How to Make a Simple Paper Guitar

Learn how to build your own musical instrument using common household items and a bit of creativity. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Prepare the sound box. Take your empty tissue box and remove any plastic film from the opening. This opening will be the sound hole of your guitar.
2. Attach the neck. Ask a grown-up to help you cut a hole on one of the shorter ends of the tissue box that is just big enough for the paper towel roll to fit into. Insert the roll about an inch inside and secure it firmly with plenty of tape.
3. Add the strings. Stretch your rubber bands around the tissue box, positioning them so they cross over the sound hole. Make sure they are tight enough to vibrate when you pluck them, but not so tight that they pull the box out of shape.
4. Decorate your instrument. Use markers, stickers, or construction paper to give your guitar a cool design. You can draw frets on the neck or give your guitar a name.