What should I consider before deciding to go into guitar playing?

Question

I have very little experience in playing the guitar, but it is definitely something that interests me and I'm starting to strongly consider buying my own and proceeding further with it. What are some things I should consider about the guitar and guitar playing before I make this decision? Thanks in advance =]

Answer 1

Hello,
First, every musical instrument is going to require some concentrated practice time. Allow a few months of about 20 minutes to a half-hour every day while you are getting the basics. Don't make any decision about stopping until you fulfill your personal commitment to the learning curve.
Next, almost every instrument has an effect on your body: posture, breathing, training your muscles, etc. With the guitar, you will get some callouses on your left hand. Your fingertips might get a little sore while this process is under way. You will have to wear the left hand nails very short, so if you like long nails, forget it on your left hand.. If you fingerpick with classical guitar (my own specialty), your nails will have to be sculpted and the edges smoothed so that you will produce a beautiful sound. The process of learning the right shape of your nails might require a teacher, but some people can learn on their own.
Ask yourself some hard questions: What will the guitar add to my life? Why do I want to do this? Do I like learning new things? Am I okay with the sacrifice of time this new interest will require?
I hope this is helpful.
John

Answer 2

Don't go crazy and spend a ton of money on a guitar (and possibly) amplifier unless you have money to toss. I'm going to assume you're trying for electric.
A decent 30 watt amp is a nice start. There are many good ones like Spider, Marshall, or Vox that go well with a beginner's guitar. They might run you anywhere from $200 to $300. For a guitar, try a nice Epiphone or Fender in the $200 to $300 price range.
If you're about acoustic, I have a couple of nice Seagull guitars that I love (a 6 and a 12 string). Might run you about $300 to $400 dollars. There are other nice acoustics, but I'm just speaking from experience. Easy to play, and nice sound.

Lessons are a good start too. But shop around for the instructor. Some instructors might be right for you, and then there are the others.
Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Think about the sound you want to make do determine electric, acoustic steel string, or acoustic gut string. The particular guitar you buy should have the strings reasonably close to the frets - too much distance detunes the strings when pushed and hurts with steel strings. Some guitars have an adjustment rod to change the curve/shape of the neck. If you are going to travel with the guitar and do not require a large acoustic sound, consider getting a smaller than average guitar for convenience. Unless you are getting a solid body, get a hardshell case to protect the guitar in travel.

Answer 4

You need to look for the following things specifically, they will help you learn faster, and you will need to ask someone in the store to help you find one like this:

Look for a guitar that has "low action" - this means the guitar strings will be easier to hold down and wont be as hard on your fingers.

Also, look for a guitar with a "thin neck" - this will help you be able to play chords a lot easier.

Get "light gauge" guitar strings - they will be easier to play..

You should definitely buy a guitar, the chicks love it.. especially the ones with the big taters...also its a blast to do with friends...and is a beautiful thing to be able to do..
Plus there are tons of places with lessons online and youtube.

Answer 5

first get lessons, only get about 4 or 5. then buy yourself a 40wat amp, don't go wild on buying your guitar like buying a les paul or something. just get yourself an encore or yamaha and then your flying

Answer 6

you should consider why you didn't do it sooner