Cigar box guitar tuner
This cigar box guitar tuner starts with low GDG: G2–D3–G3. Two other presets supply G2–D4–G4 and G3–D4–G4. All three keep the G–D–G note pattern but use different octave placements.
Open-string notes and frequencies
Cigar box guitar: GDG · G2 D3 G3. Equal-tempered frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; the live targets follow the selected A reference.
| String / course | Sounding note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 3 | G2 | 98.00 |
| String 2 | D3 | 146.83 |
| String 1 | G3 | 196.00 |
How to use it
- Check the builder’s string set and scale length, then select its GDG register.
- Tap the lowest string button and compare its reference tone before adjusting.
- Enable the microphone and pluck one open string with the slide clear of it.
- Tune the middle D and upper G to their own octave targets.
- Play all three together, then check a few slide or fretted positions without heavy pressure.
Help and explanations
C. B. Gitty describes several GDG arrangements for standard guitar-scale builds. Choose the one your actual string gauges were intended to reach. The letters GDG alone do not tell you whether the top G is G3 or G4.
A fifth is different from an octave gap
In the opening G2–D3–G3 setup, D3 lies a fifth above the bass G2, and the two G strings are one octave apart. The mixed G2–D4–G4 setup keeps the same bass but places the other strings much higher. The high G3–D4–G4 setup raises the entire low-register arrangement by an octave.
Those changes call for suitable strings. C. B. Gitty’s chart relates low G to a lowered guitar A string, middle D and G to standard guitar D and G strings, and high D to a lowered treble E. A light high-G string is a different job again. Do not tighten a thick G3 string towards G4 merely to follow a preset.
Open-string accuracy and slide position
GDG has no third, so its open sound does not choose major or minor by itself. This makes it useful for many slide blues parts. A fretted build can still sound sharp if a slide presses the strings down hard or a high action stretches them while fretting. Check the open targets first, then position the slide directly over the fret line and use enough pressure for contact.
Four-string cigar box guitars need another layout, often including an extra chord tone. This page deliberately follows a three-string GDG build; use the chromatic tuner and the builder’s specified notes for another arrangement.
Tips
- With a slide, move clear of the strings while measuring an open note.
- Use the string package’s register and scale-length guidance.
- If a note reads an octave high, compare the reference tone before turning the peg.
Frequently asked questions
What is three-string cigar box guitar tuning?
GDG is a common choice. This page opens at G2 D3 G3 and also provides two higher-register arrangements.
Why are there several GDG presets?
The same letters can describe different octaves. The selected register must match the fitted strings.
Is GDG an open G major chord?
It contains G and D without a third, so the open strings do not specify major or minor.
Can I tune a thick string up an octave?
Use a suitable string set and the builder’s guidance. An octave increase is a large change in tension.
Does this preset cover four-string builds?
No. Those instruments need their own four targets; the chromatic tuner can measure the notes your builder specifies.