question for guitar players

londonboaowner · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 12:26 PM

i have been thinking about learning the guitar, i havent done any music since i was about 10 when i played the piano briefly and did some theory.
is it very very hard to pick up?, i dont want to play in a band or anything or play anywhere, just its something i would like to learn as a hobby in my own home, also what would be a good first electric?, i was probably thinking go with the tried and proven Fender Stratocaster but there might be other options, i would like to get all the equipment i need for £1000 or under(about $1900) thanks for your advice and opinions.

Slithers · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 12:31 PM

easy to start, hard to master. Good luck

spike06 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 01:30 PM

Buy Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack at guitarcenter.com that is prbly ur best bet for a beginners guitar. its not too hard to pick up playing guitar. ive been playing a little over a year and am doing well. it can be frustrating...belive me. but keep practicing and take lessons if u can and ull be good.

Gaujo · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2007, 01:48 AM

I play Flamenco Guitar, it's really hard, but a lot of fun.
Good Luck!

danktat · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2007, 08:29 AM

Don't get a strat as your first guitar. Many people make the mistake of getting the "coolest" guitar to start on...then they play for two weeks and it collects dust until they sell it. As a beginner get a "Squire" (which is a strat but a much less expensive production model that is made by Fender). It plays pretty close to the authentic strat AND only cost about $150...Until you become proficient with it you won't really be able to tell the difference in the tone either.

This is just my opinion but why spend $700 - $2000 on top end gear when the sill level will only be at $150. A "better" guitar doesn't make you a better player it will only hit your pocket harder. If you learn it well enough for a higher end model to make a difference then by all means get what you like (I had a Paul Reed Smith custom 22 at one point). You really won't be able to tell the difference between a Strat and a Squire or a Gibson and an Epiphone if you aren't extremely experienced anyway.

It is like a tennis player that just started out using a $300 tennis raquet. A $39.99 Wal*Mart raquet will yeild the exact same results. It isn't until the player is on a really competitive level that the raquet quality make a bigger difference.

JMO

Bigdogg · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2007, 09:08 AM

Well Guitar isn't that hard if you have a good memory. But of course if you want to learn faster then get an electric cause you don't have to push down on the strings to hear the note like on an acoustic where you have to have them fully pressed to hear anything. If you can find one get an Austin. An Austin is the electric Alvarez which Alvarez is the top of the line guitar. You could also go Fender too. But then again it all depends on what kind of music you want to play on it. You can play anytype of music on any guitar but it will sound different. If you want to play rock and metal then I like Jackson's but if you want the country in it then I would go Austin.

Stargazer · #7 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 12:44 AM

I picked up a beautiful used acoustic Seagull with built in pick-up for $200. It has a beautiful sound and is easy to play. I would not recommend spending a fortune on your first guitar. Find one that has a reasonably good sound and is easy for you to play. I learned on a 3/4 size Ovation. You can find great deals on Craig's list. As far as acoustic versus electric, you also have to think about the people you live with and your neighbors.

I agree with Slithers. It's really easy to play at a beginner level. I have been at this level for 20 years and pretty much taught myself. I have a really good ear and memory for picking up chords by ear. Getting really good at it requires a lot of work. Sounds like you might have a natural talent for it.

Bigdogg · #8 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 02:56 AM

I say go get a nice electric guitar (Austin) or whatever u want and then get a 25w amp and get some headphones. Almost every amp has a place for headphones so you don't bother your neighbors. So all and all you can start playing for about $400

Cobra · #9 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:14 AM

I would suggest a ESP. Great tone and you can get a viper for about 150$ on musiciansfriend.com. perfect for a starter. you don't need an amp to start and i wouldent buy one untill your sure you like playin. When you get there i suggest a marshall amp. Sweet tone. If you practice about two hours a day, and get a good book or lessons, you'll be amazed how good you can get in a short period of time. i've been plin for a year and i'm already in a band! but i practice for about four hours a day. Whew... that can be a bit...trying at times.

jme04c · #10 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 03:30 AM

Hey I've got a washburn acoustic I'm selling... $90

spike06 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 03:53 AM

that seems like a good price but i dont reccomend an acoustic for beginners. an electric is easier to play and doesnt make a lot of noise when the amps not on

Cobra · #12 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 03:57 AM

So right. You can't find a comftorble way to play an acoustic. not to mention the strings are further from the fretboard so they are much more difficult to press down.

danktat · #13 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike06

that seems like a good price but i dont reccomend an acoustic for beginners. an electric is easier to play and doesnt make a lot of noise when the amps not on

I was actually told TO learn on a accoustic because if you can play and accoustic than an electric will be easy in comparason (fortunately I had both durring my initial learning...the accoustic was definately a big help). The only thing is that electric can make you "feel" good and keep you motivated because with just a little gain you sound like you didn't miss some of the notes...lol

j snakes · #14 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:26 AM

I have played guitar, harmonica and drums now for about 13 years. From my experience my tip for you is to go out and buy a good acoustic 6 string guitar and learn just chords to start off. If you learn basic guitar chords you can play allot of the song out there in the music industry and starting off on an acoustic will make your fingers tough. Then when you get your hands on an electric it will feel like cutting butter with a knife. That’s the best way I can describe it

j snakes · #15 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 08:29 AM

OHHHHH.... jme04c is selling her washburn acoustic. It's in great shape and a awesome acoustic guitar to start with. It sounds really clean and deep all the strings are pretty much new and it comes with a hard shell case $90 dollars is a sweet price....

RevMojo · #16 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 03:57 AM

I say go with an acoustic, too, but then I'm partial to playing in backyards and campsites.

MAG_Pythons · #17 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slithers

easy to start, hard to master. Good luck

agreed - the best i can do is play the zephyr song by the red hot chili peppers and thats not really that hard ... lol

Stargazer · #18 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 04:05 AM

I agree with J snakes. Most songs are played in three chords and are very easy to learn. I just taught myself. Acoustics are much more versatile and fun to travel with.