Where should I buy an acoustic beginner guitar?

Question

I know that they sell really cheap ones at Walmart and Target but should I really buy a guitar from here? And since I'm just beginning is there anything I should know? Tips on practicing, accessories, songs, or anything that a beginner should know are very welcomed!

Answer 1

I agree - try Guitar Center or your local music shop. Having played guitar for nearly 20 years, I can tell you a cheap guitar sounds, well cheap and it is HARDER to play! Sounds strange but a decent guitar makes all the difference and if it's easier to play and sounds better, chances are you're gonna stick with it.

A few items you'll want to get right away:

Pitch pipes or electronic tuner: nothing worse than a guitar that's out of tune.

Chord handbook - worthwile book to have around when you get adventurous enough to try to figure out songs on your own.

Polishing cloth - keep your piece clean and it will last a long time.

Extra strings - if you play constantly, you will be changing your strings a lot. The #1 mistake people make is leaving strings on until they break. Change them frequently (if I'm playing in the band, I'll change them every 3-4 shows, sometimes more!) but at a minimum, once a month. You will get better action (feel of the guitar as you play it) and of course, better sound. Find strings you like (maybe the ones that came with the guitar are cool) and then go to eBay and buy 'em like they're candy.

Guitar is a fun and easy instrument to play so good luck and stick to it. It's hard to wrap your hand around the darn thing at first but once you get used to it, you'll be the life of the party!

Answer 2

I've played, gigged, etc. for 20+ years, so here's my two cents(I'm an engineer until 5pm)-

First, stay away from ebay and the internet. Second, get a friend who plays and go to your local music shop. There are plenty of good, reasonably priced beginner packs out there. You'll get a guitar, strap, tuner, picks, etc. Have your friend play some prospects in your price range, and decide what sounds best to your ears and feels best in your hands. You want this to be your first, not your last guitar. One brand I recommend ( I own two ) is Seagull- they don't have beginner packs, but once you're ready for something beyond the beginnner pack, they're worth a look.

As far as learning, I recommend group lessons at either a local nonprofit music school or community college. The nice thing about group lessons is that you'll meet players at your ability level, and you can set up jam sessions and find a practice partner-remember- music is a social activity- you'll go a lot further a lot faster with someone than you will if doing it alone-Good Luck!

Seamus

Answer 3

Go to ur local music shop. Get the best u can afford. Nylon strings are kinder on the fingers to start with. U can't have long pretty nails on ur left hand & play guitar. It will hurt ur finger tips to start with but it soon wears off. Buy a chord book & learn 2 or 3. A D E are good. Practise changing between them, then u'll find lots of songs to play.eg Going to the Zoo, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. Then a lot of early Rock'n'roll is in 3 chords. Happy picking, and if U need more help, just post. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I have always bought my guitar at Guitar Center and they also have a wide selection to choose from.

Sometimes during holiday they also have good sale. Bought my Ovation acoustic/electric guitar there at a very good price.

Good Luck and always keep on practicing.

Answer 5

Guitar Center. they have many types and price ranges out for you to try. They have everything.
Plus they have charming salesguys to help you out.

Don't buy from a department store; they won't be able to help you when you need customer service for the guitar. Go make a friend at a music store and make him 'your guy for guitars.'

Answer 6

No, don't buy a knockoff walmart fall apart. Go to muscians friend.

Answer 7

Did you try Ebay? Or craigslist.