Guitar virgin advice

[Gmac]

Ok, here's the thing ...

I have always wanted to learn to play guitar, but until now have never got round to it. I played the drums in my younger years, but have always had a hankering to play the guitar. I have now decided that I am going to get myself some proper tuition, and have a crack at it.

I know a few TS members play, so could you advise me on what guitar I should get first. I want an acoustic, but not sure if I should get an electric-acoustic, incase I need to advance later, to save buying 2 instruments.

Can you play an elec-acoust without an amp ?

Thanks peeps :)

[luz008]

i've got a dvd i can sort out if you want one mate
Amazon.com: Learning Guitar for Dummies: DVD

[steely dan]

ive got an electro acoustic. yep you can play it without amp, although the sound isnt as nice as a proper acoustic (due to it having a composite back rather than being all wood). you can get a electro pickup which fits in a regular acoustic guitar if you want it to be loud :cool:.

i dont have an amp, but plug it into the computer and use that, also means you can record it, and use free effects programmes that you can download.

from a learning point of view i think id get hold of a classic guitar first, as they have a wider neck which is easier to get into positions and nylon top strings which is kinder on your fingers so you can play for more than 5 mins without them bleeding :D. you can also get them cheap which will do you for a few months, see if you like it and then either buy a decent acoustic or go for elec. the big benifit of an electric is that you can plug in earphones and avoid irritating the fook out of anyone while you do scales and repetitive practice :D

[Gmac]

Thanks for the advice Dan. I guess I'll be getting a regular acoustic then. Anyything in particular I should look for ?

Luz, I appreciate the offer, but I would rather have a proper tutor, than try to learn from a DVD/book etc. I think it'd be easier for me initially, although I might take you up on that, after I've had a few lessons. ;)

[steely dan]

depends on your budget Martin (http://www.martinguitar.com) make nice ones, just not very cheap :D
get hold of some guitar mags, and have a search of some fourms. i dont really know enough about buying guitars to say a particular brand, but some reviews in mags should point you in the right direction.. i would avoid going into a music shop as helpful as they are, if your a sucker for the sales patter im not convinced you get whats best :D as my boss proved

[Gmac]

I want a blue one :lol:

[steely dan]

any guitar + http://www.silverhook.co.uk/catalogue/sp022.jpg and your sorted :D

[Gmac]

http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2007/12/2007121017342583619dumb.jpg

[neilm]

Guy,

Get along to your local guitar shop, but go during the week, probably in the morning is best.

That way it will be quiet and you can avoid spotty 13 year olds finger tapping their way through Stairway to Heaven.

If the shop are worth their salt someone will spend time with you going through the options.

Find something you like the look of then sit with it and see how comfortable it is to sit with and hold.

Learning to play the guitar is a ball ache because like anything its all about practice so to get good you will need to put the hours in and there is no point sitting with a guitar thats uncomfortable or not well balanced, although this isnt such a problem with accoustics.


Dont buy the cheapest because they are usually an ironing board with strings and dont buy the most expensive because if you give up in 4 weeks because your fingers hurt... and they will for a short while, its an expensive ornament.

Yamaha do nice quality, 'budget' guitars, Martin make very nice instruments then you have the likes of Fender which offer good value too but dont be put off by names you've never heard of, if it looks good, feels comfortable and has a nice tone then you are nearly there.

But dont buy on the name alone, the key is comfort.


The other alternative is to go down to the crossroads and sell your soul to the devil and that way you will be able to play like (insert guitar hero of your choice)

[MCURZON]

I bought a "Crafter" acoustic a while back which was cheap but have found quality to be excellent. Looks much more expensive than it was.

[Si_Steve]

my 1st guitar was 50 quid out of a second hand shop then i got a fender telecaster:drool:cos joe strummer had one, then went on to a yanaha rg121 and bow have a cort m200 still have the tele aswell:thumb:acoustic wise id say try a yamaha usually decently priced and always good quality:thumb:

[Scouse]

Gmac,

I've got an amp...............for free if you want it. It is really for beginners like myself and it's the same one I use, just a spare that's all.


If you do, don't tell Mk1_Matt, you know what he's like for free stuff!! :D


Anyway the offers there if you'd like it! :thumb:




Scouse.

[Gmac]

Thanks Scouse, that's a very generous offer mate :)

My plan is initially, to find a tutor, and then go on their recommendation, but I am leaning towards an electro-acoustic, so may well have that off you.

Thanks again matey :thumb:

[jono_misfit]

Getting a tutor is good idea, you'll get a lot more out of it and they are usually good at helping you keep some motivation.

I started on an acoustic and then went to an electric and now have both and an electro-acoustic one. When you start playing, getting new guitars (and not getting rid of the old ones) becomes quite addictive. Think ive got 5 now.

Id advocate getting a sort of mid priced one. Cheap guitars will go out of tune really easily and often.

The other thing you need to do is start growing your hair (if you dont have long already). Cant play guitar without long hair :p

I find playing guitar is a great de-stresser, although damaged wrists and guitars dont work :(

[Clint]

Guy I founf learning to play was much easier for me on an electric, the strings are much softer on the fingers.

I purchased a Takamine electro Acoustic, its all wooden and sounds great as an acoustic but also has a pickup so you can plug into an amp.

I also purchased a Fender Strat great classic.

I took classical lessons with the Takimine then practiced on the electric so my fingers didnt get wrecked.

its a really calming enjoyable hobby thats for sure.

I found learning to play Dillon songs from early to late is a great way to learn, as Dilon only knoew a few chords early on and progressed as the years went on :)

[Gmac]

So what sort of price is good for an electro-acoustic then ?

This any good ?

http://www.reidys.com/index.pl?submit=View_PLU&PLU=5064

on the bay too ... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ovation-Applause-AE128-Electro-Acoustic-guitar_W0QQitemZ180190259749QQihZ008QQcategoryZ22966QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[Clint]

Both my Guitars were about £500 each

[Esme]

We have bought Eden a cheap 3/4 size acoustic for Xmas just to see how he gets on :dunno:His Dad plays and they do lessons at school so if he likes it we can get him a decent one or an electric one if thats what he prefers.Didnt want to pay out for a good one and then find out he hasn't got the time or inclination to learn.

[Jon]

Try and learn a few songs early on as well, once you have a few chords mastered ask your tutor to teach you a couple of songs that you like, things like Oasis are great to start with. I found that just doing chords and silly patterns got boring very quickly but when you manage to turn it into a recognisable tune it all of a sudden makes sense and gives you a great buzz.

[x-pack]

I've been playing for about 15 years and the best advice I can give would be to buy something cheap at first - not crap! - cheap. This is because the majority of people take up guitar and get bored of it after a couple of weeks. If you get the hang of it then buy the best you can afford. I have a Fender Telecaster Custom as my main guitar. Personally I would go for a solid body electric and not an acoustic, that's because they are more versatile if you wanna rock or play the blues:cool:

Get an electrified guitar. you will get bored with an acoustic that isn't. If you go the way of Electric then buy a decent amp - not a practice amp. They are ok but if you decide you want to start a band then you will have to buy another amp.

That's the general rule really. If you like playing then buy the best you can afford .. the amount of guitars I bought before settling on the one I use all the time now is rediculous. Get some one who knows about guitars to go to the shop with you - DO NOT BUY OFF EBAY - try to buy new (unless it's something a bit special). Necks can warp which destroys a guitar. Hardware can go fucked and frets get worn to nothing. Test loads before you buy. You'll think you are pissing the people in the shop off but, well, fuck it. It's your money and shops make loads on guitars. Don't forget to haggle over the price!:thinking:

Hope this helps. I've made loads of mistakes with guitar and amp buying over the years. Don't want anyone else to do the same ... saying that, I have some lovely axes. Got a beautiful top spec, deep bodied Epiphone electric acoustic for sale if anyone interested. Never play it anymore.

Oh, the best way to learn is to play with other musicians. You will stay interested and learn 100 times more.xmaswave

[Scouse]

And it does help to have all 10 fingers!! :stu:



Scouse.

[Gmac]

I tried to buy one of these today, but Reidy's were sold out, and the only other shop I found, that had one at the same money, was shut today. Will try again in the week.

http://www.reidys.com/index.pl?submit=View_PLU&PLU=1493

[351escort]

Have you tried these www.guitarampkeyboard.com/index.php
they price match aswell :thumb:

[Gmac]

Thanks for the link. :thumb:

I tried them, but they don't stock 'em

[Antony_James]

Try one of these

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/antonyjames/DSC00675.jpg

I bought mine for £170 Just over 12 months ago an there floating around now for less than 120... Not bad for a £200 guitar... An as for the sound, the sound is just magic

Its a Crafter D6 if u decide to look sum up

[Antony_James]

Am lookin round now for a nice spanish guitar, my mum bought me a couple of them when i was younger an i hated them haha (what are u doin buyin me a babys guitar from macro) i was a cheeky get haha but now am older am after another one now, they sound lovely an SO easy to play

[Gmac]

Well I ended up buying this ...

http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2008/1/200801311002265655658ce_1.jpg

It's an Ovation Celebrity electro acoustic. Sounds really nice, has an onboard tuner, and bass/mid/treble ...

http://uploads.turbosport.co.uk/getrempic3.php?url=http://www.ovationguitars.com/pics/preamps/OP4BT.jpg

CELEBRITY
Model CC24

6 String Acoustic / Electric
Body Type:
Top: Laminated Spruce
Bracing: Modified X
Scale Length: 25 1/4"
Scale:
Fretboard: White Bound Rosewood w/ Abalone dot inlays
Fret Inlay: Abalone Dots
Bridge: Walnut
Rosette: Inlayed Abalone
Pickup: Ovation Slimline Pickup
Nutwidth: 1 11/16"
Machines: Gold
Case: 8210-0


Had my first lesson last night, and am now practising A,D & E chords.

Sore digits now too, but enjoying it :thumb:

[steely dan]

good stuff :thumb:
if you want quick satisfying returns, just buy an oasis song book, most of their stuff is only 3 chords, and its really nice to be able to play along with something you know.

the thing you'll find frustrating at the beginning is the transitions from chord to chord, your fingers wont do what you want them to, but if you keep at it you get there in the end. :)

[Gmac]

You're right about the transition bit, it feels really awkward right now, but I'm sure it will come with practice.

Funnily enough, I've chosen 'Wonderwall' for him to sort out next week, for me to learn, for the exact reasons you said :thumb:

[steely dan]

and then you'll be able to play 'Travis - writing to reach you' too :D exact same chords.. i think theres even a green day song which is so similar you can play those chords and no-one would notice ;)

[Jon]

Good luck mate, you are doing the right thing learning a few basic songs straight off, lots of people give up because all they go is learn random chords and scales and never play a tune. Oasis are great for learning, my face was a picture when I managed to play Wonderwall for the first time, had to show all the family but think they got a bit pissed off after a while, me I was a rock and roll star!!

[zoso11]

you want to learn on an electric 1st, Get a yamaha Pacifica, awsome guitar, £200-300 ish and better than any dam fender strat, neck is slim, and easy to move around, wont shred your fingers.

Problem with starting on an acoustic is the neck is wider and the action is always higher, generally the gauge of the strings are bigger too, so can wear you out quite quickly

Look into a pacifica, i still play mine now after 10 years and its still one of my favourites, and ive got loads, some costing £1500!!

[Gmac]

Read up a bit. I've already bought my guitar, and I'm happy with it :thumb:

[zoso11]

yeah spotted that after id replied lol

[TepiTheFinn]

THIS (http://www.amfisound.fi/amfisound_galleria/spotlight/routakelo/routakelo.htm) is beautiful.

found on www.amfisound.fi (http://www.amfisound.fi)

[jono_misfit]

Cool guitar, although i think youd need to look like this pull it off.

http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2008/3/2008030615233980103viking_warrior-765290.jpg

[zoso11]

im a massive fan of old airlines and national guitars, the ones made from resoglass!! this does it for me!


http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2008/3/200803061806839844national-map-black%20s.jpg


http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2008/3/2008030618049346619MAP1-WHITE_front.jpg

[Gmac]

I know I'm only a learner, but I couldn't understand why the chords I've been practising were sounding so flat. Finally discovered the reason last night, whilst using my tutor's guitar. The neck on mione is too narrow for my sausage fingers. I have pretty big shovels, and my fingers are pressing down on 2 strings at a time :D

So I had to go out and buy another guitar today. I went into a shop though, and tried a few out first.

What a difference. I can actually play a strummy tune now, that sounds like what it's supposed to

:banana:

Gonna have to pop the old Ovation back on the bay now though. Shame, cos it's a nice sounding guitar, when someone with girl's hands plays it :thumb:

[Jon]

how much you expecting for it, my lads looking for an adult sized guitar but he only has small digits!!

[Gmac]

Well I paid £200 for it about 6 weeks ago. Be nice to see £150 back really. Don't think you'll find one cheaper.

[Jon]

Cheers for that, bit expensive for a guitar for him to mess about on. Guess you will see that back from ebay tho.

[1BadMerk]

Get a cheap acoustic and put 13's on it....Yeah I know its gonna hurt...But its gonna hurt any way..... theres a method to my maddness....though much harder to play for the beginner it will make your hands very strong and when you go to pick up something with the action set very low...you'll fly up and down the fret board...Trust me......Plus given the fact that most people will stop tryn to play shortly after starting if you buy the cheapest thing that will stay in tune and then decide you really dont care to learn your not out a big wad of cash.......Worry bout tone and such later......Chances are you wont really be able to tell at first any how.....As far as electrics go get something made of fairly heavy dense wood and always remember you can change the electronics........but make sure the actions the way you want it and the intonation is properly set up.......ore the damn thing wont ever stay in tune..........No matter what have fun with it........

[1BadMerk]

http://media.turbosport.co.uk/2008/3/2008031418482442017uiu.jpg

My old les paul from when I was a kid.......