What guitar should i get as im a newbie?

Question

Hiya i want to start to learn to play the guitar more for a hobbie than anything else, I've never played a guitar or been that musical in my life but feel its time to change that, i've seen some good guitar packs for about £175-£199 what would be the best.....
The Epiphone Les Paul Special 2
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Electric Guitar
Epiphone SG Special Player
WASHBURN X20
ESP Ltd Viper

thanks for your help...
P.S what better books or DVDs for teaching yourself

Answer 1

Hi - that looks like a great list of possibles there, I wish I could have afforded one of that lot when I first started ( I had to make do with an Encore - it did the job though!)

I'd agree with the guy who said avoid starter packs - I believe them to be a bit of a waste of money. When first starting out you dont really need to spend a lot, you just need something thats easy to play and looks quite cool (this helps keep the interest when you are getting frustrated with your slow, un-flexible fingers!!).

You mentioned a Yamaha Pacifica - and that would be my choice. They are very easy guitars to play and I think they look quite cool (especially with a natural finish). From what I remember, you can pick one up for under £150! Its supposedly the best selling budget guitar in the world, so they must be doing something right. They sound pretty good for the price too.

Now I know that you probably want an amp with that - but trust me, the little 10 watt practice amps that come in a starter pack arent worth the bother! Just spend your other £50 quid on a multi-fx pedal like a zoom 505mkII or Digitech RP (ebay always has loads), you can plug these into the back of your stereo and it'll sound a million times better than a 10 watt starter amp. You can also plug your headphones into them - which your mum/spouse/neighbour will appreciate (theyre bound to get fed up of hearing smoke on the water over and over again!!). The FX in these things will also help keep you interested - and in tune!!

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I just bought a guitar (an electric). I went to MusiciansFriend and bought a Schecter Omen 6. The cost was reasonable (around $299) and I went and bought a $30 tiny fender amp.

Now I went with the theory that this would be a good "beginner" guitar for me because I want to expand it more than a hobby. But I also kept in mind the factor that if I felt I wasn't good enough, I wouldn't feel bad if I gave up. But if I get better, than I will buy a better quality guitar.

But I went and did alot of research based on user's reviews at the sight before I made the decision. So, based on my research, the Schecter had the best "price/performance/customer satisfaction" ratio.

As far as learning, I downloaded alot of material (from the web) and from various torrent sites. I've weeded out alot of "junk", but everything had it's contribution.

Learning is only based on your desire....if you don't want to learn something, you won't be able to. If you do, you will....no matter what media you use.

Answer 3

I would go with the Yamaha Pacifica! They always get top marks for value for money/build quality in Guitarist magazines..and they are good enough to see you through the intermediate range. Fender Squires/Strats are also a good basic guitar for the early stages of guitar playing because they play and feel reasonably easy on a range of styles and sounds. Check somebody out you know who plays a bit too, a friend or someone who's been playing a bit.. the more you can learn from others for free will improve playing!

Answer 4

I absolutely do not recommend buying a guitar pack-they suck. They amp blows out, the guitar doesnt stay in tune for a single note, just extend youre budget and get a single guitar for 200. You then only need to pay about 100 bucks for a great line 6 spider III amp or a good marshall mini amp for 60.

good 200 dollar guitars:
-epiphone g-310 (you can get the g-400 for 300 though, if you want to extend the budget even more)
-anything from Ibanez (gsa60 for example)
-esp ex 50 (lifetime warranty)

Answer 5

When i started a playing i used an ibanez ( not one of ur choices) now i have a Epiphone which is good. I learned with a book, but i've heard a DVD is easier.

Answer 6

I recommend taking lessons and buying a fender stratocastor. It's pretty much an idustry standard. My teacher just used to teach me songs that I liked and learning how to read music and play was just a bi-product of it. It's a good way to learn because it keeps you interested while you're learning.

Answer 7

i just started playing guitar a few months ago and was strongly advised to buy an acoustic guitar as they are supposed to be the most suitible for beginners.

hope this helps

Answer 8

Corey ROD and the others..... YOU ARE INDEED A RASCAL!!!!! dont listen to him...I played music for 20yrs and SMOKE is one of the hardest songs to ever learn....start out with any slow song using simple chords like C, F, G7....then progress more as you get more familiar with playing......good luck

Answer 9

how about a guitar you can plug into your pc via usb socket

Answer 10

a cheap one in case you dont like it