A question we often hear from aspiring musicians is: “Should I learn on a fretted or fretless Box Guitar?” It’s a fantastic question, and the answer really depends on the sound you’re chasing. Let’s dive into the differences between these two types of box guitars and explore the benefits of each.
When I crafted my first box guitar over two decades ago, it was a purely fretless instrument. No frets, no markers – just a neck ready for a slide. For me, that was intentional. I was drawn to the raw, primal sound of Delta blues. I wanted that gritty, slightly off-key vibe reminiscent of old Smithsonian recordings.
If your goal is to capture that authentic, vintage sound of a traditional box guitar, then going fretless and using a slide is the way to go. There’s a unique, almost vocal quality to the sound of metal sliding against metal on the guitar neck, creating those signature moans and whines.
However, the modern box guitar scene is exploding with innovation. Musicians are pushing boundaries, blending the homemade spirit of these instruments with contemporary sounds. They’re taking the core concept of a box guitar and forging new musical paths.
If you’re not aiming for that old-timey, creaky sound, then a fretted box guitar might be your ideal instrument. Even a simple 3-string fretted box guitar unlocks a world of musical possibilities. You can play rock power chords, explore dulcimer-like melodies, and venture into any sonic territory your imagination conjures.
The key takeaway here is to consider your musical aspirations and choose the box guitar that best serves your goals. The box guitar emerged from a time of American hardship, born from the need to create music when store-bought instruments were out of reach. Early builders and players were driven by a sound they couldn’t otherwise attain, so they built their own instruments. Embrace that spirit. Follow your sound.
We at guitarplayers.net, in collaboration with C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, are developing a comprehensive library of free box guitar lessons. While this project is still growing, you can already find a wealth of resources on Cbgitty.com’s sister site, CigarBoxGuitar.com. For those eager to jump in, I also offer easy-to-follow video lessons on ShaneSpeal.com.
Personally, in my own performances, I use a mix of both fretted and fretless box guitars. My music spans a wide range of styles, and I need a diverse arsenal of instruments to cover the sonic landscape of a typical 3-hour performance.
If you find yourself torn between fretted and fretless, the best advice might just be: get both! There’s no rule limiting you to one style. In fact, having both fretted and fretless box guitars in your collection will only broaden your musical horizons and make you a more versatile player.
- Shane
P.S. If you’re interested in fretting your own box guitar, CigarBoxGuitar.com offers a helpful article on deciding whether to fret your cigar box guitar, which is a great resource for further learning.
