What is the best way to learn to play the guitar and where to get one at?

Question

i am wondering what type of guitar is easier to play since i am a beginner and want to try! so what kind of guitar should i get an acoustic or eletric guitar?

Answer 1

Although I learned, mostly, by myself with a book and my cassettes and CD's, I would very highly recommend that EVERYONE learn how to play by going to a professional instructor. Almost every guitar shop has an instructor or two attached to them. There are also ones out there giving private lessons.

As for where to get a guitar:
I would have to agree that the local guitar shop is the best place to start. These guys are in the business to make money, yes; however, they are not in the business of getting you to buy out of your station, so to speak.
98% of the people you will find standing behind the counter at a local guitar shop are working musicians themselves, and remember what it was like when they went after their first guitar and had no clue what they were doing. It is also a point of honor that you help the new kids on their way with no BS involved. They should ask you some questions to get a basic idea of what you are looking for, and then they should be able to point you in the general direction of a decent guitar for what you want to do at a price that won't scare you off.

Answer 2

Well I'll say this from experience.. And all the other answers really bugged me.. so:

The most important, for starting, is the quality of the guitar. I've known so many people who get cheap ones that are hard to use and sound like junk.

When you get a GOOD guitar, that is EASY to play that you barely have to touch, you'll want to play more, and improve so much faster. So go down to the local music store and just ask someone for help.. try them out. They're all different.. Alot of people say their 300$ guitar is their main one, cause of the sound and feel.

That said, you COULD get lessons, but it's definately not necessary. People will play their scales and everything, and others will play what sounds good and right to them. Many people are self taught, and hey, it does look like you have the internet.. many many websites to help. Many forums, etc.. it's fun reading up. Learning by experience, etc. Most importantly practise (not necessarily the routine practise, but just playing) Alot of the 'guitar heros' are self taught and all.

Another thing - a tuner. An out of tune guitar is horrid. You'll develop an ear for it and everything as you play.

One thing I also woulda liked to do personally, was learn all the different techniques earlier, so I coulda practised them more.. bends, pull offs, hammerons, harmonics, slides, 1h/2h tapping, and on and on.

I'm sure you know the difference between electric and acoustic by the sound... I'd choose electric to start out if you're into it(distortion, all the sound effects, oo ahh) and would be easier to learn on, definately, although both would be nice;)

That seems about it.. oh and PS: Get good picks! Try standard dunlop tortex picks, they're very popular. Try from lighter to thicker... it's mostly preference.. but picking strings and all it's easier to do on thicker picks.. and ya.. that's about it.


Edit: I'll say it again: It's not necessary at all to get lessons. I personally find it better and more rewarding, developing your own style and skills, and learning it on your own. Develop your ear, and you won't need to know any fancy scales ;) And again, no need to practise by the standard routine, but just playing.

Edit 2: Slash, from Guns N' Roses
-- Here's another Q and A with SLASH. This question is from Nevin who writes, "What kind of guitar would you recommend to a beginner? Someone who is just trying out the guitar for the first time and doesn't want to spring a few grand on a Les Paul?"

SLASH replies, "Nevin, try picking up a used Les Paul or maybe an old Strat." --

Answer 3

I would look for a school where you can be in classes, have private lessons, and perform in recitals. It's much more rewarding to prepare a piece of music and play it for an audience than to sit at home and play by yourself. The teacher will probably recommend the best guitar for your level, budget, and the type of music you want to play.

Answer 4

Like R Squared said - look at your PRIVATELY owned music stores. These guys generally know what they are talking about 100 times more than the folks at those big chain music stores. At the small, private shops, you can also get privte music lessons...

As for what type to get, You need to have an idea of what type of music you want to play. I personally like the sounds of accoustic guitars, but they are limited in the styles of music. If you want to play jazz or blues or rock, you are going to probably want an electric.

good luck to you

Answer 5

ok, you are going to get 1000 answers. First off try looking a tyour local privately owned music stores. You can usually trust these guys. Let them know what you want, and bring a guitar player with you. Most of the time if you get the guitar and lessons at the same time you will get a great deal.

Answer 6

You should get acoustic to start with so you can learn all the chords easier.
and just wait a month or so to buy it. There are lots of sales on musical instruments during the holiday season.
Sams club might even have one pretty cheap.
local city community service departments usually give lessons... and community colleges.
and as for those privately owned music stores... avoid 'em like the plague! they're rock star wanna be's who can't get jobs actually Playing the musical instruments they sell. I went to one to get strings, and they put them on wrong... they're stoners.

Answer 7

pratice and also some music stores have guitar instructors and cheap guitar packs