OK my son has just had his 1st guitar lesson in school, please read on ?

Question

His teacher recommended that he buys his own electric guitar as the ones provided in the school are a bit naff and a bit big for him ... can someone please advise me on what i should be looking for or recommend a good website for me to visit ... thanks ....

I would like to add i am not going to rush into this with my eyes closed i do know what kids and their fads are like, i have 3 sons.... Just curious because if it is something he is interested in i want to give him all the support and encouragement that i can ... He suffers from mental health problems (OCD & Depression) and i think it may be a good outlet for him...

I cant tell u what a jizzumonkey is or i will have to kill u ;)

Answer 1

i don't know where you are (and that info would really help), but i suggest getting something inexpensive that comes lumped together with the amp, cable and (sometimes) tuner. i know the fender starcaster is the one that's substituting squires now in this department. and if you live in the states, Costco is a great place to buy it, but i'm thinking the use of the word naff suggests otherwise *grin*.

here's the deal: fender has a kid's electric guitar that's small and good for little hands. it's cool; it's going to get the image that your son wants, and it'll fit his fingers better (though, i often start third grade kids on full-sized electric guitars).

it's a good idea to get a straight suggestion from your son's teacher. he really shouldn't be so vague. he should tell you exactly what he wants your son to have.

musician's friend is a good site that will give you a look at the guitar. it's called the mini strat and the item number in MF is 510421. check it out....ask the teacher if that's what he has in mind.

www.musiciansfriend.com

good luck.

EDIT: and contrary to traditional thought, STARTING WITH AN ELECTRIC is a great idea for a kid. it's usually much more accessible on the neck, so it's easier to get successful at AND it's cool. let's face it, for most kids, if they feel what they're doing isn't cool, it won't work too long!

Answer 2

Hi i'm a 16 year old and i have been playing guitar for a few years now. I first played guitar hero about a year ago and i was able to play expert in about 1 week. I do think playing guitar helped me because you need to have good hand to eye coordination, but being good at guitar really doesn't mean anything, because you also need to stay in beat. Also guitar takes a lot of practice and lots of money. I usually spend 3-6 hours a day after school and before work. If your wondering and idea of how much money were talking it depends on the guitar and amp. If you start him off with a beginner electric such as fender squire and a 10 watt amp that might be 200-500. But if he has that he will defenitely want a new guitar (500-2000) in a year. or start him off acoustic guitar around 200-300. well i hope that helps but the main thing is practice all the time. but just remember its gonna be really expensive later. i have a $1000 amp and two $750 electrics $300 acoustic and $400 worth of effects. all that stuff will be neccesary if he becomes good.

Answer 3

Although no doubt your son won't appreciate it a 3/4 acoustic would probably be your best bet. As one pf the answers says he may love it now but it gets harder. It would be a shame to waste a lot of money until you're sure he will carry on. My grandson started at about eight years old and loved it. Six months later he realised just how difficult it was and stopped. He picked it up again at sixteen and now is an excellent guitarist. If he does keep it up by all means go electric, You can get a replica Strat and amp at Argos which is OK for a learner but I don't know of any 3/4 electrics. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Tricky one. Although acoustic guitars are readily available in 3/4 size, trying to get an electric 3/4 that isn't a "posh toy" is mega difficult. Maybe a compromise, i.e. a 3/4 acoustic with metal strings and a "clip on" pickup? There's a variety of pickups for acoustics from £15 upwards. Have a word with your local guitar shop.

Answer 5

Welcome to my world. My son was told the same 5 years ago he now has 5 electric guitars. Your best bet for his first guitar is a second hand one, as he has only just started. EBay is a very good place to get a good guitar for under £100 he will also need an amp a small practise one should be around £30 -£40. You should also buy yourself a good pair of ear plugs and warn the neighbours. Good luck.

Answer 6

If you like an inexpensive way to learn guitar from your home, online guitar instructions certainly are a convenient and clear choice but also for years, Jamorama, https://tr.im/OU4zP is a front-runner in this market, giving quality media guitar teaching as you are able to obtain to your computer.
Jamorama offers a good assortment of lessons and is unquestionably an excellent select for a start guitarist. Jamorama's video material is all in great HD quality, and their main instructor, Mark McKenzie, does a great job covering the basic principles in an easy-to-understand and intuitive way.

Answer 7

Yamaha make really good electric guitars

(go to a music shop to buy and if you can take his teacher along or get him to meet you there, thats even better)

buying online is not a good idea unless you know exactly what instrument you want. as you can't physically feel the guitar to see if its comfortable too big or too small and so on.

Answer 8

personally, I would buy an acoustic guitar and let him learn how to play that first as the acoustic is wider than the electric. When he can play the acoustic he will probably be alot better on the electric and find it easier. I did this and found it great. My mate started on the electric and found it hard to play the acoustic after so long playing the electric.

Answer 9

check that he actually likes playing firstt. You can get a cheap guitar and amplifier bu Squier which are the cheaper replicas from Fender. You could easily get these second hand, look in your local music shop, people always upgrade after they've been learning for a while.
If not, look at Argos

Answer 10

I got caught with this one, only it was a set of drums. three lessons in and my son gave up. £250 down the drain! If your boy really interested, I'd go for private lessons if finances allow. If not, keep at it for a couple of lessons and see how he gets on then think about buying him one.