What kind of guitar should I purchase as a beginner?

Question

Steel or Nylon strings? Any suggestion on which brand is better? Thanks. (:

Answer 1

The choice between steel and nylon strings is actually a choice of style of guitar. Different kinds of guitars come in different shapes and sizes, and this affects the sound. Musicians who play different kinds of music choose different styles of guitars for the sound. Therefore, you should decide which type of music you want to play, then choose the style of guitar that works for that kind of music. By the way, nylon strings come on classical guitars, and steel strings come on other styles.

As far as which brand to buy, brand does not necessarily mean that the guitar is better or not. There are a few brands that are universally respected, but you can't afford them, probably. If you think that you are going to stick with it, there's no reason that you can't buy a somewhat more expensive guitar right away (say, around $300). If you start on a cheap guitar it doesn't sound good and it's not motivating to continue. If you don't think you'll stick with it, either don't buy one, or don't spend too much money on it; any garage-sale guitar will do.

Choose a friend who plays the kind of music that you want to play and take that friend to the store with you. (Make sure you take someone who actually knows how to play guitar. Many people know how to play a couple of songs, but that's not the same thing.) Have that friend play all the guitars that you are considering and listen carefully to the sound of each instrument. Ask your friend's opinion as well.

(I recommend that you choose music that is uplifting.)

Have a great time playing the guitar! I've enjoyed it for many years.

Answer 2

Definitely go with steel strings.......and don't worry so much about the brand, there are a ton of them out there and most of them are fine for a beginner. Go to a REAL music store and browse around for a while........play a bunch of different guitars....even if you don't know how to play, get your hand on the neck of the guitar and your fingers on the fretboard. Have one of the salespeople assist you. Try to determine what guitar "feels" better, and also determine what type of music you most like, and the sales person can tell you what guitars are best for getting that kind of sound....also, make sure you get a guitar with decent tuning pegs. (these are the 6 things at the top of the neck that the strings are wound around) Many cheaper guitars have low-quality tuning pegs, and the guitar will go out of tune very easily....that can be very anoying.
Oh, and you can't buy a Fender Stratocaster at Costco for $189.....it's a Fender STARcaster....pretty big difference there...
Do yourself a favor and go to a music store and browse for a while before you make any decisions.

Answer 3

I would definatly buy an acoustic guitar, they are harder to play at first (barely) but it will make you that much better. I'd go for a Takamine with steel strings. Done.

Answer 4

BUY an electric .... they are easier to play because the strings are thinner . Check out ESP Electric Guitars. Fender Squire electrics tend to have necks that warp. Epiphones are known for not staying in tune . . TRY AN ESP .

Answer 5

i'd say, for and electric... a fender w/ steel strings is great... stratocastic guitars are awesome. I have one... they have 3 pick-ups, 5 positions for the switch, and sound great. Hope this helps.

These range in price, mine was $189 at cosco.... ,its good even though its from cosco...

fender acoustics are good for acoustic guitars... i say rock acoustics are better than flamenco ones... but thats my opinion... try a local music store and try them out.... shhot 4 fender though

Fender ams aregreeat and long lasting too

Answer 6

Hey, I think it is really important to find someone to play the guitar with, because company is great. If you have a girlfriend ;) maybe you should learn to play with her because I find if you have company, then you are more willing to learn. As for a type of guitar, I am a beginner so I am looking for someone to learn with me. I am excited to learn as well. Good luck!

Answer 7

only steel strings and get a fender acoustic or tackemine acoustic they are good quality for a good price

Answer 8

well gibson is as good as it gets. if you cant afford that, then go epiphone. you also wanna get steel round wound coated strings, perferably ernie ball.

Answer 9

nylon strings for sure, and when you feel like you managed to play in a good way you can switch then to any type you want : )