Cigar box guitar

The cigar box guitar, a humble yet profoundly expressive instrument, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of American musical tradition. It embodies a raw, unadulterated sound that resonates with the soul of the blues, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll. This instrument, born from necessity and nurtured by creativity, represents a unique chapter in the history of music, a chapter written with found materials and a deep-seated desire to create sound.

Description and Type of Instrument

The cigar box guitar is a simple stringed instrument, typically fretted, and often featuring a resonator made from a repurposed cigar box. It falls under the broad category of folk instruments, specifically within the realm of homemade or “found object” instruments. It is most commonly classified as a chordophone, meaning it produces sound through the vibration of strings stretched between two points. The cigar box itself acts as a soundbox, amplifying the vibrations of the strings. While initially designed for simple melodies and chord progressions, the cigar box guitar has evolved into a versatile instrument capable of complex musical expressions. It can be played in a variety of styles, ranging from the raw and gritty sounds of the Delta blues to the more refined tones of modern folk and experimental music. The instrument’s inherent simplicity allows for a high degree of customization, making each cigar box guitar a unique creation reflecting the individual builder’s style and musical vision.

Historical Background

The cigar box guitar’s history is deeply rooted in the American South, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its origins are intertwined with the economic hardships faced by rural populations, particularly African Americans, who lacked access to traditional musical instruments. The instrument emerged as a means of creating music with readily available materials, primarily discarded cigar boxes, broom handles, and wire or twine. The earliest documented evidence of cigar box instruments dates back to the 1800s, with a drawing from an 1876 illustration depicting children playing such instruments. This indicates that the cigar box guitar was a part of the American musical landscape well before the turn of the 20th century. The instrument’s popularity surged during the Great Depression, when economic constraints further limited access to conventional instruments. It became a symbol of resilience and creativity, allowing individuals to express themselves musically despite the challenges they faced. The cigar box guitar played a significant role in the development of the blues, as many early blues musicians used these instruments to create their distinctive sound. The instrument’s accessibility and affordability made it a crucial tool for spreading the blues and other folk genres throughout the American South and beyond. The legacy of the cigar box guitar continues to resonate in contemporary music, as it has been embraced by artists seeking a raw, authentic sound.

Construction and Design

The construction of a cigar box guitar is remarkably straightforward, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The primary components include a cigar box, a neck, a bridge, a nut, and strings. The cigar box serves as the resonating body, amplifying the vibrations of the strings. The neck, typically made from a piece of hardwood, is attached to the cigar box and provides a surface for fretting the strings. The bridge, located on the cigar box, transfers the vibrations of the strings to the resonating body. The nut, positioned at the top of the neck, provides a stable point for the strings and determines the string spacing. The strings, traditionally made from wire or twine, are now commonly made from steel or nylon. The design of a cigar box guitar can vary significantly, reflecting the builder’s creativity and the materials available. Some builders opt for simple, minimalist designs, while others incorporate intricate details and embellishments. The number of strings can also vary, with one-, three-, and four-string configurations being the most common. The neck can be fretted or fretless, depending on the desired playing style. The cigar box itself can be modified to enhance its acoustic properties, such as adding sound holes or internal bracing. The overall design of a cigar box guitar is often dictated by the size and shape of the cigar box, as well as the builder’s personal preferences. The raw aesthetic of the cigar box guitar is a core part of its appeal, with many builders intentionally leaving the instrument unfinished to showcase its rustic charm.

Types of Cigar Box Guitars

The cigar box guitar encompasses a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and playing styles. One of the most common types is the three-string cigar box guitar, which is often tuned to open G or open D. This tuning allows for simple chord progressions and slide playing, making it ideal for blues and folk music. Four-string cigar box guitars, tuned like the top four strings of a guitar or the strings of a tenor guitar, offer a wider range of musical possibilities. Single-string cigar box guitars, known as “diddley bows,” are the simplest form of the instrument and are often used for slide playing. Electric cigar box guitars have also become increasingly popular, incorporating pickups to amplify the sound. These instruments offer a louder, more versatile sound suitable for a variety of musical genres. Resonator cigar box guitars, featuring a metal resonator cone, provide a distinctively bright and metallic tone. Travel cigar box guitars, designed for portability, are often smaller and lighter than standard models. Each type of cigar box guitar offers a unique sonic experience, reflecting the diverse range of musical styles and playing techniques associated with the instrument. The variation in string numbers, tuning, and amplification methods allows for a wide range of musical expression.

Characteristics

The cigar box guitar is characterized by its raw, unrefined sound, which is often described as gritty, bluesy, and authentic. The instrument’s simple construction and use of found materials contribute to its distinctive tone, which is often characterized by a lack of sustain and a pronounced percussive quality. The cigar box itself acts as a natural resonator, imparting a unique tonal character to the instrument. The strings, often made from unconventional materials, contribute to the instrument’s distinctive sound. The cigar box guitar’s inherent simplicity allows for a high degree of expressiveness, as the player can easily manipulate the strings to create a wide range of sounds. Slide playing, a common technique used on cigar box guitars, produces a distinctive wailing sound that is characteristic of the blues. The instrument’s raw, unadorned aesthetic is also a defining characteristic, reflecting its origins in the rural American South. The cigar box guitar’s affordability and accessibility have made it a popular instrument among DIY musicians and experimental artists.

The instrument’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of musical genres, from blues and folk to rock and experimental music. The cigar box guitar’s enduring popularity is a testament to its unique sound, its historical significance, and its ability to inspire creativity and innovation. The instrument represents a powerful symbol of musical expression born from simple means, a sound that resonates with the history of American music. The instrument’s characteristics are not only sonic but also visual, as the used cigar boxes and other found materials create a unique and often beautiful aesthetic. The history of the player, and the history of the materials used in the guitar’s creation, are often written on the instrument itself. The character of each instrument is unique, and tells a story.

Construction and Design

The construction of a cigar box guitar is characterized by its simplicity and adaptability. At its core, it consists of a cigar box serving as the body, a neck made of wood, and strings stretched across the neck and box. The neck, often a simple piece of hardwood, is attached to the cigar box, providing a surface for the player to fret the strings. The bridge and nut, usually made of wood or metal, raise the strings above the neck and box, allowing them to vibrate freely. The strings, traditionally made of wire or fishing line, are now often made of standard guitar strings, offering a wider range of tonal possibilities. The cigar box itself acts as a resonator, amplifying the sound produced by the vibrating strings. The size, shape, and material of the box significantly influence the instrument’s tone, with larger boxes generally producing a deeper, more resonant sound. The design of the cigar box guitar is highly customizable, reflecting the individual creativity of its builder. Some builders incorporate features such as electric pickups, allowing the instrument to be amplified, or add additional strings to create a richer sound. The number of strings can vary, from single-string “diddley bows” to four-string and even six-string configurations. The fretboard, if present, can be marked with frets or simply left unmarked, allowing for slide playing and other expressive techniques. The simplicity of the design makes it accessible to builders of all skill levels, fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation. The cigar box guitar is a testament to the idea that a great instrument doesn’t require expensive materials or complex construction.

Playing Techniques and Sound Modifications

Playing a cigar box guitar involves a range of techniques that are often rooted in blues and folk traditions. Slide playing, using a bottleneck or other smooth object to glide along the strings, is a common technique that produces a distinctive, wailing sound. Fingerpicking, using the fingers to pluck individual strings, allows for intricate melodic lines and rhythmic patterns. Strumming, using a pick or the fingers to play chords, provides a rhythmic foundation for songs. The raw, gritty sound of the cigar box guitar lends itself to expressive playing, with techniques such as bending strings, vibrato, and hammer-ons and pull-offs used to add emotion and nuance. Sound modifications are a key aspect of cigar box guitar playing, with players often experimenting with different tunings, string gauges, and amplification techniques. Open tunings, where the strings are tuned to create a chord without fretting, are popular for slide playing and creating drone-like sounds.

The use of effects pedals, such as overdrive, distortion, and reverb, can further enhance the instrument’s tone, adding depth and texture. Experimentation with different pickup types and placements can also significantly alter the sound. Some players even modify the cigar box itself, adding sound holes or changing the internal bracing to achieve specific tonal characteristics. The cigar box guitar encourages a hands-on approach to music making, where players are free to explore and create their own unique sounds.

Applications in Music

The cigar box guitar has found applications in a variety of musical genres, including blues, folk, rock, and even punk. Its raw, earthy sound adds a distinctive character to any musical setting. In blues music, it evokes the spirit of the Mississippi Delta, where the instrument originated. In folk music, it provides a simple and authentic accompaniment to storytelling and acoustic performances. In rock and punk music, it adds a gritty, rebellious edge, often used to create distorted, lo-fi sounds. The cigar box guitar’s versatility makes it suitable for both solo performances and ensemble settings. Many contemporary musicians have embraced the instrument, incorporating it into their recordings and live shows. The instrument’s resurgence in popularity has led to its inclusion in various music festivals and workshops, further solidifying its place in the modern music scene. The cigar box guitar’s adaptability and unique sonic qualities make it a valuable tool for musicians seeking to explore new sonic territories and add a touch of authenticity to their music. It’s not just a historical novelty, but a living, breathing part of contemporary music.

Most Influential Players

Throughout the history of the cigar box guitar, several influential players have helped to shape its sound and expand its reach. Early blues musicians, such as Blind Willie Johnson and Lightnin’ Hopkins, are believed to have used rudimentary versions of the instrument, contributing to its association with the blues. In the modern era, artists like Seasick Steve have brought the cigar box guitar to a wider audience, showcasing its versatility and expressive potential. Tom Waits, known for his experimental and eclectic musical style, has also incorporated cigar box guitars into his recordings and live performances. Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, led by Reverend J. Peyton, is another notable act that features the cigar box guitar prominently, blending blues, country, and rock influences. Shane Speal, a prominent advocate for the cigar box guitar, has played a significant role in promoting the instrument and educating others about its history and construction. Justin Johnson, a virtuoso cigar box guitarist, has gained recognition for his technical skill and innovative playing style. These players, among others, have demonstrated the expressive power and versatility of the cigar box guitar, inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore its possibilities. They have shown that this humble instrument can produce a wide range of sounds and emotions, from the raw, gritty blues to the intricate melodies of folk and beyond.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining a cigar box guitar is relatively simple, given its basic construction. Regular cleaning of the strings and fretboard is essential to prevent buildup of dirt and grime, which can affect the instrument’s tone and playability. Wiping down the body with a soft cloth after each use can help to keep it clean and prevent damage. Storing the instrument in a dry, temperature-controlled environment is crucial to prevent warping or cracking of the wood. If the instrument has an electric pickup, it’s important to check the wiring and connections periodically to ensure they are secure. Adjusting the string height and intonation may be necessary to maintain optimal playability. This can be done by adjusting the bridge and nut, or by consulting with a luthier if needed. Replacing worn-out strings is also essential for maintaining a clear and vibrant tone. If the cigar box itself becomes damaged, it can often be repaired with wood glue or other suitable adhesives. Regular inspection of the instrument can help to identify any potential problems early on, preventing them from becoming more serious. The cigar box guitar’s simple design makes it relatively easy to repair and maintain, allowing players to keep their instruments in good condition for years to come.

Cultural Significance

The cigar box guitar holds significant cultural significance, representing the resourcefulness and creativity of working-class musicians. It is a symbol of the blues and its roots in the American South, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of those who created and played it. The instrument’s DIY ethos resonates with the punk and indie music scenes, where it is often embraced as a symbol of rebellion and authenticity. The cigar box guitar also serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility in music, demonstrating that anyone can create music with simple materials and a little ingenuity. Its resurgence in popularity has sparked a revival of interest in traditional blues and folk music, as well as inspiring new generations of musicians to explore the instrument’s unique sonic possibilities.

The cigar box guitar has become a symbol of community, with numerous builders and players sharing their knowledge and skills through workshops, online forums, and festivals. It represents a connection to the past, while also embracing innovation and experimentation. The cultural significance of the cigar box guitar extends beyond its musical applications, serving as a reminder of the power of creativity and the ability to find beauty in simplicity. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to create art from the most basic of materials.