How to Play the Blues Scale on 3-String Cigar Box Guitar - by Shane Speal

Shane breaks down the blues scale into an easy-to-follow lesson. He uses Blind Willie Johnson's technique of playing leads on the high string. Got questions? Ask them below!

[mellanderson]

Hey I’m a 45 year old Blues lovin lady from Australia. I’ve had my cbg for years and haven’t found any lessons I love. Until you! In the last half an hour I’ve learnt so many things. Thanks heaps.

[petejones]

I'm a 53 year old Brit beginner with a 3 string cigar box guitar. Learning from scratch and loving your lessons.

[shellydianenovascotia]

Soon to be 62...just got a 3 string GDG and your lessons are great...thanks!

[hedgelayerpax]

I'm a 65 year old Brit beginner (does this sound familiar ?) Just built my first cigar box guitar. Love the lessons !

[castle]

"open, 3, 5. 6. 7, 10, 12"
Just like the dots. Mostly.

Great lessons these past couple of weeks!

[Jack-fsim]

I am addicted to yr vids .Have bought one and making very slow but learning progress

[brianoliver]

Hi Shane i'm 75 year old who has been trying to play a guitar for 40 years i have tried 6 string 4 string and until now 3 string you make it so easy if i cant get it this time i am going to try a shot gun .you are really good at explaining thanks

[StateGiant]

Thank you. Couldn't get the hang of the blues scale. After watching this I got it. Eureka moment. Cheers from Northern England

[AvidEric]

I'm looking forward to more lessons! I really like that you start with the basics - this should help everyone to get to the same level eventually no matter how little they know for now.

[davecalderon]

I love the lessons Shane! I just started lessons a few weeks ago. Thank you for hooking me up with Casey Baron! He is a very sweet very patient instructor.

[AndysVinylDen]

Hi Shane! Just picked up my first cigar box 3 string this past weekend. I've played guitar for years and recently fell in love with cigar box guitar. Looking forward to making your channel a regular stop on my path to 3 string enlightenment! ~Andy

[joeysosa]

Maybe you can do a lesson where you pluck each string open about 8 times each so I can tune mine to yours. This would be greatly appreciated brother.

[rickwieland]

Definitely going to be following your lessons, as well as ordering my stubby slide and skull T-Shirt

[MarioHemsley]

EXCELLENT! This REALLY helped me! Thanks!!

[CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

I'd like to add my vote of thanks for your lessons. I've been following you for a while. I've built one CBG, bought another and have never mastered playing them. I also want to echo David Tannen's thoughts... you're a knowledgable musician and an enthusiastic instructor. There is no shame, no foul in earning a little scratch from those who would gratefully pay you for your tutelage. But until then I'll go buy a stubby slide...

[dudemistert]

Is there any chance you can do a video on working into improvisational licks using the scale? I also find the picking that you do on many songs impressive and would enjoy a video or two on the strumming techniques you like to employ.

[mayafey]

Just started. I modified a baritone ukulele to make it a 3 string guitar... Let's go!!

[bwz]

to clarify or should i say be more specific this is the minor blues scale, which is 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7. This is NOT the major blues scale which is 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 5, 6
In terms of notes in G this 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7 equals G A# C C# D F or to related it to the video its fret 0, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 as he said

[neilsquibsyounger]

one thing ive struggled with (not playing slide ) is which fingers to use as you go up and down the scale - can you advise ?

[mattschannel]

So are you strumming all 3 strings ? When you play it in full