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

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  • čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
  • Buy me a Beer! www.buymeacoffee.com/mikesnowden
    A lot of people ask me about the difference between a 3 and 4 string cigar box guitar. I hope the CZcams will help see and hear the difference between the two. Rock on!!!
    Also check out my hand made cigar box guitars at
    www.snowdenguitars.com/
    Facebook
    / snowdenguitars
    Check out the guitar amp I use in this video.
    amzn.to/2BAvgiC
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 415

  • @budm.1450
    @budm.1450 Před 6 lety +105

    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.

    • @divinityarchive
      @divinityarchive Před 4 lety

      just play guitar, banjo is useless

    • @Jinx-oj3ve
      @Jinx-oj3ve Před 4 lety +3

      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.
      @NoLefTurnUnStoned. Před rokem +2

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

  • @graemeselkirk
    @graemeselkirk Před 6 lety +9

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

  • @MinimGuitars
    @MinimGuitars Před 4 lety +6

    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!

  • @garrypaynting4068
    @garrypaynting4068 Před 8 lety +2

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

  • @dirtymushroom-hollybubba3796

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

  • @Starliner428
    @Starliner428 Před 8 lety

    Excellent. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Nice playing and nice looking guitars.

  • @gonzo2.0
    @gonzo2.0 Před 6 lety +1

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

  • @wendywatkins5467
    @wendywatkins5467 Před 8 lety +3

    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.

  • @juanespinosa8064
    @juanespinosa8064 Před 2 lety +1

    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👍

  • @ObamaTaliban
    @ObamaTaliban Před 7 lety +1

    Mike, you are an amazing slide guitar player. As a new comer in CBG I have listened and learned a lot from your style of playing. Thank you so much.

  • @timothykuntz3212
    @timothykuntz3212 Před 7 lety

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

  • @terryofford4977
    @terryofford4977 Před 6 lety

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

  • @DCMO60
    @DCMO60 Před 2 lety

    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.

  • @eadghe
    @eadghe Před 6 lety

    You seem like a relaxed dude to talk about music and building. Thanks for sharing!

  • @qjarman7753
    @qjarman7753 Před 4 lety

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

  • @michaelmilsom9518
    @michaelmilsom9518 Před 6 lety

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

  • @tedsmith4925
    @tedsmith4925 Před 7 lety

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

  • @clitzkow1
    @clitzkow1 Před 7 lety

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

  • @epiphonium
    @epiphonium Před 5 lety

    I have a OLIVA box on a 3 string a friend made me and it has 23 frets and a 25 1/2 inch scale. I have it tuned E B E now. I'm 62 and I normally play 6 string guitar. I love your video and I will keep watching for all the stuff I can learn from ya. Keep on havin fun !

  • @BTENERY
    @BTENERY Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @stenandersson6704
    @stenandersson6704 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @iantroup
    @iantroup Před 4 lety +4

    Absolutely love the way you play. I’m sold, I want one of these.

  • @Thijs_NL
    @Thijs_NL Před 4 lety +8

    The smile you get when you play the 3 string.. awesome :D!

  • @charliejordan6649
    @charliejordan6649 Před 8 lety

    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

  • @andylane8815
    @andylane8815 Před 2 lety

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

  • @gtbwi
    @gtbwi Před 7 lety

    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

  • @famishedrj3
    @famishedrj3 Před 7 lety +3

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

  • @chrisakinmusic8108
    @chrisakinmusic8108 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @westland3402
    @westland3402 Před 2 lety

    Good work Mike

  • @4fellrunner
    @4fellrunner Před 3 lety

    Great video resulted in a self build and helped us move forward. Thank you from N England York

  • @taf8903
    @taf8903 Před rokem

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

  • @henningwagner1099
    @henningwagner1099 Před 3 lety +2

    This video is one of my all time favorites on your channel. If I could give this video ten thumbs up, I would do it! Love it so much.
    I wish you happy Holidays! 🤩

  • @sciexp
    @sciexp Před 6 lety

    Very nice demo... Thanks for the video...

  • @jna1316
    @jna1316 Před rokem

    You are simply amazing! You got a new follower

  • @bobjohnston4325
    @bobjohnston4325 Před 7 lety +1

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

  • @stevegreve3487
    @stevegreve3487 Před rokem

    So helpful.... Thank you very much!

  • @zippyde
    @zippyde Před 6 lety

    nice video bro.thank you for your time.

  • @johncaldergunn
    @johncaldergunn Před 6 lety +2

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

  • @Ag47SilverSurfer
    @Ag47SilverSurfer Před 8 lety +1

    awesome vid! def love the sound and simplicty of the 3 string! def gonna look into making one with one of my cigar boxes. or more like attempt to make one. lol

  • @li8363
    @li8363 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely beautiful sounds.

  • @stenandersson6704
    @stenandersson6704 Před 4 lety +1

    Nice playing dude!

  • @ZoranZmiric
    @ZoranZmiric Před 4 lety +1

    Well done Mike.

  • @SleepingJoe.
    @SleepingJoe. Před 3 lety

    Hi Mike wery nice video, and informative too, I just bought a cigar box guitar and started to play, I love it..

  • @davidyoung8875
    @davidyoung8875 Před 3 lety

    wow that is fantastic dude

  • @tompanetti75
    @tompanetti75 Před 7 lety

    Thanks. Good instructions.

  • @Tinstar2
    @Tinstar2 Před 5 lety +2

    I love instruments that are different from the norm. Not long ago, I saw a three string electric cigar guitar kit in a catalog that I received in the mail and I ordered one. I figured it was some kind of toy more than anything and once I got it, I put it up. Never put it together. I had no idea of it's history. I am retired and I love music and I wanted to learn a new instrument to just have fun with, one that wasn't so dang complicated. Well, now I believe that I've found it! I had no idea the history of this fabulous blues instrument and I certainly didn't know it could sound like you play it! Wow! Now I am super motivated to get started putting it together and making some blues come to life! Awesome!! Thanks for the great video.

    • @robinleebraun7739
      @robinleebraun7739 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Put that instrument together and play it. It’s not a toy, I assure you.

  • @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

  • @arthurbradshaw7035
    @arthurbradshaw7035 Před 7 lety

    That was great, just subscribed.

  • @susanryan3876
    @susanryan3876 Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @ferentes2
    @ferentes2 Před 7 lety

    Nice video, great instruments!

  • @andrewp.schubert2417
    @andrewp.schubert2417 Před 4 lety +3

    your guitar playing is awesome.

  • @fred.chapman
    @fred.chapman Před 7 lety

    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. :)

  • @marcthacker4walls
    @marcthacker4walls Před 5 lety +1

    What is the difference? 1 string!
    Thanks for the video! I haven't tried the slide yet, but man, those 3-strings are insanely fun!

  • @gitmoholliday5764
    @gitmoholliday5764 Před 4 lety +22

    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. 😭

  • @benjaminemberson86
    @benjaminemberson86 Před 8 měsíci

    Grist video, Mike. Thank you

  • @helihandler
    @helihandler Před 4 lety

    you are good mate! many thanks for this :-) GREAT INFO as I'm gonna give it a go.
    Cheers.

  • @markkirby2930
    @markkirby2930 Před 7 lety

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

  • @NicholasColdingDK
    @NicholasColdingDK Před 3 lety +1

    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!

  • @richarddean9379
    @richarddean9379 Před 7 lety

    awesome dude! subscribed

  • @mark_fox_music
    @mark_fox_music Před 4 lety

    Great playing sir! Cool sound!

  • @garrickpridemore1235
    @garrickpridemore1235 Před 5 lety

    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

  • @americancigarboxguitarsass855

    Good work!

  • @moimeme7839
    @moimeme7839 Před 5 lety

    Man they sound awesome👍 good playin’

  • @JOHNSMITH-hi2zr
    @JOHNSMITH-hi2zr Před 4 lety

    I sure would love to have one of those

  • @conroe2502
    @conroe2502 Před 4 lety

    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.

  • @MrZootalores
    @MrZootalores Před rokem

    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

  • @charliejeans2413
    @charliejeans2413 Před 4 lety

    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.

  • @WORRO
    @WORRO Před 8 lety +1

    Awesome video buddy, I love hearing you play. My three sting guitar looks like your four stinger,,,same cigar box I mean :) Thumbs UP!~John

  • @danr5105
    @danr5105 Před 4 lety +1

    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".

  • @don.richard8823
    @don.richard8823 Před rokem

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

  • @softailspringer9915
    @softailspringer9915 Před 6 lety

    Thanks Man. I think you settle the question for me as to whether 3 or 4. I'm going with 3, now I just need to find the right axe to buy! Any suggestions welcome

  • @WindOnMyWings
    @WindOnMyWings Před 5 lety

    That's just great! Thanks

  • @MrDonnieandvicky
    @MrDonnieandvicky Před 4 lety

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

  • @gagsunshine
    @gagsunshine Před 5 lety

    Bravo! wat a good vibe!!

  • @mikhahrreaves3126
    @mikhahrreaves3126 Před 8 lety

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

  • @VioletGiraffe
    @VioletGiraffe Před 7 lety +35

    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
      @chuckHart70 Před 5 lety +6

      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
      @daro9582 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @Neo2906
    @Neo2906 Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @JackieMatthews610318
    @JackieMatthews610318 Před 5 lety +7

    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
      @ModelLights Před 4 lety +1

      Rika Jump to 2:50 in this video czcams.com/video/F1uOV_mbkE4/video.html 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: czcams.com/video/pmzvfyOizV8/video.html

  • @davefoster6156
    @davefoster6156 Před 4 lety

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

  • @rickwieland7920
    @rickwieland7920 Před 6 lety +4

    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
      @maverickpanda Před 5 lety +3

      Bro what about justin johnson

    • @ItAintMeBabe99
      @ItAintMeBabe99 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @TheSpeenort
    @TheSpeenort Před 4 lety

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

  • @SolidRockBluesBand
    @SolidRockBluesBand Před 5 lety

    Some great playing going on here! :)

  • @davidlouis2354
    @davidlouis2354 Před rokem +1

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

  • @finleysmith2201
    @finleysmith2201 Před 5 lety +1

    I would love to have one of your cigar box guitars

  • @arthurhenry8442
    @arthurhenry8442 Před 7 lety +7

    Hi there Mike Snowden. That 3 string guitar is awesom and it produce great sound. Wow. Thumbs up : )

  • @georgiapeach8866
    @georgiapeach8866 Před 4 lety

    Stunning

  • @genomitchalinni8106
    @genomitchalinni8106 Před rokem

    Bo Diddley loved those boxes too.

  • @garrickpridemore1235
    @garrickpridemore1235 Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @mixertime
    @mixertime Před 8 lety

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

  • @allanaguimaraes6359
    @allanaguimaraes6359 Před 7 lety +2

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

  • @scottbecker3485
    @scottbecker3485 Před 4 lety +2

    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! :-)

  • @scottmichael3745
    @scottmichael3745 Před 2 lety

    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!

  • @jdantonio7989
    @jdantonio7989 Před rokem

    You sound great!!!

  • @MrCalifornia0
    @MrCalifornia0 Před 5 lety

    Nice video

  • @MatthiasOestreicher
    @MatthiasOestreicher Před 8 lety +1

    Pretty awesome! Love this sounds... :-)

  • @Empirism
    @Empirism Před 7 lety

    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!

  • @wilsoncastillo3750
    @wilsoncastillo3750 Před 5 lety

    Very cool

  • @huiledenoix8014
    @huiledenoix8014 Před 4 lety

    That is great !

  • @MountainMike4home
    @MountainMike4home Před rokem

    Thank you

  • @billyhigh2406
    @billyhigh2406 Před 4 lety

    I would love to buy one