Hey I'm 77 years young and learning to play my new three string cigar box guitar. I have put the 6 string electric aside. I have the brass, glass and steel sliders. GET ONE!
I heartily agree. When I was 25 or so I decided (but didn't commit) to learning the guitar, bought an acoustic guitar, and man was it hard to play!. Buzzes, dead strings, impossible chords etc. No internet back then, and I was too shy to take lessons in person. After awhile I gave up. Then in my 30's a friend convinced me electric was easier so I bought an electric guitar - mostly the same story, although the strings were a little easier to fret. Now I'm retired at 68 with a touch of arthritis in my hands, but UA-cam suggested Del Puckett's channel, then Mikes and many more. Well I like making things, and I like cigar boxes, already having several nice ones, At last! thought, something to do with the cigar boxes besides holding nails. I can't thank you and all the other channels for being so friendly, helpful and encouraging, and yes, a three string guitar with an open chord tuning and the strings about twice far apart is about 10 times easier to learn to play then a conventional 6 stringer, and indeed I agree that most people up to near the end aren't too old. I encourage anybody who has struggled on a six stringer to give a three stringer a go. I'm not saying that you can pick one up and just play it. It still takes lots of practice, but in my experience even say after a week of playing you can do some simple licks and noodle a bit, and the simplified songs start sounding mostly like they should. I've been building and playing for about 6 weeks now, I'm like gitarzan I know G and D and A and 'I'm working on E! And oh by the way, after going at the three strings for a few weeks I was encouraged with what I could do on a six stringer. I'm not ready to try playing a six string yet, but I suspect that after you can play a few songs and lots of licks on a three stringer you might find that six stringer isn't nearly as hard as it was before because your left hand is stronger and much more coordinated and you have some strumming patterns down.
I only started learning how to play the guitar about five weeks ago aged 38 & I'm documenting my entire journey on here so watching this was super motivational!
Hi Mike , good on ya mate , for encouraging people to play Played six string for years , then discovered CBG guitars just over 2 years ago , havent really picked up a six string since 😅 Absolutely love them , easy to play , jump straight in with a slide , because they are already in an open tuning . Have had people, look at me , whats that and sort of snigger till you actually start playing, then they pay attention 😂 Love your stuff mike , keep it up , cheers from down under 👍
Hello Mike I've got a long cold winter coming around here in Alberta. I should pull my 2 CBG s down that a friend of mine made me a couple of Years ago. I have what i call " The Twins " one 3 string ,one 4 string. Wish me luck and thanks for the videos. They help !
I'm 68 with little left hand strength. Tried cording but can't make the notes sing. Would learning to play using the slide technique work for me. Thanks for the great videos.
Love the lower sounds from this build. Is that down to using the top three strings from a six string pack instead of the A, D, and g-string? I just wondered if I could get some help, while I’m here and all, either from your good self, or even from commenters on this video? Have you ever made a baritone CBG? If so, how do they sound, other than “deeper” obviously 😂. Would extra bracing be needed? Add a couple carbon fibre strengthening rods? What about an adjustable truss rod? Could I just use three 4mm x 7mm carbon fibre rods instead of the truss rod? 5 carbon fibre 4mm x 7mm carbon fibre rods? I’ve got 10 that I’m not using for anything haha. Is extra neck strength necessary? What about if I was to build a five string CBG ala Keffy-babes style of playing (or a double course of strings on the D, and g-string)? I’ve been building and playing for just over 7 years now, having made tricone resonator CBG’s and all sorts in my time. With memory issues due to two growths in the brain though, I can’t even remember whether extra scale length has a heavier string tension or lighter string tension than a standard 25 1/2 inch scale length 😖. Any clues, tips or help appreciated!
I love this man's positive attitude 😁🫶
Awesome! I'm 58 and just starting to learn to play one. These things are fun to learn on!
Hey I'm 77 years young and learning to play my new three string cigar box guitar. I have put the 6 string electric aside. I have the brass, glass and steel sliders. GET ONE!
Just got a CBG for my 63rd birthday. Such fun!
I heartily agree. When I was 25 or so I decided (but didn't commit) to learning the guitar, bought an acoustic guitar, and man was it hard to play!. Buzzes, dead strings, impossible chords etc. No internet back then, and I was too shy to take lessons in person. After awhile I gave up. Then in my 30's a friend convinced me electric was easier so I bought an electric guitar - mostly the same story, although the strings were a little easier to fret. Now I'm retired at 68 with a touch of arthritis in my hands, but UA-cam suggested Del Puckett's channel, then Mikes and many more. Well I like making things, and I like cigar boxes, already having several nice ones, At last! thought, something to do with the cigar boxes besides holding nails. I can't thank you and all the other channels for being so friendly, helpful and encouraging, and yes, a three string guitar with an open chord tuning and the strings about twice far apart is about 10 times easier to learn to play then a conventional 6 stringer, and indeed I agree that most people up to near the end aren't too old. I encourage anybody who has struggled on a six stringer to give a three stringer a go. I'm not saying that you can pick one up and just play it. It still takes lots of practice, but in my experience even say after a week of playing you can do some simple licks and noodle a bit, and the simplified songs start sounding mostly like they should. I've been building and playing for about 6 weeks now, I'm like gitarzan I know G and D and A and 'I'm working on E! And oh by the way, after going at the three strings for a few weeks I was encouraged with what I could do on a six stringer. I'm not ready to try playing a six string yet, but I suspect that after you can play a few songs and lots of licks on a three stringer you might find that six stringer isn't nearly as hard as it was before because your left hand is stronger and much more coordinated and you have some strumming patterns down.
I built my first one at 59 years old. And I love playing them
Mike im gonna give it a red hot go im 66 and at level zero...just staring at my new guitar...gonna reach beginner level soon...cheers from OZ mate
I only started learning how to play the guitar about five weeks ago aged 38 & I'm documenting my entire journey on here so watching this was super motivational!
You sir are an inspiration , thanks for the music , from Manitoba Canada .
I just started making my own C B G and C B Ukes at age of 84 - under Lost John namme
Hi Mike , good on ya mate , for encouraging people to play
Played six string for years , then discovered CBG guitars just over 2 years ago , havent really picked up a six string since 😅
Absolutely love them , easy to play , jump straight in with a slide , because they are already in an open tuning .
Have had people, look at me , whats that and sort of snigger till you actually start playing, then they pay attention 😂
Love your stuff mike , keep it up , cheers from down under 👍
God Bless You and ALL Your's Mike 🤗🤗 Gary.
Hello Mike
I've got a long cold winter coming around here in Alberta. I should pull my 2 CBG s down that a friend of mine made me a couple of Years ago. I have what i call " The Twins " one 3 string ,one 4 string.
Wish me luck and thanks for the videos. They help !
I'm 68 with little left hand strength. Tried cording but can't make the notes sing. Would learning to play using the slide technique work for me. Thanks for the great videos.
Love the lower sounds from this build. Is that down to using the top three strings from a six string pack instead of the A, D, and g-string?
I just wondered if I could get some help, while I’m here and all, either from your good self, or even from commenters on this video? Have you ever made a baritone CBG? If so, how do they sound, other than “deeper” obviously 😂. Would extra bracing be needed? Add a couple carbon fibre strengthening rods? What about an adjustable truss rod? Could I just use three 4mm x 7mm carbon fibre rods instead of the truss rod? 5 carbon fibre 4mm x 7mm carbon fibre rods? I’ve got 10 that I’m not using for anything haha. Is extra neck strength necessary? What about if I was to build a five string CBG ala Keffy-babes style of playing (or a double course of strings on the D, and g-string)?
I’ve been building and playing for just over 7 years now, having made tricone resonator CBG’s and all sorts in my time. With memory issues due to two growths in the brain though, I can’t even remember whether extra scale length has a heavier string tension or lighter string tension than a standard 25 1/2 inch scale length 😖.
Any clues, tips or help appreciated!
Hey Mike, I just acquired an Epiphone les- paul 100 with duel humbukers... ifi send it to you can you use parts to make me a good cigar box 3 string ?
I like your style mr mike, but show some delta styles brother
Super!
Oh should add , I turned 70 years young this year 😅
No work, only pleasure, only having fun!
69 yo here. I’m building them and learning how to play….
Hey Mike
How is your CBG tuned? It sounds deep. Or are you using bass-strings? Thx
Tune on D
….and you’re never too old to grow some fluff on your chin Mike 😀