Buying first Guitar?

Question

If I would like to learn to play a guitar, what suggestions are there for selecting something to start with?

Answer 1

First don't just buy it because it looks cool. That's the dumbest reason to ever by a guitar.

You want to make sure it's built out of good materials. It will cost a bit more but it's worth it in the end. Try out everything you take a liking to before you buy and make sure it's comfortable to you. If you have to struggle to get to frets then it's not worth it. Sit down with it; put a strap on it and stand up with it. Is it comfy both ways or does it seem neck heavy when you stand. If it is can you live with that? Are the controls in a good place for you or do they seem aukward?

Once you find some thing you like you can deal with looks. Ask if you can get it in a different finish if you're not all that nuts about what's there. If there are options with hardware chrome or black finishes stuff like that.

You have to be happy with it. Trust your guts, if someone trys to sell you something you're not happy with then don't bother.

Most times though the guys that will sell you your guitar are local musicians and they will be more than happy to help you out. They've been through what you are going through and they'll give you good advice.

Like I said thjough shop around, you may be able to find the guitar of your dreams cheap at one place than another.

Good luck

Answer 2

I would recommend a Fender (or Fender Squire) guitar to begin with. You can often find them in starter packs that are reasonably priced and pretty great for beginners. I would say from personal experience that you want to stay away from the cheap guitars and generic, no-name brand guitars. I didn't that with my first guitar and the sound quality was terrible and it was very difficult to play for a good sound overall which was very discouraging. I then got a better guitar and the difference was amazing. If you don't want a fender you might try an Epiphone or go to a music store and ask someone who works there what they would recommend. They should be pretty knowledgeable on what kind of guitars would be best for beginners and that way you get to check it out and see what you prefer before you buy it as well. Good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 3

I started 1 yr ago. Got a $150 acoustic and was quite happy. Then got a solid body electric for x-mas gift. It was so heavy I couldn;t use it (shoulder pain) and I had a LOT of trouble playing it after acoustic. Then I got the hollow body Ibanez electric for $199 new and I haven't touched the other 2 since! So honestly, no matter what you get as a beginner you will want something else in a year so don't spend a lot up front. But I really have to promote the Ibanez - I see keeping that baby for a long time! Just get something and start playing!

Answer 4

For a beginner i would suggest a Fender Squire Bullet. They are light weight, easy to play, and relatively cheap. I own a bullet and play it hours daily. It is a great beginner guitar. Wait and spring for the strat or the ibanez after you've been playing for a while and get more advanced. I've been playing for 6 years and although i could and probably should be playing on an ibanez or something along those lines with my style, the bullet works great for me and for a reasonable price.

Answer 5

There's good advice here, but nothing beats actually bringing a guitar player with you to a pawn shop - or knowing someone at the guitar store. Neck is very important for beginners, as is setup - how high the strings are, how wide or thick the neck is. Your hand size plays into all of this. We also don't know if you want acoustic or electric. If you need more help, comment at my blog below.

Answer 6

Ibanez....great brand and affordableyou can pick them up at pawn shops for about 75 to 80 used dont pay anymore than that check Craigslist as well type in your city and craigslist in the search engine look under musical instruments, good luck, no offense but the guitar book 4 dummies is great too if you wanna learn how to read music and tablature, take care and good look in your future as a musician, dont give up, once you learn a riff of your fave song you will have a sense of accomplishment!

Answer 7

I had the same problem when I first bought my guitar, my brother said you should see if there are any scratches or cracks and try to listen to the tune of the strings, you will know its correct if its not too loud or too soft, tnx!