BEGINNER RESOURCES

Tips for Playing a Cigar Box Guitar:

Familiarize yourself with the Parts of a Guitar so you understand the instruction more clearly.
Make sure your guitar is properly tuned before you start to play. Your guitar has Open G tuning (GDG). Here's a video demonstrating how to tune your guitar. We have a variety of tuners available in the store starting at $5.99 if you need one. Watch this video to learn How to tune to G-D-G.
When you begin to play, hold the bottom of the box pushed gently against your belly. Push with your hand at the bone at the base (near your wrist) on the box and find a comfortable strumming position. To more effectively fret with your left hand, twist your finger slightly so you are pressing the strings with the bony part of your finger (on the side) versus the "meaty" part on the underside. You'll have more strength across the fret if you put your thumb on the back of the neck and push. Experiment with the angle of your elbow--sometimes moving it away from your body will also help. Check out this graphic showing Finger Placement on Bar Chords for tips.
If you are new to guitar, look at this graphic explaining Holding a Guitar Pick.
Check out this playlist on our You Tube channel with some beginner videos. You might want to subscribe to this playlist, as we'll use this space as we record more videos from the store and find more beginner videos recorded by others.

Songsheets From Class:

Favorite YouTubers for Video Instruction:

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