Kalymi Music · Cigar Box Guitar Series
Cigar Box Guitar Tabs
How to Read Tab · 3-String · 4-String · Blues Riffs · Free Downloads
By Brent Robitaille · 40+ years teaching · Author of 101 Riffs & Solos for 3-String Cigar Box Guitar
Start Here
Cigar Box Guitar Tab, Made Simple
Cigar box guitar tab is a simple number system for reading music on a 3 or 4-string CBG. Each line is a string, and each number is a fret. If you can count to twelve, you can read it. This guide shows you how to read 3-string and 4-string tab step by step, with blues riffs, an interactive note finder that names every note you tap, a tap tuner for all three tunings, and free downloads to take with you.
The CBG Tab Starter Guide
A printable 10-page PDF: how to read 3-string and 4-string tab, the symbol legend, a set of blues riffs, a 12-bar shuffle, and blank tab sheets to write your own. Everything on this page in one file you can keep.
Get the Starter GuideFree Blank Tab Sheets
Sample pages from the Blank Tablature Workbooks. Print one and start writing your own riffs and songs today.
3-String Sheet 4-String SheetThe Core Skill
How to Read 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Tab
Reading cigar box guitar tab comes down to four questions. Answer them and you can read any tab on this page, or in any of my books.
1. Which String Is the Note On?
Tab turns the three strings of your cigar box guitar into three lines. The top line is your 1st string, the high G, and the bottom line is your 3rd string, the low G, with the D in the middle. It feels upside down at first, because the highest-sounding string sits at the top of the page, but it matches how the strings face you when you look down at the guitar in your lap.
2. Which String Do You Pluck?
Each number sits on the line of the string you play. A 0 on the middle line means pluck the 2nd string, the D. Read only the line the number lands on and let the other two fall away, and the tab stops looking busy almost immediately.
3. What Fret Is the Number?
The number itself is the fret. A 5 means press the 5th fret of that string, and a 0 always means play the string open with no finger down at all. The fingerboard chart maps every fret from open to the 12th across all three strings, so you can always find where a number lives.
4. Choose an Efficient Fingering
Tab tells you the string and the fret. It does not tell you which finger to use, and there is usually more than one good choice. This is technique, not something the tab itself notates. The left-hand fingers number 1 through 4 from index to pinky, with T for the thumb. As a rule, keep your fingers lined up over the frets so each one covers its own, and you will spend far less time hunting for notes.
Reading Examples
Here is the whole system at work. Play through these slowly before moving on, and say each fret out loud as you go.
Reading With Notation and Fingering
Here is a similar phrase again, this time with the finger numbers above the staff and standard notation included, so you can see the string, the fret, and the finger all at once.
One Thing Tab Doesn't Always Tell You: Rhythm
Tab tells you where to play, but not every tab tells you exactly when to play. Some arrangements place standard notation or rhythmic stems above the tab to show timing. When rhythm isn't written, use the accompanying recording or video to learn the feel.
Interactive Tool
Tab, Note, and Fretboard, Connected
Reading tab clicks the moment you connect a number on the page to a real note on the neck. Tap through the blues scale in the tab, or explore the whole fretboard, and see and hear exactly what each number means in your tuning.
Tab to Note Finder
Tap a number in the tab, or any spot on the fretboard, and see exactly which note it is and where it lives in your tuning. Tap 3 on the low G string in GDG and you get Bb.
Tap the tab · G blues scale
Or explore the fretboard
Frets 0 to 12 shown. The 3rd string is your lowest, thickest string.
One More String
Reading 4-String Tab (GDGB)
Everything from the 3-string lesson carries straight over. You simply gain a fourth line. The added B string sits on top and gives you the major third of G, which is why 4-string tab can show fuller chords and melodies that 3-string tab cannot.
The complete 4-string reading lesson, with its own diagrams and riffs, is included in the free CBG Tab Starter Guide. For full songs in GDGB, browse the 4-string arrangements.
Tunings
CBG Tunings and What the Same Tab Means
Tab shows fret positions, not pitches. The same tab played in GDG and EBE (Open E5) produces different notes. For the intended pitches and fingering, match your instrument to the tuning printed on the tab; experienced players can adapt or transpose when they want to.
| Tuning | Strings (low to high) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GDG · 3-string | G D G | An open G5 chord (no third). The classic 3-string tuning for slide, blues, riffs, and modal playing. |
| GDGB · 4-string | G D G B | The added B supplies the major third, giving a complete G-major chord for fuller chords and melodies. |
| EBE · Open E5 | E B E | Often called "Open E" in 3-string CBG playing. An open E5 chord (no third), so it works equally well for major- and minor-flavoured blues. |
The 3-string CBG in GDG is really Open G distilled to its essentials, part of the wider Open G tuning family. Explore more lessons and reference materials through the Cigar Box Guitar Learning Path.
Tune Up by Ear
Pick your tuning, then tap each string to hear its target note. Strings run low to high, left to right.
Tip: let each note ring, then match your string to it. Tap again to replay.
Reference
Cigar Box Guitar Tab Symbols
A handful of markings show up again and again. Learn these and you can read almost any CBG tab, including all the arrangements on this site.
| Symbol | Name | What your hands do |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Open string | Play the string with no finger pressing down. |
| 0 0 | Play together | Numbers stacked in a column are struck at the same time. |
| / | Slide up | Pick the first note, then slide the finger or slide up to the next. |
| \ | Slide down | Pick the first note, then slide down to the lower note. |
| h | Hammer-on | Pick the lower note, then hammer a finger down to sound the higher one. |
| p | Pull-off | Pick the higher note, then pull the finger off to sound the lower one. |
| b | Bend | Push the string up to raise the pitch. |
| ~ | Vibrato | Rock the slide or finger side to side to wobble the note. |
Want slide technique in depth? See the Open E slide lesson (Hide Away).
Beyond the Basics
Blues & Jazz Riffs for Players Who've Got the Fundamentals
Already comfortable with the reading basics above? These riffs step it up: half-step bends, triplet phrasing, and movement up the neck over a G7 blues, drawn from the Cigar Box Guitar Jazz & Blues Unlimited series. Play 2-string CBG? There's a jam and video for you too, below.
The Jam Room
Choose the 3-string or 4-string version for Riffs 1–4 in tab, a video of all 25 riffs, and standalone audio. The 2-string section includes a video playlist with scrolling tab.
Riffs 1–4, 3-String (GDG)
Excerpt from Cigar Box Guitar Jazz & Blues Unlimited, Book One (3-String) © Brent Robitaille. Free for personal use.
Watch: All 25 Riffs, 3-String
Riffs 1–4, 4-String (GDGB)
Excerpt from Cigar Box Guitar Jazz & Blues Unlimited, Book One (4-String) © Brent Robitaille. Free for personal use.
Watch: All 25 Riffs, 4-String
2-String CBG: Blues Riffs & Tune
Start with the video and play along. This playlist includes blues riffs and a complete tune for 2-string cigar box guitar, with scrolling tab on screen.
Cigar Box Guitar Jazz & Blues Unlimited, Book One (3-String)
The full set these riffs are drawn from, for players ready to move past the basics.
See the BookCigar Box Guitar Jazz & Blues Unlimited, Book One (4-String)
The same jazz and blues system, arranged for 4-string GDGB.
See the BookTwo-String Cigar Box Guitar: Ultimate Collection
A full songbook for the simplest CBG build there is: two strings, endless riffs.
See the BookFree Song Tabs
Free Song Tabs with Video Play-Alongs
Every featured arrangement includes a free video with scrolling cigar box guitar tab or notation, making it easy to follow and play along once you understand the basics. Here are nine favourites to get you started, from blues and classic rock to country.
Plus 30+ More Free Tabs with YouTube Play-Along Videos
Including Stand By Me, Sleepwalk, Gold on the Ceiling, The Thrill Is Gone, Creep, and Ticket to Ride. Browse the full collection:
Go Deeper
Kalymi Music Cigar Box Guitar Resources
101 Riffs & Solos for 3-String CBG
The complete blues riff and solo system in tab and notation.
See the Book →Cigar Box Guitar Blues Overload
A deep well of 3-string blues, home of the 12-bar shuffle in the free guide.
See the Book →3-String Blank Tablature Workbook
Blank 3-string tab paper with reference pages, ready to fill.
See the Workbook →4-String Blank Tab Workbook
Blank 4-string (GDGB) tab paper with reference pages.
See the Workbook →Cigar Box Guitar Books
The full library of CBG method, blues, roots, and reference books.
Browse All →CBG Learning Path
A step-by-step route from beginner to advanced, organized by style.
Open the Path →Get the Free CBG Tab Starter Guide
Everything on this page in one printable 10-page PDF: the 3-string and 4-string reading lessons, the symbol legend, a set of blues riffs, a 12-bar shuffle, and blank tab sheets to write your own. Free by email.
Questions
Cigar Box Guitar Tab FAQ
