I would like to learn to play guitar, but I have heard nightmare stories about trying to learn on a poorly made guitar. Any advice on quality brands for a beginner that won't break the bank as I figure out if I like playing?
2006-11-01 06:38:29 · 8 answers · asked by Mr. Payne 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
Hello, I can only agree with what has been said already, generally. However, I could possibly ask questions such as: have you ever picked up and played a guitar ; nylon strung (classical, flamenco) steel strung `(electric solid body, semi-acoustic, acoustic-electric, 12 string, 6 string, dreadnought - large body, also called jumbos- folk style, western, etc... blah, blah?) You get the picture. Also what music do you like : Jazz, Blues, Folk, Country and Westrn, Rock, Pop, Funk, Reggae, Flamenco...it goes on, doesn't it. I don't want to put you off - I want you to define your goal and refine your search criteria. As the person above stated so well, you could visit a guitar tutor but find someone who can provide you with a grounding in the music you want to play. Nylon strung guitars are easier on the fingers for a beginner when it comes to acoustic models in general but some steel strung acoustics are a joy to play if well built and well set up. If you're a complete beginner, though, you wont appreciate that right now. Though I wouldn't knock any of the models mentioned, I also know from experience that even 'name' makes can sometimes be dogs to play. I bought a lovely Fender acoustic last year for £160 but one of the guys in my band has an £800 Gibson Les Paul 'Studio' (soild electric type-in case you're unsure) and I think it plays like a F*****g pig. That's personal taste for you. My first guitar was a cheap classical style nylon strung model and yes, I found it a long way off from the axe wielding electric style I fantasised about but the thing that counts - and you will always find this true - it depends on how much time and convicton you put into your learning. No point spending your cash on a guitar and lessons if when you go home you put it under the bed and turn on the computer. Whatever your bag, good luck with your search
2006-11-01 08:09:42 · answer #1 · answered by rob s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been playing the guitar for 16 years and when I was at the cross roads you are at, I bought a Spanish Classical guitar (nylon strings) which has a nice flat board and wide string separations, and sounds nice without having to press to hard on the strings against the frets. I find that the nylon string is an excellent guitar to learn on. As you don´t know how a guitar "feels" you will have to just trust that the feeling you are having is real. It will feel hard. It takes time. Be sure that whatever guitar you buy has a straight neck and that no strings fuzz or that there are apparent damages to neck or body. I would recommend to buy a cheap second hand guitar of some quality (and in the US at least, its not that hard) and start from there. If you can get a nylon, it will be more gentle on your learning curve than a steel string. The steel string is the big brother in tension to the nylon, and "feels" totally different. But till you can glide on a steel string...it takes time. Quality brands, Gibson, Taylor, Fender, Guild. But these can break banks :) You can also try Ebay...good stuff out there cheap. Good luck!
2006-11-01 06:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by flyingdebris1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, Fender is good and has some nice starter sets (I recommended the Squire Strat Pack for someone's 12 yr old yesterday).
But really, you should just go to a music or guitar shop. There will be some guy working there that LOVES guitars, and will ask you what kind of music YOU want to play, how much you want to spend, how soon you plan to upgrade, etc. He'll also explain proper maintenance, and let you know about any modifications you might want to think about in the future to help you get the sound you're looking for.
Just be sure to stop him before starts telling you the fascinating tales of every guitar he has ever owned in his life.
2006-11-01 06:48:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend making a trip to a local Sam Ash store (or one like it) and try out a variety of guitars you are interested in. Then, check online at a site like Zzounds and find that guitar at a good price. Even a somewhat inexpensive guitar can have the neck reworked for a small sum to be very playable. If you hang out at a music store and get to know the folks there, they can usually connect you with someone to work the neck.
2006-11-01 06:43:00 · answer #4 · answered by Rich B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fender is decent for the money. Really what you should do is go to your local Guitar Center and pick up some guitars to check what you like most. You are looking for low action (meaning the strings are close to the fretboard) and ease of play.
If you want to go big, you get a Martin.
2006-11-01 06:39:55 · answer #5 · answered by Liberty against the NWO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local Guitar Center or place that sells musical instruments... tell them you're a beginner and looking for an affordable good guitar. They'll help you find exactly what you need.
2006-11-01 06:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can find a used Ovation for a good price these days. They're a good guitar. Many people spend a ton on a guitar and never play it. They end up selling it used. Try E-bay or your local Craig's list.
2006-11-01 06:46:40 · answer #7 · answered by Jilli Bean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring an experienced guitar player with you? Ask your local music teacher?
2006-11-01 06:40:46 · answer #8 · answered by hihoukus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋