What is the best brand of acoustic guitar for a beginner like myself?

Question

I also would like to know if it's better to teach myself or take lessons??

Answer 1

I've played, gigged, and taught on the side for 20+ years(I'm an engineer until 5pm), so here's my 2 cents-

I'm assuming that you have zero knowledge at the moment. SInce this is your first guitar, stay away from eBay and the internet. There are lots of good beginner packs out there, so I'm not going to recommend a particular brand. Find someone who plays and go to the music store with him/her-get your partner to play some of your choices for you. If the guitar doesn't sound and feel right to you, it's not a good guitar no matter how much you may have paid. You want this to be your first guitar, not your last. Even with a beginner pack, the store should provide a "setup"- adjust the action and intonation, etc. Ask before you pay-if the sales geek wrinkles his nose and says something like "beginner packs come set up from the factory" take your money elsewhere.

Lose the DVD's and software- if you really want to play, find some group lessons at a local nonprofit community music school or community college You're much better off there than the half-hour at the superstore from the hung-over metalhead who's in between bands. The instructors at the music schools usually have degrees in the field, and the lessons are usually less than what you'd pay at guitar center.
The real advantage of group lessons is that since you are in with a group of students at about your ability, you can set up jam sessions outside of class. Having one or more partners can mean the difference between abandoning it after three months or taking your playing as far as you can. Remember - music is a social activity- if you're sitting alone in your room, you probably won't go very far- Good Luck!

Answer 2

As a former band member (Instrumental Rock Group) I will tell you this.
If you go out and buy a no name cheap beginner guitar, it will be hard to play, and even harder to learn on. Buy a good brand name, the model is not too important. Look for Gibson, Martin, Oscar Schmidt, Gretch, ect. A good music store can point you to one. Chose one that fits your hands as well as your body. Don't select a fat necked guitar if you have small hands, and don't get a thin neck if you hands are like hams. Learn the chords first. Learn to change chords seamlessly. Then try to play melodies. There are several methods for picking a guitar, try them all and see which you prefer. Lessons are always a good thing, but don't be afraid to try things on your own as well. You want to develope your own style not just copy the teacher. For the record, I have a 1064 Gibson J45 and a 1993 Model Oscar Schmidt. I also play a 1964 Fender Stratocaster than I bought new, and a 1966 Mosrite that was a gift. So learn, play and enjoy. Just remember this: "Good Music is enjoyed, not endured."

Answer 3

hello. I'd say pick up a good clean acoustic guitar, and feel out the playing of it for yourself. teach yourself first, then find lessons so you'll have an idea what kind of learning you need. good luck.