The technical:
SSB CB Radio
Also, FCC limits SSB on CB max power output to 12 watts PEP vs 4 watts AM. As you can see from the diagram, on a 4 watt signal, 2 watts are "wasted" on the carrier, with 1 watt on each of the sidebands. Twelve watts into a narrow signal is more efficient making for longer ground wave contacts.
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Neither. As you can tell from the diagram, the tone frequency is only slightly off the carrier frequency, which carries no information. It's the tone (audio from mic) that has the information. The only adjustment you might make is the clarifier to properly tune in the incoming signal.
That's about it unless you can make a schedule with a friend.
Here's where my being off 11m 23 years will show. Chances are it won't be like this now.
1- NO HANDLES!! Usually some made up number or if there's a SSB club you join the club will assign you an ID. I was a member of a local SSB club Ocean Front Sidebanders in Virginia Beach, my club ID was Ocean Front 136. Once contact was made, first name only.
2- NO 10 CODES!! Ham Q signals were used, QTH, QTR, QSL, QSO were most often used.
3- Channels 16-18 (some areas 15) and 35-40 are used. While there are no regulatory requirements restricting channels to modes, there was a "gentleman's agreement" that separated channel usage. Back in the day, SSB operators were much more civil and professional than the average late 1970's and after CBer.
When the band is open, watch out for DX stations calling CQ.