imported_BlazeInEk

Hey guys, I was thinking about picking up an acoustic guitar. I think it would be cool to learn to play a few songs. I was wondering if I could get some info from people on this site who know how to play. First off, would you consider it difficult to first start learning to play? Is it necessary to get lessons? Are there sites on the internet that are helpful? I know nothing about guitars but figure I can learn to play. I don't like winter sports so I figure I will have time to learn over the winter time. I know it will take time to learn; I don't expect to start playing songs right away. Anyway, any advice or info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

imported_ERTW

take a few lessons.. when you try to do it by yourself, you will develop some really bad habits that will hinder your ability to develop

its a steep learning curve.. the beginnings are rought and slow and discouraging, but once you start picking up on things, you learn more and more faster and faster

do not buy a cheap guitar.. a proper instrument is key when it comes to feel and response.. a cheap guitar will only make your experience worse

imported_viper_2_4

I would definitly suggest some sort of lessons, atleast to get you started...

in the mean time, look up some chord charts, try and learn some basic chords (C, A, D, Em, G come to mind), there should be guides on the web if you surf around that will tell you the finger positions and which strings to play. With those you will be able to play some basic songs, and you'll get into it, then you can learn the details later on...

imported_viper_2_4

don't buy a cheap guitar, but I wouldn't spend a lot either.....go the a music store and spend in teh $100-250 range should be good for a beginner accoustic....

don't go to Sears or Walmart...

imported_ashtonp24

www.musicianforums.com, check the guitar section

If you want to buy a guitar go check out LA Music on Lakeshore or Long and McQuade On Rathburn North of Mavis. Long and McQuade has the best prices.

It depends whether you want to learn theory or just learn songs. To learn basics like tuning, timing, and basic string theory try the Ontario Conservatory of Music theres one is Mississauga and one in Streetsville. I went there for 7 years, took a 5-6 year hiatus and now I'm at the Mississauga School of Music learning more advanced chord and scale theory.

To just learn songs go to your local department stores poster section and pick up a chord and scale poster, theyre like 7 bucks each, then check www.olga.net for song tabs and learn chord names and formations using the posters.

Good that your buying acoustic first, it'll realy get your fingers trained well, and when you move onto electric you'll be really good.

And no its not that hard to start learning to play, I've been teaching d16y8 a few songs, even though he's been wasted the majority of the time and forgets what I say, so its not that hard to learn

imported_ERTW

get a good used acoustic.. you can pick up good quality guitars for dirt cheap from people who need money for drugs or just got tired of playing guitar

a good guitar doesnt get old, but there are things you need to watch out for like warped necks, etc

imported_ashtonp24

i think its a double edged sword to be honest. I started on a classical guitar with a fat neck and it was really hard to reach the frets. Then I moved to an even worse electric with a fat neck and terrible pickups. Then when I bought my strat it was a world of difference with a thinner neck and I was almost twice as fast as I was with my POS guitar, and better sounding with less effort. What I always say is a good musician can make a $100 instrument sound like a $1000 instrument and thats the truth.

And yeah your right you can always get good deals from coke fiends and ****, craigslist is good for that

imported_ERTW

I agree, but someone who is just starting out is not a good musician and can get realy discouraged with a low quality instrument.

a good musician can make a 100 dollar instrument sound like a 1000 dollar instrument, but a beginner can make a 100 dollar instrument sound like a stick with fishing line stretched across it

imported_ashtonp24

^haha

szuberi

get an ibanez...nothing less

imported_viper_2_4

there are valued guitars for someone looking for a basic good sounding accoustic....

Ibanez does make a great guitar though...I really like their hollowbodies, great value...

imported_BlazeInEk

Thanks for the info guys. I was actually looking to spend up to $250...and that is a good point; I can see people buying a guitar, trying it out then getting bored with it then wanting to get rid of it, for a good price. I'll check out some online sites and maybe pawn shops. My landloard will check it out before I buy one, he says he knows what to look for. So, then I guess I will look at some charts and take a few lessons and see where that takes me. Thanks again guys!

szuberi

walmart is selling guitars too now.....i saw one full body acoustic for $99

imported_viper_2_4

big part about a guitar is the set up....I doubt the Walmart guys set them up at all..

imported_ERTW

that.. and also a guitar made of laminated wood covered with a thick coat of commercial laquer does not resonate very well..

imported_ReDRuM86

Its too bad sites like mxtabs.net and some of the other good tab sites got shut down because thats how I got started. But I would suggest if you don't want to take lessons to just do some free online guitar lessons and excercises to build up your strength, but if you want to take lessons make sure its a good teacher because their are a lot of hacks out there. Also I would suggest learning and studying music theory because it will help you SOOOOOOO much.

stock94block

i found it easier to learn on the electric over the acoustic because of the size of the body on them. But you sound like me about 2ish years ago when i started. No clue on how to play, and i knew nothing about the guitar.

I've never taken lessons, but am thinking about it so i can develope my technique more...i highly recommend a couple lessons to get you started. If you can read guitar tabs (not real music, they're easier to understand).

my first song i learned, 7 nation army..then i went from there..learned more chords..some more easy songs..and now im at a point where i can play quite a bit just no good solo stuff (hence where the lessons need to come in)

the hardest part about learning the guitar, and from what ive noticed from showing other people is their fingers dont stretch enough to make some chords, that just something you have to work on with practice. Welcome to the world of arthritis too hhaha.

imported_d16y8

BAHAHahaha

He speaks the truth, its easy as pie

imported_bevboyy

Get a guitar that is comfortable to play. If you have smaller hands - get something Fender like, If you have larger - Gibson style. IMO I found the kramer style acoustics are the best of both worlds.

As to playing. I took a couple lessons, then just started jamming to the radio, you develop your ear, and chops at the same time..

Double_B

Whatever you do, learn the basics. I would start with an acoustic guitar. This way, if you don't like it, you haven't invested too much. Once you start, whether you take lessons or not, lots of practice. Your hand will cramp and hurt for a bit and your finger tips will get sore and eventually harden. Get a chart with notes and get to know your frets and where your basic notes are from A to G.

My suggestion, take some lessons is your best bet. You can get a learn how to book or video, but I lessons are imo the best way to go.

As for guitar, go to a store that knows what to look for. Try them out and take someone with you that already knows how to play. Ask a lot of questions and have that friend try them out with the ones in your price range.

You will have lots of fun if you are determined to learn, but I can't stress enough on the practising. Keep at it until you know where your notes and chords are without looking at the neck.

I learned on a classical guitar many years ago and believe me, that is the thickest neck you will get on a guitar. I have an accoustic and an eletric, love them both.



Enjoy