what kind of guitar should i get?

Question

I'm planning on buying a guitar for my sister for her 16th b-day but i have no clue what's good and what's not. this will be her first guitar and i know that she's been dying to have one....so betweet a acoustic guitar and a electric guitar...what is the differences and which one do you think will be better for her since she's a beginner.

btw...not sure what kind of music she's really into but i know she like listening to Simple Plan, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Doughtry, etc...so I'm guessing she might want to play somewhere along those lines....tks

Answer 1

I would suggest you get her something like a starter pack. It comes with everything you need to get started, and for a cheaper price. Electric or acoustic is just a matter of prefrence and what kind of music she will want to play. I wouldn't say this would matter that much though, as she will just need something basic to begin on. There are some very good deals for beginning guitarists here: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitar/navigation/value-package-acoustic-guitars?N=100001+306252

Answer 2

Ask her what kind of music she wants to play. The type of guitar will vary according to the style of music. If she wants to play classical, get an acoustic with nylon strings. If it's folk or country, buy an acoustic with steel strings (sometimes called a 'flat top' guitar), for rock, R&B or blues get a solid-body electric, for jazz she'll want a hollow-body electric of the type known as an arch-top (sometimes called a 'jazz box').

Each of these different guitars has a different sound that is favored by musicians of that genre. That doesn't mean you can't play jazz on a nylon string guitar. It's that somehow it just wouldn't sound right.

Don't forget the accessories, like a case and a shoulder strap. Also, as a rule-of-thumb, plan on spending at least $150 to $200 (US). Anything less and you'll probably end up with very poor quality.

If you do buy an electric, you'll also need an amplifier (an additional $50 to $60 minimum), and a cable.

Finally, if she's really serious about guitar, she could start with a steel string acoustic and learn the basics. Then when she's ready, she can move on to another guitar of a different type. Many guitar players have a whole collection of different types.

Above all, the guitar has to be something she'll be happy with and will WANT to play and play often. The best guitar in the world is no darn good if it just sits in the case.

Answer 3

IMO the electric is the easiest to learn on because the "action" (the height of the strings above the fretboard) is much lower on an electric and requires much less muscle strength to sound a note. You're fingers and hands are going to get really sore for the first few weeks.

You are going to be learning a lot about reading music and finger placement, you really don't need the extra aggravation.

Most major guitar manufacturers sell starter kits that have a guitar amp and extras. You can see some of them here:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/guitar/...

Also if you plan on teaching yourself you should buy this self paced learning course, there are 10 DVD's with 20 lessons on them. I'm about halfway through and I can now read music notation and apply it to the fretboard (not just tabs, real music sheets). The user forum is fantastic and there is always other students at various levels all around the world who are there to assist. It is undoubtedly the best self paced training in the world. The course costs $199 but it's worth every penny.
http://www.learnandmasterguitar.com/...


Good Luck,
MikeM

Answer 4

Depending on what she prefers..
Personally, I'd buy an acoustic guitar, nothing expensive. Maybe a Yamaha acoustic. Not sure what you consider expensive,but they run around 100+ Not bad for a beginner,but I would not purchase a Martin, Taylor etc.. Taylor does make a good inexpensive "baby" Taylor. They might run around 300 dollars. Check out the guitar center in your area.. bring someone who knows guitars and check them out together. Don't let some "salesman" sell you crap just to get it off their rack. Guitar Center sells volume.. They might carry Fender acoustics as well. They are not bad. If it's difficult to play, your sister will get discouraged and not play it

Good luck. (44 years of playing guitar experience)

Answer 5

I would say its best to start with the acoustic guitar. Its cheaper even if you get a good one as all you need is a guitar a and a pick.

An electric guitar needs an amplifier too, and probably a peddle for distortion effect.

Its better to start with acoustic. Learn the chords all, and also scales. She can invest in the electric guitar once she's prepare for more advance playing.

Answer 6

If she's a small girl (small hands) go for an electric. Acoustics typically have wider necks and it's difficult for small hands to reach everything. Fender, Ibanez, and Gibson make some cheaper halfway decent models. They also have some starter packs that come with an amp a gig bag and a cord as well as the guitar for around $100/150.

Answer 7

An acoustic guitar is usually best for a first guitar. You'll need to choose between nylon string and steel string guitars. This will depend on the kind of music she wants to play. The most important thing is that the strings won't hurt her fingertips more than necessary while she learns. You should find somebody who plays guitar to help you select one. You don't have to spend a lot of money for a first guitar, just find one that's comfortable to play.

Answer 8

When I was a beginner, I used an acuostic guitar. And now after 1 1/2 years I have an electric.

So I think personally, than for a beginner, the acuostic guitar is better.

Answer 9

Bass is the coolest, but if that is not an option get the acoustic. Otherwise you have to buy amps, cords, etc... And until she gets good whats the point? Plus acoustic guitars are pretty cool.

Answer 10

I like electric and acoustic guitars

but there arent bad guitars..unless they r rilly small or sumthing

fenders gibsons or behringers r nice