diddley bows !!! OMG I am so motivated that 48 years old I'm going to make blues music with a slide on a cigar box...! Thank you for inspiring me... Truly

[@danr5105]

This is great, what comes to mind. People that are losing the ability to play a traditional 6 string acoustic (arthritis) can still have a lot of fun. I spent 40 years as an auto mechanic (now 65) I took up the 6 string acoustic a year ago. Yes I still "suck" but it is a lot of fun. 40 years wrenching took a toll on my hands (the left for some reason) Of course I have the skills to build these instruments (my field was light line,AC and electrical, minor in computer science) Perhaps I concentrate a bit more on "builds".

[@DCMO60]

Thanks for this. I’ve played for 45 years and have been seriously thinking about buying or building a 3 string. You just made up my mind for me.

[@taf8903]

My dad is working on building one of these. Can't wait to play it!

[@juanespinosa8064]

Dude, this is by far the best cigar box guitar video i,ve seen so far, they sound awsome.Great playing,great demo.Thanks for showing us those👍

[@aureliaphylonatlas2463]

I'm working on a 3 string random parts build using a tin body and the neck is a new shovel handle cut to size the bridge is an old metal antenna clamp and bracket. Strings are spare strings for my guitar. Thinking of painting the body now making the sound hole look like it's an old water well. Sounds fun

[@VioletGiraffe]

This _almost_ looks like an instrument I could learn how to play! Really gets me thinking :) Awesome video, had a lot of fun watching!

[@chuckHart70]

Do it! I did an now I mostly play 6, but still love my 3 stringer! Just opened up a whole world to my brain.

[@daro9582]

If 3 is still too much try a 1 string diddley bow

[@stenandersson6704]

You taught me well, now is the time to restring my regular guitar. Thanks!

[@chrisakinmusic8108]

Thanks Mike. I'm about to leap into the cigar box universe and this helped me decide between the 3 or 4.

[@scottbecker3485]

Thanks very much for this. I was flirting with 4-string but am now convinced I want a 3-string, so thanks for saving me from making the wrong decision. I have lots of 6-strings and am looking for the rawness and simplicity of a 3-string, mostly for slide, in combination with a P90 or something. This will be fun! :-)

[@bobjohnston4325]

Thanks a million for this. I've gone back and forth trying to decide what to build. Now I'm going to build both!

[@gunnslinger7774]

Yep...

[@MrZootalores]

I came here from Samantha Fish kicking ass on her 4 cbg on "Bulletproof". thanks for the info & playing Mike! i'll want to try a 3 or 4 cbg..i been playing those nasty Fender 6's for 50 yrs, time fer a change

[@NicholasColdingDK]

That's a nice video. As a newbie, there is a lot to figure out and understand. I live in Denmark and we don't quite have the Cigar Box Music culture, but I think - it's coming :) I don't have a workshop, so I'm getting a 3-sting, made by a guy, not so far from here. Thanks again Mike!

[@davidlouis2354]

Hi Mike, you could use a second sound hole as the slide holder if it were the right size. Just a thought.

[@gonzo2.0]

Man I love your energy and your genuine love for making music. You rock Mike.

[@johannesandersson9477]

Do all cigar box guitars come with a flannel shirt?

[@skotskiable]

Johannes Andersson, no, some come with a smoking jacket. 🧐

[@jimshockey6789]

Loin cloth and war paint, here.

[@stenandersson6704]

And some moon shine with it.

[@home1261]

Mine come with a shotgun and a bottle of whiskey 🥃.

[@JB-po3rb]

ok AL ........ tool time :-))))))))))

[@GregVirgoe]

You make it look so effortless and the slide sound is the best. I bet you still have years of playing experience behind you. Do you teach playing technique as well as building them?

[@wendywatkins5467]

As always Mike, your videos are very helpful. Love your style & presentations you offer to beginners, like myself to the Cigar box guitars. Thanks again for all of the very helpful video"s. Dan.

[@garrypaynting4068]

Fantastic music clip, always great to see and hear you play. Keep up the great work Mike.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

JN Guitars makes great 4 String Cigar Box Tenor Guitars

[@famishedrj3]

Really dig your personality man! Great playing, its inspiring to me to finish my build to jam like you.

[@susanryan3876]

Thank you, I have been considering which would work best for me. (3string won)

[@dougiehogarth6652]

What strikes me is the CRISP tone on both guitars is it the pick up or the amp??? ?. Plus wonderful playing skill of course

[@erniemiller1953]

I just madea three string guitar. I used a tin Christmas chocolates container for the tinny sound.

[@dirtymushroom-hollybubba3796]

you rock bro !everytime I start building again always start watching some more of your videos .truly inspirational

[@fred.chapman]

Thanks, Mike! I have a fretless 3-string CBG that I love to play with a slide. I'd eventually like a CBG with frets, but after watching this, I'm leaning towards 3 rather than 4 strings. I love the simplicity of it! If I want complexity, I can go with 6 strings. :)

[@clitzkow1]

Excellent. You have inspired me to try and play. You make it look simple but I know better.

[@chrisjaybecker]

Nice, but when a cigar box guitar starts to hit that $400, $500 price point, doesn't that defeat the purpose of making a cigar box guitar? At least in the traditional sense? It'd be like building a $10,000 skateboard.

[@almcallister6490]

What is the difference between a $400 cigar box guitar and a $500 cigar box guitar ? The difference between Puerto Rico and Havana or about 100 miles ($1 a mile)

[@returnofthedoggo7994]

yea i mean i was searching for em on amazon and i thought... "yeah, alright, this is cool and all... but i mean, this almost feels like cheating or somethin" lol

[@marin4311]

the fun of the cigar box is make it yourself. It's quite cheap.

[@savewaterdrinkbeer6795]

I recently made my first cbg for under 20 bucks and that includes a piezo pickup and strings (I already had an extra set of tuners). Everyone is impressed by it and it plays wonderfully. For that reason, I simply cannot justify paying 400-500 bucks for a cbg. Part of the fun is building it yourself and to let your creativity go nuts.

[@bondoman2k]

But would it be easier on your first few to buy a 'kit', just to familiarize yourself with the parts and stuff?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

They now make 5, 6 & more string versions of these which are becoming popular for song covers and next up a 5 String CBG in Open G cause now you're playing just like Keith Richards on a 5 String CBG.

[@genomitchalinni8106]

Bo Diddley loved those boxes too.

[@andrewp.schubert2417]

your guitar playing is awesome.

[@garrickpridemore413]

Both of mine are Arturo fuente boxes, like the 3 string you are playing in this video. One is a King Bee box and the other a Queen Bee box

[@genomitchalinni8106]

GBDG tuning sounds best with a dog bowl or a paint an lid Resonator. With springs in the cigar box. That's what makes it sound more like a Banjo.

[@charliejordan6649]

Great video and guitars, they both sound so much better that the two fretless, three and four strings I have just made, I will have a look at your lessons also, always keen to learn more

[@normanacree1635]

Making a four stringer with the same box as your 3 stringer. Somehow I don't think mine will sound as good as yours, but that won't stop me. LOL

[@robinleebraun7739]

I would guess that it’s the number of strings. I made a 3 string guitar (made a small coffin instead of a cigar box). It’s turned to a G power chord (G, D, G). Great for 12 bar blues and other simple stuff. Rock and roll. I have also made 4 string instruments. Chicago tuning. Easy to play if you play guitar or ukulele. Much more versatile.

[@conroe2502]

I checked your website, a lil pricey for me but you a good product and talent for building plus you present your product well and it sounds awesome. Excellent job.

[@scottmichael3745]

Thanks for the vid man. I liked it and subbed. I'm going to stick with building 3 strings (5 total now plus 2 four string mountain banjos I built for the nieces). I think my first 4 string is going to be a cigar box base! I know, lots of pressure on a 4 string bass, but I have African blood wood. $hit's so hard you need a pilot hole to even drive a nail. I've read about 110 lbs of neck pressure. Opinions? Oh, and although I'm "relativity" new to CBG (about 6 years now), I've been a wood worker most of my life. Furniture, fancy clocks, a few boats (from scratch) so I'm no "slouch". Thanks again!

[@masterofzero7105]

I also agree ... 3 strings are easier and just fun to play 😎🎼👍

[@andrewm5471]

You remind me of a 50 year old Wayne from Wayne’s world

[@michaelmilsom9518]

Thank you for this...very helpful to have the two compared back to back

[@ZoranZmiric]

Well done Mike.

[@don.richard8823]

Very cooooowl! Now I'm going to buy electric guitar box and slide! 🎸

[@TheSpeenort]

I've been fooling around with balalaika tunings, EEA and AAD. Yes, two strings tuned alike but played separately.

[@terryofford4977]

Absolutely wonderful,great for either lead or Rythm alone, really groovy sound Thank you.

[@garrickpridemore413]

Man you got me interested in cigar boxes years ago with chicken coop blues. I now own two cigar boxes, a non fretted 3 string, and a fretted 4 string.

[@charliejeans2413]

Love to get a couple of 3 strings for my 3 lids to have around and hopefully start playing. Looks easy than 6 string and the lids could make something happen pretty quickly. Which seems to be trend in this day. Cheers.

[@timothykuntz3212]

great video thanks for taking the time to put this out there for us newbies.

[@finleysmith2201]

I would love to have one of your cigar box guitars

[@andylane8815]

Getting one soon! Love the look's. We all make em. Cheers!

[@tedsmith4925]

Hey Mike! Great video! I continue to learn from your music and your guitars...... thanks!

[@stenandersson6704]

Nice playing dude!

[@jna1316]

You are simply amazing! You got a new follower

[@supermatolaatikko]

cool, Danny Carey also plays cigar boxes!

[@westland3402]

Good work Mike

[@genomitchalinni8106]

And the difference of a Pizio, under the bridge, compared to a magnet pick up?

[@qjarman7753]

Great ups man, enjoyable and informative.. love your playing

[@warlockzone9596]

Why is the neck so much longer on the four string? Great playing too, great control of the slide!

[@BTENERY]

That was awesome ,thank you for your video. That gives me more motivation to keep trying to practice thank you 😊

[@gunnslinger7774]

Gonna build the 3 string first.. this a free country we can have both...

[@mikhahrreaves3126]

Real groovy bro. I like a 3 string too. That old traditional sound is always cool!!

[@markkirby2930]

Awesome, you really can play, you make it look so easy.

[@stevegreve3487]

So helpful.... Thank you very much!

[@tazmainian3479]

I play ukulele (its four strings) i didnt know that there were 4 string cigar box guitars so this is cool cause my dad LOVES the sound of these guitars so I want to get the four string sense I already know the chords for the ukulele!

[@davidyoung8875]

wow that is fantastic dude

[@clibbo2]

Could you use a 4 string Cigar box and just string with 3 or 4 strings ?

[@kaybhee6]

4s sounds almost,,, hawaiian... 3s got character for da blooos

[@li8363]

I noticed that as well.

[@johnaustin1825]

Great video. Is it D G B E OR D G B G ?? I'm confused because D G B E is not open G??

[@scottbarnett7912]

Nice slide lick at 2:45

[@genomitchalinni8106]

🎶 "I've got four guitar boxes, six shot glasses. My momma still don't like my friends. And my Dad's still, cool with them. 🎶

[@davefoster6156]

Sounds great. I definitely want to get one or maybe I will build one

[@MsGeoffers]

You fine!! I bought a couple of your tabs and I love my 3 string. Tell me, do you know Shane Speale? You guys could make some sweet sounds together.

[@johncaldergunn]

Thank you thank you so so much for this ,you are a gentleman ! and yo made my day x

[@JOHNSMITH-hi2zr]

I sure would love to have one of those

[@Neo2906]

Man, this is so fuckin`awesome. Love this video and your work. So brilliant !!!!!!

[@MrDonnieandvicky]

Wow that was great playing... Your good at slide playing... Great blues rift

[@victorforti964]

What string did you use in this guitar? Good video thanks!

[@allanaguimaraes6359]

Amigo Mike eu amo o seu trabalho manda um grande beijo pro brasil

[@advertlines]

Cool. Wish I could play the Guitar. This cigar box guitar looks and sounds cool.

[@74dartman13]

You can get a 3 stringer and just strum with a slide. Keep practicing and it'll come to you! They're a lot easier than 6 string. Never too late to try! I've seen people that didn't start playing till they were in their 60's!!! Give it a shot! Good luck!👍😎🎸🎶

[@mixertime]

wow thanks mike I have to buy one I have big set of drums but something new is good to

[@Empirism]

wonderful video man, im so hooked 3 strings stuff, its way more brute and sounds sooooooo awesome. 4 strings are for shredders xD. Good job m8, subsd!

[@davidkerst2839]

I have made 2 guitars both 3 string the neck is about 1 1/2 inches wide how wide is a 4 string neck?

[@willyhickmon]

About ten seconds into this video after watching my first cbg videos, and it's nice to see that you also see that it's beneficial to start with a quick bit of playing. Immediately establishes credibility in a few seconds. Since I'm drunk typing, I've seen most of the video now, and your tone/feel and explanation are great. Thanks for this! Don't know if you actually read these, but have you ever seen a three converted to a four, or are the necks a little wider on a four?

[@willyhickmon]

Also, I saw some other dudes not muting on the nut side of the slide, but that is essential for pure notes, right?

[@panhandlerguitars2161]

I'm sure there hundreds of Tunings but I thought open G was GDGB on a four string? Did you say DGBD for tuning?

[@MrCalifornia0]

Both are correct, it’s common to tune 4 strings either way.

[@unclexeres]

I got to say, three string is my favorite too.

[@tompanetti75]

Thanks. Good instructions.

[@eduardob.6015]

Hello!!! I ask... I don't know how to play the guitar and I don't know music with sheet music either... can I manage to play the cigar box??

[@markkidd2846]

You make three strings. So how do you get one. Do you have a site or details.

[@thesundaycarpenter2514]

Hello, Nice vid. Very easy to understand. Question. What is the fret scale length on that 3 string? I was thinking of making one over the winter holidays.

[@martcoombs9031]

lost me at tuned to G cord..!!! tho interested in building my own....

[@ferentes2]

Nice video, great instruments!

[@manditrrr]

Where is the pickup on those? Is it under the top? I don't see it. Also what kind of pickup is it? thanks.

[@walterkersting1362]

Very cool, I see you build these things; I have a quart can of Marvel mystery oil, should I make a three string out of it?

[@ForPropertyInvestors]

I'm newly learning 4 string cigar box and my fingers won't bar hold the strings down, one or two strings always mute or rattle. Any ideas how to fix?