Strumstick Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Strumstick Facts

The Strumstick string instrument was designed in 1981 by Bob McNally, an accomplished musician, recording artist, and plastics engineer. His goal was to make it easy for anyone, particularly non-musicians, to learn to play music.

Bob began designing musical instruments in the 1970s. One of his previous designs, The Backpackers Guitar®, was licensed to world-famous guitar maker C. F. Martin and Co., Inc. in 1994.

Learning is Easy and Fun

Designed to be simple with only three strings, the Strumstick plays in just one key (or scale). Most string instruments are designed to be played by experts, with the notes needed for all 12 keys. Unlike more complicated instruments, there are no wrong notes. This makes learning easy and fun.

The frets are spaced to give you the notes of a major scale, plus one extra note that is handy to have. The other two strings make a background (a drone) which harmonizes with whatever you play on the fretted string. Chords are created automatically.

More Strumstick Facts

Fun Fact
Bob McNally also created the Space Guitar, a version of his backpacker guitar designed for a Space Shuttle mission in 1994. It was the first American guitar in space, and the first musical instrument ever designed to go to space.

Music Poster

Motivational Quote by Bill Evans

Acoustic Guitar Motivational Poster

Perfect for Acoustic Guitar Students

Are you learning to play the acoustic guitar? Learn the basics and grow your confidence with the Strumstick. Think of it as training wheels for guitar! If you already play another string instrument, the Strumstick can be used as a creative tool for composition. You can also play it for simple relaxation. Rediscover the simple joy of playing that brought you to music in the first place.

Awesome Beginning Instrument

Here’s one of our favorite Strumstick facts. Kids love the Strumstick! Are you looking for a beginning string instrument for a child? The best-selling D-33 model is a perfect choice. It’s lightweight, rugged, and easy to play. With a little supervision, kids as young as 3 are able to make music with it right from the start.

The Strumstick opens a door to the study of music. It’s fun to play, and much easier to learn than the guitar or ukulele. Each instrument comes with written and audio instructions, with plenty of online follow up and support. Give this easy string instrument a chance, and you’ll be making music in no time.

The Perfect Beginning Instrument

McNally D-33 Grand Strumstick

Listen to the Strumstick

Introduction by Bob McNally

Strumstick creator Bob McNally introduces his best-selling D-33 model, which is longer and wider with a deeper tone. The G-29 is shorter and a little narrower with a brighter tone. Most people choose the D-33 as their first Strumstick. The G-29 can be used to add another “voice” and a different pitch range.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite Strumstick player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Strumstick collection.

Find a Strumstick Online

McNally G-29 Standard Strumstick

Product details:

Handmade from padouk, spruce, and maple
Plays in the key of G
3 strings and a diatonic scale
Sounds similar to a banjo or dulcimer
Designed for ease of learning and playing
Created to be played with as little as one finger!
Instruction sheet and pick included
Ideal first instrument

McNally G-29 Strumstick, Key of G McNally Gig Bag for Strumstick, Key of G

McNally D-33 Grand Strumstick

Product details:

33 inches long (longer than standard model)
Handmade from padouk, spruce, and maple
Tunes to C or D
3 strings and a diatonic scale
Rosette soundhole
Sounds similar to a banjo or dulcimer
Pick, instruction CD, and book included
Great portable creative tool for the experienced musician

McNally D-33 Grand Strumstick McNally Gig Bag for Strumstick, Key of D

Tuning the Strumstick
The Standard (G) Strumstick is tuned G D G (key of G) but can also be retuned up or down a whole tone to play in keys of F or A. The Grand (D) Strumstick is tuned D A D (key of D) but can also be retuned up or down a whole tone to play in keys of C or E.

Learn to Play the Strumstick

The Strumstick Chord Bible, with its 1,156 chords, provides the musician with 17 different types of chord in all twelve keys (where applicable), making it the definitive publication for mastering the Strumstick.

The Strumstick Chord Bible: D & G Tunings 1,156 Chords (Fretted Friends Series)Toby A. Richards – Author of 40+ Books on Musical Chord Theory for Fretted Instruments

Strumstick Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite Strumstick player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

Shop for Strumsticks and Accessories

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Pickin’ Stick: Building a Stringed Instrument – Illustrated Woodworking Guide Takes You Step-By-Step – by John Ressler Snark Electronic Tuner – Clips to End of Strumstick String Instrument – Built-in Metronome – Makes Tuning a Breeze How to Read Music: For Beginners – A Simple and Effective Guide to Understanding and Reading Music with Ease The Strumstick Fretboard Blanks Workbook: 1,100 Blank Strumstick Fretboard Diagrams for Your Musical Ideas