How to Make a Cardboard Tube Guitar — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Transform everyday paper tubes and cardboard into a strum-worthy guitar! This fun craft is perfect for little musicians and creative minds.
Quick answer
To make a cardboard tube guitar, you need paper tubes, cardboard, scissors, tape, and decorating supplies, taking about 45 minutes. Start by cutting a soundhole in the tube. This beginner-friendly activity has 10 steps and is perfect for families and kids aged 6+.
What you need
Shop on Amazon · affiliate links
On this page
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Gather all your materials.
- 2
On the cardboard tube, draw and cut out a circular soundhole using scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision needed for the craft knife). Aim for a hole about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- 3
Cut a neck shape from the sturdy cardboard. This should be a long rectangle, about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long, with a slightly wider base to attach to the tube.
- 4
Attach the cardboard neck to one end of the cardboard tube using tape. Ensure it's securely fastened.
- 5
Cut a headstock shape from the remaining cardboard. This can be a simple rectangle or a more decorative shape, about 2 inches wide and 3 inches long.
- 6
Attach the headstock to the other end of the cardboard neck using tape.
- 7
Reinforce all the taped connections with extra tape for durability.
- 8
Decorate your guitar! Use markers, crayons, or paint to color the cardboard tube and neck. Add details like tuning pegs and a bridge.
- 9
Cut thin strips of scrap paper or construction paper to create 'strings'. Glue or tape these across the soundhole and up to the headstock.
- 10
Optional: For more realistic strings, stretch rubber bands, yarn, or string across the soundhole and secure them to the headstock. Ensure they are taut but not so tight they break the cardboard.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1If your cardboard tube is very thin, you can reinforce it by wrapping it with a layer of paper before decorating.
- 2Experiment with different headstock shapes and soundhole designs to make each guitar unique.
- 3For a more robust guitar, consider using a thicker cardboard for the neck and headstock, like from a shipping box.
- 4Let paint and glue dry completely before handling to avoid smudges and damage.
Related Activities You Might Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paper is best for making a guitar?
While you can use any paper for decorating, sturdy cardboard is essential for the guitar's neck and body. For the 'strings', thinner paper strips, yarn, or rubber bands work well.
How do I make the guitar strings?
You can create simple strings by cutting thin strips of paper or construction paper and gluing them across the soundhole. For more tactile strings, use yarn or rubber bands stretched taut.
Can I make a playable paper guitar?
This craft focuses on the visual and imaginative play aspect of a guitar. While you can strum the paper strings, it's not designed to produce actual musical notes like a real instrument.
What age is this paper guitar craft suitable for?
This craft is suitable for children aged 6 and up. Younger children may need assistance with cutting and assembling the cardboard components, especially if using a craft knife.
Free: 10 Paper Crafts Anyone Can Make in 5 Minutes
Get our beginner guide + new craft ideas weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Did you complete this activity?
Related
