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Deck The Halls 2-String G-Bass Tablature

Learn the bass line to the traditional Christmas and yuletide carol, Deck The Halls, with the free 2-string tablature in this post. Continue reading “Deck The Halls 2-String G-Bass Tablature”

Defined Notes on Cigar Box Slide Guitars

Shane shares a technique for creating brief yet potent notes on slide Cigar Box Guitars.

Diatonic (Dulcimer-Style) Fretting – What it is, How and Why to Use It

Most folks are familiar, at least by sight, with the six-string guitar – whether an acoustic guitar like a Martin or an electric guitar like a Fender Stratocaster™. So it is natural that when people think of frets, or a fretboard, they think of a guitar fretboard – an evenly distributed collection of frets that get closer together the further you go up the neck towards the guitar body.

Continue reading “Diatonic (Dulcimer-Style) Fretting – What it is, How and Why to Use It”

Differences between Piezos and Magnetic Pickups

When it comes to electrifying a cigar box guitar (or really any stringed instrument, for that matter), there are two basic options: either a piezo pickup (sometimes called a contact pickup), or a magnetic pickup. Well, really there is a third option – a microphone – but we’ll not cover that here. So, what are the main differences between a piezo element pickup and a magnetic pickup?

A piezoelectric element is a very simple, yet remarkable device. In its most simple form, it consists of a disk of brass or other conductive metal, on which a very thin disk of ceramic is adhered. Continue reading “Differences between Piezos and Magnetic Pickups”

Do You Hear What I Hear – 3-string Cigar Box Guitar Tablature

The tablature in the PDF link below will show you exactly how to play the melody and chords for the modern Christmas song Do You Hear What I Hear. This tablature is arranged for 3-string Open G “GDG” tuning. Continue reading “Do You Hear What I Hear – 3-string Cigar Box Guitar Tablature”

Do You Hear What I Hear – 4-string GDGB Cigar Box Guitar Tablature

The tablature in the PDF link below will show you exactly how to play the melody and chords for the modern Christmas song Do You Hear What I Hear. This tablature is arranged for 4-string Open G “GDGB” tuning. Continue reading “Do You Hear What I Hear – 4-string GDGB Cigar Box Guitar Tablature”

Do You Hear What I Hear 2-String G-Bass Tablature

Learn the bass line to the to the song Do You Hear What I Hear? with the free 2-string tablature in this post. Continue reading “Do You Hear What I Hear 2-String G-Bass Tablature”

Don’t Be Cruel by Elvis Presley 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Tablature

Learn how to play Elvis Presley’s classic, Don’t Be Cruel, on your 3-string cigar box guitar with the free tablature in this post. Continue reading “Don’t Be Cruel by Elvis Presley 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Tablature”

Double-necked Dulcimer Patent from 1880 – U. S. Patent 223,318

Click the image above to view the full patent PDF.

Here’s a cool old patent from 135 years ago, showing a double-necked dulcimer with a rectangular body. These “double” dulcimers were meant to be played by two people at once, usually seated on either side of a table.

Continue reading “Double-necked Dulcimer Patent from 1880 – U. S. Patent 223,318”

EASY BUILDING TIP: Bracing a Box with Corner Moulding

Have you ever tried to build a cigar box guitar with a fantastically thin box (great tone) but discover that the box needs extra bracing? In this video, Shane Speal shows how to use common corner moulding from a hardware store to secure corners and sides together. Note the tip on using a disposable sponge brush to apply glue. Continue reading “EASY BUILDING TIP: Bracing a Box with Corner Moulding”

Easy Chord Forms for Ukulele

This printable sheet shows you all of the easiest and most commonly used chords for standard 4-string ukuleles tuned gCEA. These chord forms can be used with cigar box ukuleles, regular ukuleles and any other instrument tuned in this way. Continue reading “Easy Chord Forms for Ukulele”

Flower of Scotland – 3-string GDG Cigar Box Guitar Tablature

Here are four arrangements of the beautiful “Flower of Scotland” song, one of the unofficial national anthems of Scotland. Written in the 1960’s by Roy Williamson of The Corries, this song quickly found a place in the hearts of Scottish people and their descendants all around the world. Presented in two keys (G and D), both as the basic melody and also with harmony, you’re sure to be showing your Scottish Pride in no time with this easy-to-read tablature.

Click the image above, or here, to view/download the tablature PDF

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash – 3-string Open G GDG – Cigar Box Guitar Tablature

This tablature will show you exactly how to play the melody and chords for the song Folsom Prison Blues, written and performed by the “Man in Black” himself, Johnny Cash.

The tablature in the PDF link below will show you exactly how to play the melody and chords for the song Folsom Prison Blues, written and performed by the “Man in Black” himself, Johnny Cash. Cash first recorded this song way back in 1955 and it quickly became one of his signature pieces. It is a rocking fusion of blues and country elements, with murder, prison, trains and longing woven all through it. It is a favorite at jam sessions and definitely worth having in your toolbag. Continue reading “Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash – 3-string Open G GDG – Cigar Box Guitar Tablature”