I want to learn to play the guitar, Is it hard to learn, is it fun, would $400 be enough?

Question

and would I be able to teach/learn myself without a instructor?

Answer 1

Yes, you can buy a pretty good guitar for $400. I would look at Takamine, Ibanez and Fender. If you go to a major like Gutiar center, you can probably get away with less.

If possible, go with a solid wood guitar rather than laminate. The salesperson should know. I have an Ibanez that I spent about $300 for that looks good, plays well, and has a built in pickup (a Fishman Matrix) I use that rather than my Martins or my Gibson when I'm playing it a less than ideal environment., like outdoors at night or in rough bars (it's a solid guitar and makes a good drunk club)

If you have some experience on another instrument, you can learn to play on your own. If not, I would strongly suggest you invest in a few lessons. You need to know scales and chords, nothing too deep, just the principles of theory.

The chords you need to know right off the bat: C, D, E, F, G, A, B7th, A minor, D minor, Eminor. With those and a knowledge of scales, you should be able to play most popular music.

If you want to get a songbook, I would suggest Bob Dylan, since most of his songs have simple chord structures.

I've played for 40 years, self taught at first, but as I got older, I took lessons in specific styles like fingerpicking, flat picking, and jazz improvisation. I'm lucky to live in an area where several former national champions of finger style and flat picking style reside. The lessons have helped my improve. I've also taught guitar, harmony and arranging at the high school level.

If you apply yourself, you'll find the guitar is a very rewarding instrument.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You can teach yourself to play the guitar, but bear in mind you might develop bad habits in forming chords that could hinder your progress. On the other hand, I taught myself having no lessons whatsoever so any bad habits I formed are working to the positive for me.

Yes, $400 is sufficient for a good acoustic guitar, but you can look around for a less expensive instrument too. Buy a beginner's guitar manual having chords and basic music theory. Learn to play by notation as well as by ear.

Learning to play is indeed a challenge and a test of will power and determination. Once you get past the sore fingertips and develop the hardened calluses you will be on the way to increase your expertise. It takes years to realize a full potential. The euphoria you will feel at playing your first song is beyond description.

Watch other guitarists and beg for playing tips from them. Play with other musicians whenever possible after you have learned some basic chords and rhythm patterns.

Yes, it is fun and exhilarating to play the guitar. Go for it!

Answer 3

I took 1 week of lessons and decided that it was boring as hell. I have been playing for 12 years and can honestly say that the best thing you can do is just buy a good guitar ($400 is great) and play the dam thing every single day. Learn popular songs that you like, they will teach you techniques and progressions.

Be patient with yourself and make it fun, enjoy it...

Answer 4

$400 is plenty to get started...and you can certainly teach yourself...there are a number of books, software packages and tutorial websites that can help you w/ the basics.

As an alternate to private lessons...if you are so inclined...look for group classes a local community college or music school...much less expensive than private lessons...and you can find other players of your skill level to jam with!!

It's hard to be a really good guitar player (has been 4 me NE way)...but it's not hard to have fun once you learn the basics. But, it's not about $$... it's about desire and the dedication to practice, practice, practice!!

Answer 5

$400 is more than enough. Buy a used guitar (I spent $50 on my first one) and spend the rest for a few lessons. Once you've learned some basic chords and strums, you can play thousands of songs.
Don't invest a lot of $$$ at the beginning in case you don't like it or do not have the aptitude.

Answer 6

yes $400 would get you set up for beginner quality. well its not easy, it takes alot of time and practice. and yes you can teach yourself, theres lots of books and free online stuff to get started. the cheapest way to go is buy an acoustic guitar, and practice. then later if you want get an electric if that's what you wanna play. acoustic is harder to play, and you hear your mistakes alot easier. so it helps you learn the right way.

Answer 7

hi i am a guitar player and my dad taught me but a guitar alone will cost you up to 500$ do not buy one from wal-mart you should just get a guitar teaching book level 1 it ill teach you notes and chords good luck and happy playing

Answer 8

Some of the best muscisians in the world are self taught. Its the willingness to learn, not the amount of money that will determine your success.

Answer 9

i would say to wait a little to get the guitar so you can get to play a little better when you get the electric guitar

Answer 10

It largely depends on your ear (for musical tone) and your aptitude and most of all your determination