The origins of cigar box guitars are uncertain, but it is believed that they were created in the 19th century in the United States, probably by poor musicians and street guitarists who could not afford a traditional guitar. Cigar boxes were readily available, and for this reason, they were used as resonators to build these models.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, cigar box guitars became even more popular as they were affordable and easy to build. Many street musicians used these instruments to play in public streets and nightclubs, spreading their use throughout the country.

Over the years, the construction of cigar box guitars became more sophisticated, and some craftsmen began to create high-quality instruments using better materials and advanced assembly techniques. Today, cigar box guitars are appreciated for their unique sound and historical and craftsmanship appeal and are used in a wide range of musical genres, from blues to rock. They also represent the first approach to luthierie for many beginners, as they are relatively easy to make.

How a Cigar Box Guitar is Made

Cigar box guitars are usually made using a metal box as the resonator. They are called cigar boxes because they were originally the most commonly used, but any type of box (or other materials) can serve the purpose, as long as its shape is comfortable to hold.

The box is cleaned and prepared, and then holes for the strings are made through the lid. After that, the pegs for the strings are mounted on the box, and the strings are fixed to them. The bridge, which is a piece of wood or metal that holds the strings in place above the box, is then attached to the body. The neck is connected to the body, and the tuning pegs are screwed into the headstock.

Some cigar box guitars can have truly original shapes and be built using various containers such as gasoline cans, cookie boxes, and more. Also, the neck is often made from a simple broomstick, entirely without a fretboard. Finally, some models come with pickups and electronic components that allow sound amplification, while others are purely acoustic.

How to Tune a Cigar Box Guitar

Cigar box guitars can have a variable number of strings, generally ranging from three to six. Three-string guitars are the most common and are usually tuned to open G (D-G-D), open D (D-A-D), or open C (C-G-C). These tunings allow for a powerful sound with a minimal number of strings.
Four-string guitars (like the ukulele) are also common and are often tuned similarly to the three-string models, but with the addition of a fourth string to expand melodic possibilities.
Five- or six-string guitars are less common and can be tuned like a traditional guitar with intervals such as E-A-D-G-B-E or A-D-G-C-E-A. These tunings offer greater flexibility to play a wide range of musical genres and explore more advanced techniques.
In general, the tuning of a cigar box guitar depends on the musician’s preferences and the musical style they want to play. Some artists prefer open tunings to get a powerful and bluesy sound, while others opt for more traditional tunings for greater melodic flexibility.

Cigar Box Guitar and the Sound with Slide

The slide technique involves playing the cigar box guitar using a metal or glass ring called a slide, worn on a finger of the hand that makes the chords. This ring slides along the strings instead of pressing directly on them to create notes. This allows for a smoother, continuous sound, similar to that of lap steel guitars, also known as Hawaiian guitars.

To play with the slide, it is important to maintain good posture and hold the guitar so that the strings are at the correct height in relation to the slide. The hand should be positioned slightly angled, with the slide moving along the string. The other hand is used to play the strings as in a normal guitar with a pick or fingers.

It is important to start with a slide that suits your hand and is compatible with the strings; some materials, like glass or ceramic, may be too slippery on some surfaces. It is best to practice with simple melodies, exploring different positions along the strings to produce a wide range of sounds and notes. With practice and exercise, you will develop your slide technique, which you can use to create that warm, enveloping sound.

Famous Musicians Who Play Cigar Box Guitars

Many famous musicians have played the cigar box guitar over the years. Some of the most notable include:

• Seasick Steve: an American musician known for his use of this instrument in blues and rock. He has played many cigar box guitars made by himself.

• Joe Bonamassa: an American blues rock guitarist; a guitar hero in his genre, who has used cigar box guitars in some of his performances and recordings.

• T-Model Ford: an American bluesman, known for traveling the world for years, collecting hundreds of concerts, during which he made extensive use of these guitars.

• JJ Thames: an American blues singer who has used the cigar box guitar in some of her performances and recordings.

• Muddy Waters: a famous American bluesman, who wrote unforgettable pages also thanks to the cigar box guitars.

These are just a few examples of famous musicians who have used the cigar box guitar in albums or live performances, but many other musicians have played these unique instruments to express their creativity and love for music.

Building a Cigar Box Guitar

Many craftsmen and brands produce high-quality instruments. It is possible to buy complete instruments or individual parts to assemble them yourself and enjoy making your own instrument. Below is a brief list of the most famous online shops that sell materials for this purpose:

• C. B.Gitty Crafter Supply: an American company that produces cigar box guitars and components for their construction. It offers a wide range of options for musicians who want to try building one of these models.

• Third Man Records CBG: a company founded by the famous Jack White, which sells pre-made guitars or individual parts.

• Delta Blues: an American company that sells high-quality cigar box guitars, using advanced materials and construction techniques.

• Americana Box Guitar: produces handcrafted guitars, well-known for their appealing aesthetics and distinctive sound.

• Cigar Box Nation: a community of craftsmen and cigar box guitar enthusiasts who share their knowledge and various techniques for building and playing these wonderful instruments.

On YouTube, you can easily find numerous tutorials with useful tips for beginners who want to build their first instrument. It’s also possible to start without buying any special materials, trying to assemble a cigar box guitar using scrap pieces that are easily found at no cost.