I've wanted to learn to play guitar for probably about 10 years now (I play a variety of other instruments, none stringed, however). I've started to decide to seriously pursue this, and have gotten the names of a few highly recommended local instructors I plan on contacting next week.

I absolutely overwhelmed and intimidated by the prospect of buying a guitar (acoustic). I've done a lot of reading up on various brands, recommended decent quality beginner's guitars, what to look for when purchasing a guitar, etc. But fundamentally... I know NOTHING about guitars (actually, I do know how to tune them, but that is the full extent of my knowledge). I don't even know how to hold the damn thing correctly, so how am I supposed to know what I'm looking for when I go shopping? "Hmm... yup, that looks like a guitar."

I'm very excited about the prospect of learning... while simultaneously excessively intimidated. Any kind helpful words for an absolutely clueless (and overwhelmed) beginner?

Welcome and congrats.

Almost everyone on this site will probably start dropping brand names, but there are as many preferences as there are players, and that is ok because people play for different reasons.

You'll need to know:
1) How far are you planning on taking things? Do you want to play gigs? Play for your family and friends? Just play around at home? Record? Jam with friends?
2) How much are you willing to spend (in general)? There are a few exceptions, but generally when you ask "how good can my guitar sound?" the answer is "how good can I afford to sound?"
3) How long much research do I have time for?

My first bit of advice would be to just call one of these recommended instructors and have him or her offer an opinion in what kind of a guitar you would like.

Generally when you go to a guitar store you will walk in, and one guitar will catch your eye. Its happened to me three times. I shop around and play around but I always end up getting that eye catching one. I'm not saying that it is good advice, but, ha it worked.

The biggest advice I have for you is to look for something that uses thicker wood, it will just make the sound very full. Also as soon as you have bought it put on a fresh set of strings (I like D'addario Phosphor Bronze Lights).

As far as actually learning how to play, at least SOME instruction is probably the way to go. If you play other instruments, you undoubtedly know music theory, which will help a lot. Once you learn how to strum and make basic chords, the rest will come rather easily, I think. At least it did for me. I played also sax for about 7 or 8 years, then started guitar. It was awkward at first, but once I learned the bare bones of guitar, it was easy for me to learn more. Good luck!








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- bungee
Chord Studio

playing guitar is like any other instrument, you have to stay motivated long enough to get over that hump at the begining where it is difficult and you can't really do much with the instrument.

stick with it through the first few months and you are set.

the most important thing about a first guitar is you need something you are going to be excited to take out of the case everyday to practice. if you buy something used you are likely to get a higher quality instrument.
it's difficult for me to point you in a direction, because buying a guitar is a pretty personal thing insomuchas everybody is looking for something different.

don't just buy the first thing you can afford, take your time, save up, and be sure you buy the instrument you really want.








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One can make a useful thing as long as one does not admire it. The only reason to make something which is not useful is that one admires it intensely. -Oscar Wilde

I agree with Koffee... if you buy the cheapo guitar, it'll take you a lot of will-power and self-motivation to play it. The better guitars will actually make it easier to sound better and you'll feel better about your progress. With that in mind, I didn't get a top-quality guitar until I had already been playing guitar for 5 years.

You definitely should sign up for weekly guitar lessons somewhere and you need to dedicate regular daily practice time.

one thing to keep in mind since you play other instruments is to learn music theory for guitar. I started out learning piano and I played a couple other intruments before starting guitar. guitar is actually a lot easier to understand once you get the hang of it. when you start lessons, make sure your instructor teaches you things like the F-D-A roadmap right from the beginning. it will make learning guitar much much easier.

if you haven't already, try talking to a few instructors where you live. they will know what you need and be able to directly tell you what is best for you. just a thought

Hey Dude,

I was trained as a classical pianist at the age of 16. I got into guitar for one simple reason (sorry guys, there is no nobility in this next sentence): That's where the girls were. I started hanging out at punk clubs, started a band and the rest is history as they say. For someone just getting into guitar there's almost too much information out there. I would suggest a book called the "Idiots Guide to Guitar." It's simple, easy to ready and will give you a lot of information regarding guitars, how to hold them, tune them, basic instruction, etc. I recommend this book to my students who are just getting into guitar. If you're going for an electric or acoustic guitar try an Epiphone. They are reasonably priced and are well made. You could try a guitar class at your local community college or go to a music shop and find a teacher. Depending on who you get, it can be fairly cheap. Hang around with other guitar players and get them to show you things. If your in the San Francisco area, I'll hook up with you. I have a recording studio built into my house and give lessons here. I can also hook you up with someone in your area. Just tell me where you live (I have a lot of guitar connections after playing for over a quarter of a century, man I'm old).....JG








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I've been playing 26 years. I live to play guitar and will die a guitarist.

First, enjoy the lessons and the guitar.

Second, check out different stores. One of the previous posters said to get one you are gonna look forward to taking out of the case everyday. I couldn't agree more. Also, as stated earlier, you will want to spend as much as you can. Be sure to get a hardshell case, even if you are not going to be gigging. It only takes ONE incident to render it worthless!

Now, I would say a minimum of $700 is probably a good starting point. Try to avoid guitars with laminate tops, solid tops resonate better. Guitars with maple sides & backs are brighter in timber. Mahogany sides & backs have a warmer tone and are mellower on the mids and highs. Guitars with rosewood project extremely well rounded tones and are the most expensive guitars.

A word about some select brands. Martins- Expensive but you get what you pay for quality wise. Taylor- Expensive but some of the lower priced models are of better sound quality than the realy pricey models. Seagull by Godin- Referred to as the "workin' man's Taylor", there are different levels with various constructions but the Artist series is very reputable. Gibson & Fender- These companys make only a few models of acoustics and they are pricey. Don't bother with the lesser expensive Fenders. Takamine & Ovation- Great guitars for stage. The non-wood construction materials are good. As I stated just a second ago, these guitars sound great through an amp and play just as well as any other high quality guitar, but for me, they just don't sound as lively as an all wood construction acoustic does. Guild- Beautiful but pricey. Ibanez- They are electric guitar makers. Nuff said.

Anything not metioned here, you better REALLY, REALLY love the sound. IF money is no object, check out some of the custom made guitars by individual luthiers and have one custom made!

When you go into the shops, ask one of the salesmen to play the guitar FOR you. Most of the people that work in these places CAN play better than most novices and this will give you the opportunity to hear the instrument. Watch the player's fret hand to see if they are working at playing it. If they are, then you will have to work even harder so avoid that model.

The biggest thing. . . Never, I repeat, NEVER pay retail. Most places will give you at least 25% off of retail.

So, that's my two cents.

Contact me if you got any other questions or want more information.

Laterz.








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"Don't die wondering!"

Hey Wylde_1, nice response, even I managed to learn something about acoustic guitar purchases. Thats what I like about this site, I manage to pick up bits of useful information! Cheers....JG








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I've been playing 26 years. I live to play guitar and will die a guitarist.

i haven't really played as long as most of the guys up here... but i did the whole start guitar thing pretty much on my own. the key thing is just to talk to people you know who play... i'm not big on getting all of my advice from an instructor right off the bat, cause sometimes instructors are jerks. you want to play mercyful fate, and they tell you to play jazz... find some friends and local musicians (not teachers) and get their opinion. pick up a used acoustic for like $200-300. put on some new, quality strings (elixers are awesome acoustic strings).
and if you aren't into playing for a while, don't just give up. put it away for a few months, and come back to it.








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Der Gitarrenspieler

Johnny Genocide wrote:

Hey Wylde_1, nice response, even I managed to learn something about acoustic guitar purchases. Thats what I like about this site, I manage to pick up bits of useful information! Cheers....JG

i've learned a lot too. yay for guitarmylife!!

Wylde_1 wrote:

First, enjoy the lessons and the guitar.

Second, check out different stores. One of the previous posters said to get one you are gonna look forward to taking out of the case everyday. I couldn't agree more. Also, as stated earlier, you will want to spend as much as you can. Be sure to get a hardshell case, even if you are not going to be gigging. It only takes ONE incident to render it worthless!

Now, I would say a minimum of $700 is probably a good starting point. Try to avoid guitars with laminate tops, solid tops resonate better. Guitars with maple sides & backs are brighter in timber. Mahogany sides & backs have a warmer tone and are mellower on the mids and highs. Guitars with rosewood project extremely well rounded tones and are the most expensive guitars.

A word about some select brands. Martins- Expensive but you get what you pay for quality wise. Taylor- Expensive but some of the lower priced models are of better sound quality than the realy pricey models. Seagull by Godin- Referred to as the "workin' man's Taylor", there are different levels with various constructions but the Artist series is very reputable. Gibson & Fender- These companys make only a few models of acoustics and they are pricey. Don't bother with the lesser expensive Fenders. Takamine & Ovation- Great guitars for stage. The non-wood construction materials are good. As I stated just a second ago, these guitars sound great through an amp and play just as well as any other high quality guitar, but for me, they just don't sound as lively as an all wood construction acoustic does. Guild- Beautiful but pricey. Ibanez- They are electric guitar makers. Nuff said.

Anything not metioned here, you better REALLY, REALLY love the sound. IF money is no object, check out some of the custom made guitars by individual luthiers and have one custom made!

When you go into the shops, ask one of the salesmen to play the guitar FOR you. Most of the people that work in these places CAN play better than most novices and this will give you the opportunity to hear the instrument. Watch the player's fret hand to see if they are working at playing it. If they are, then you will have to work even harder so avoid that model.

The biggest thing. . . Never, I repeat, NEVER pay retail. Most places will give you at least 25% off of retail.

So, that's my two cents.

Contact me if you got any other questions or want more information.

Laterz.

excellent advice all the way through. You wrote what I have always thought, but could never phrase well. haha.

Like some one said when going guitar shopping never pay the retail price. Always do a little online looking for different brands and go in and tell them you can get it for this price and go from there. When looking at the guitar you want to make sure the actions is low to the fret board. Also check the neck to see if it has a straight neck or not you don't want a guitar that has a banana for a neck...lol And last play it for a bit and if it feels comfortable and not high action and the neck is straight you have your guitar. You don't have to know how to play really to play it a bit just hit random notes will work. cause your really looking on if it plays comfy for ya. If you don't know how to hold it just sit down and lay it on one f your knees to test it out. the instructor will or should show you to hold and play it right. Hope that helps

like others have posted already...
a cheapo beginner guitar will be harder to play ...and if its hard to play , then you wont WANT to play it .
you can get a nice Epiphone , or Ibanez , or something else for 3 or 4 hundred bucks.
a nice, easy to play guitar will make it sooo much more fun to learn.
and a hard case IS a very good investment !

trust us on this stuff....we have learned the hard way.








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"That is not dead which can eternal lie
.... Yet with strange aeons even death may die"


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