Trying something new

Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:26 pm Post subject: Trying something new

I've been wanting to jump into guitar playing for quite awhile now, and with Christmas right around the corner, I figured I might as well start now. My biggest problem is I don't know where to start. I realize the first thing I have to do is get a guitar, but I'm not sure if should go with one of those "guitar/DVD" combo deals or what.

Any of you guitar players out there got some suggestions?
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:59 pm Post subject:

Monkey, I was in the same boat as you. Last February I got myself a decent guitar, a Yamaha, and found a younger guy that actually has a degree in music theory. Believe it or not, your local community college has classes on music theory. Take one and see if you like it. You can meet or get a recommendation for a good teacher. In my experience, having played musical instruments most of my life, private lessons have served me very well. Expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $40 a half hour.
One last thing, dont go really nice for your first guitar, in case you dont fall in love with it you wont be out lots of $$$. A really nice starter guitar will run you around $300. You can get away with spending less.
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:42 pm Post subject:

So did you start out with electric? That has been my biggest concern so far. I absolutely love the sound of an acoustic guitar, but then again there are a lot of songs I would love to learn on electric. What would you suggest?
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

Play the Bass!
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject:

Bass is cool, but not the direction I'm looking to go.
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:42 pm Post subject:

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:51 pm Post subject:

Nope I got myself a 6 sting acoustic. I also found out that I play lefty.
It all depends on what type of music you want to play. Some types of music require metal strings vs other have nylon stings. If you want to learn the hard way get an acoustic with metal strings. If you can play that you can play any guitar. The action is higher, the distance between the string and the fret board, which makes you push harder on the stings. It toughens up the tips of your fingers.'
Its all about what you want.
In closing why would you have to relearn stuff? its the same 6 strings in the exact same place with the same number of frets.

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:01 pm Post subject:

I guess I may go electric because the number of electric guitar songs outway acoustic. I've always wanted to play White Stripes songs, and apparently they're not too hard. Once again some of the basics down and start getting better, I could always purchase myself a decent acoustic later on.
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:07 am Post subject:

Munky, I have three guitars: one acoustic (metal strings) and two electric.
I got my first (electric) guitar about 30 years ago from an uncle who did not play on it anymore. Till today, I still play on it. I bought a Yamaha acoustic guitar about 27 years ago. It plays ok, but I never really liked the sound.

So, personally, I prefer the electric. Using a decent amplifier will get you a lot of sounds you might like: distortion, overdrive, reverb, chorus, delay, flange, phase... Using some extra gear makes that my amp (a 65W Fender Cyber-Deluxe) even produces an acoustic sound. The amp also has an onboard tuner. I hardly ever play on my acoustic guitar anymore, since I bought myself a Fender USA Telecaster early this year. I have always liked the typical sound of the Telecaster and its shape. It plays great! The shape of the neck, the 22 jumbo frets...I looooove it!

Also, the body of an electric guitar is thinner than an acoustic, this makes it easier / more comfortable to play when sitting down, instead of playing in a standing position.

I would recommend you to get some lessons, just to get a feeling for guitars.
Then, like CP said, go to a (couple of) local music store(s) and not only speak to the sales guys, but to guitar playing customers too. Just ask them what they think or would recommend. And try some different guitars. They come in all shapes, sizes and sounds (and $$$!). There are soooo many beautiful instruments out there! Very Happy

When you are ready to spend some money, DO NOT invest in a $100 guitar. You will regret that. It might not stay tuned and you will get frustrated. But you will be frustrated too when you buy a $1500 guitar and do not like playing on it!

Just my two cents... Good luck!

PS. Even with three guitars, I still have a wish list! Wink

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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:25 am Post subject:

my dad just picked up guitar at 61 years old. he got both an electric and an acoustic, as he was a firm believer that learning acoustic made electric easier (despite having zero first-hand knowledge)

he could already read music, but I advised him to take weekly lessons.

now, he understands that just because you call both styles a "guitar" they are nothing alike.... being able to play one does not make any difference on how you play the other.

he has split his learning into classical on the acoustic, and Rhythm & Blues (not that rap R&B, but BB King/ Stevie Ray Vaughn... which I introduced him to) on the electric. He now goes to 2 lessons a week, and actually thanked me for telling him to get professional lessons. ( I almost fell over.)

As a side note, I play modern electric base, and love early Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, Faith No More, and Soundgarden.
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:50 am Post subject:

I was hoping to try something new this week, too. If I can just get rid of my wife's headache. Rolling Eyes

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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:53 am Post subject:

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info guys. I'll use this time between now and Christmas to do some looking around and research before I make my decision. Summer and college will be right around the corner soon, so I'll have plenty of time to get addicted. I've always dreamed of being able to play along with certain songs, so hopefully I can finally fulfill that.
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:10 pm Post subject:

I also play Guitar, own a 67 Fender, just picked up playing it over the years no class's or anything.(have taught some kids lessons)

But Bass playing is where it is at eh, Razz

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