What do I need to start playing electric guitar?

Question

I'm left-handed and I'm not sure about what I need to buy, besides a guitar (duh). I've seen those beginner packs but not any for left-handed people.. so could someone provide me with a list of equipment I need to start playing? Some recommendations for each would be cool too.

Answer 1

I'd be more than happy to help. Basically, you've got a slew of choices. Because you're left-handed, it's your choice if you want to play just a regular guitar and use your forehand on the neck and pick with your weakhand, or specially order a lefty guitar, which limits your options and is more expensive. My recommendation would be to just get a regular guitar; the bassist in my band has been totally fine just play with his forehand on the neck and not ordering a lefty.

As far as other accessories, it's your choice of if you want to get stuff on the cheap side and see if you like it, or if you want to jump right in and, in the long run, save money. If your choice is the first one, then any of the big companies, Ibanez (which I play), Fender (which are also great guitars), or Squier (which honestly aren't so much, but they are cheaper), have great starting kits that give you everything you really need except for maybe an amp. If you're just getting a little box amp, I wouldn't spend more than $100.

If you do want to jump right in though, you'll need picks (about 50 cents each, probably just buy a pack), a 1/4 mono cable (I'd spend between $20 to $50 for one, and the best companies are Monster and Planet Waves), and a tuner (a Korg chromatic tuner, which is the most popular kind, costs something like $10 or $15). Beyond that, you'll obviously need lessons or a book to actually learn to play, and there's a million different accessories depending on what style of music you want to play and how much you get into playing. Let me know if you want more detail on that, but your teacher or book will probably explain it.

Answer 2

First of all, I'd like to mention that starting with an acoustic guitar sets a much stronger foundation for the future, and increases your future ability as a guitarist.

Your choice depends a lot on your budget. I'm also left-handed, and I also decided to begin playing guitar as if I we're right handed.

Deciding to play right-handed will save you money, time (to find a guitar), give you plenty of more options, and allow you to read tablature and be taught easier.

I started off with a beginner Epiphone Les Paul Special II. (Epiphone; the maker, Les Paul; the model, Special II; the model name) Not a very great guitar, but it was cheap, and ideal for a beginner with a budget.

My first amp was a Marshall MG15CDR. Only 15 watts (not a whole lot) but it's an excellent amp for ANY guitarist looking to shred.

Fender, Gibson (which is the souped up Epiphone), Schecter, Ibanez, ESP, & Dean are a few guitar makers you should probably look at for your first purchase.

Look at 10-20 watt amps from Marshall, Fender, & Crate. (Listed from best to crappiest)

I personally started off with a cheap acoustic guitar from Target, and a piece of crap DVD that came with it. I learned how to tune and a few basic chords from the DVD. From there I taught myself by looking up all kinds of tabs and chord variations online. I've only been playing for a little over a year, and my friends can't tell the difference between my experience and any other guitarist. --but, I did several years of musical experience before I started. That will help as well.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I took a college class and played a semester of classical guitar right-handed, but it just didn't feel right for rock and blues. Yes, the selection of lefty guitars is more limited, but they can be found. Musician's Friend, AmericanMusical.com, Samash.com to name a few all have left-handed instruments. You're also gonna need an amp (duh) and cord. There are several different types of electric guitar (hollowbody, semi-hollowbody, solid-body) and amps (tube, transistor, hybrid, modeling). If you want to play punk or metal, you'll need a solid-body for sure.

Answer 4

I agree with alickszandurrbly !!!!!!!!!