Author: Nick Lanciano

Piezo pickups are a great way to electrify your Cigar Box Guitar. Installation can be as simple as gluing the disc in place and drilling the hole for the jack.

This style of pickup puts out a respectable sound, but can sometimes be a little rough around the edges.

This video aims to explain you how a simple Capacitor can help reduce feedback and improve the tone of your guitar, as well as how to go about installing one.

The best part about this is they are generally easy to find and don’t cost an arm an a leg!

Click here to check out the video featuring Ben “Gitty” Baker and Glenn Watt!

Amazing Grace is one of, if not the most recognized folk hymns ever written. It was originally published in 1779 as a poem by British Clergyman and Poet, John Newton.

Having been adapted to numerous different melodies, the one we know so well today didn’t come around until 1835. Since then, this iteration has seen use as hymns at funerals, church service, backyard picking sessions and so much more.

Below you can find free tablature that shows you how you can play this song on your One-String Canjo. It’s fun and easy, and you’ll be plucking the tune in no time!

We’ve also included a fret numbering chart!

 

Amazing Grace (Version 1 – Low)

1 2 4 7 4  7      5   4     2   1      1    4     7 4 7    5    9
A-a-mazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
7 9    7   4     1   2   4   1      1   4     7 4 7   5 4
I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.

Additional Verses

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fear relieved,
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

 

Looking for the Cigar Box Guitar version? We’ve got you covered with the FREE 3-String and 4-String guides!

Samantha Fish has made a name for herself as an accomplished musician.  With her incredible vocals and skill on both conventional and homemade instruments, she commands the stage when she performs.

Here she is putting a 6-string Oil Can Guitar through it’s paces, with her equally talented band. Together they crush it with her song “Gone for Good”!

When you want to electrify your Cigar Box Guitar, there are several styles of pickups to consider.

The following article dives into some of the mechanics of how Piezo pickups translate the vibrations of the strings, and some of the differences between the Rod and Disc varieties.

Click here to learn more about Piezo pickups!

Have you used a Rod Piezo Pickup lately? Let us know your thoughts on this style in the comments section!

Originally released as a single in 1963, “Blowin’ in the Wind” is possibly one of Dylan’s best known songs.

It has been covered by a number of artists ranging from Peter, Paul and Mary to the legendary Dolly Parton, and appears as the Ultimate Question in the Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Featuring the melody line, as well as a combination with chords, you’ll be singing and playing this classic in no time.

Click here for the free PDF download, brought to you by the Southbound Strings Company!

If you haven’t yet heard of of the power duo Hymn for Her You’re in for a treat!

Along with number of well-known Cigar Box Guitar artists, Hymn For Her will be performing this weekend at the 13th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival in Huntsville, Alabama this Saturday!

Click here for more information about the longest running Cigar Box Guitar Festival!

Written in 1972 by Townes van Zandt, this country song has been covered by a number of artists over the last few decades.

One-hand Dan Russell produced this excellent video lesson for your Cigar Box Ukulele, and breaks down the strumming pattern. With only 3 easy chords with included diagrams, you’ll be playing this tune in no time!

Click here for the FREE video lesson with chord diagrams!

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices” – President Harry S. Truman

As we take a moment to reflect on the lives of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in the service of their country, we share with you this Cigar Box Guitar tab created by Glenn Watt.

First penned as a poem by Francis Scott Key in the during the War of 1812, “The Star Spangled Banner” became the National Anthem of the United States of America in 1931. It has since meant a great deal to the US and her citizens.

Click here for the FREE PDF downloads as well as a how-to video by Glenn on how to read this tablature

A long weekend is right around the corner, and it makes for the perfect excuse to learn a new song.

Ben “Uke” Rouse, of the UK, took the stage with this incredible rendition of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin. The tablature is a bit of a departure from the usual format you see here, but the up side is that it can be adapted to any 1-5-1 tuning, including DAD and CGC.

Click Here to find out more about Ben and get the FREE PDF download of the Tab!

 

This beautiful piece was composed by Jay Ungar as a lament to the end of

the Ashokan Fiddle & Dance camp, an annual event in Upstate New York.

Covered by numerous artists over the years, perhaps it’s best-known usage was as the main theme song of Ken Burn’s popular PBS Documentary “The Civil War”.

This piece translates very well to the 3-String GDG Cigar Box Guitar and is sure to become a fireside picking favorite.

Click here for the FREE PDF download and a bonus MP3 sample of Ashokan Farewell

Glenn Watt sets out to explore why GDG tuning has become the KING of Cigar Box Guitar tunings!

Click here for the full article!

There are many ways to make a neck for your Cigar Box Guitar and in turn different headstocks.

Glenn Watt (with visual aides by Farley Andresen) wrote a fantastic how-to that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to create a straight headstock.

Click the link below to find out how you can a straight headstock for your next Cigar Box Guitar

Have you made one of these before? How do YOU make your headstock? Let us know in the comments!