How can I straighten the neck of my acoustic guitar - at home?

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popelane24

Hi, i have a nice acoustic guitar, but the neck became a little warped in cold weather... the strings are a few mm above where they should be at the 12th fret, and the guitar goes out of intonation at about the 5th or 7th fret. I tried adjusting my truss rod to no avail.

Can I somehow, with regular household materials and tools, straighten the neck of this beast? I love this guitar dearly and want the best for it!

Answer
No, if it is truly warped, you need to take it to a Luthier, who knows what he is doing. If the wood is warped, then there might be no hope.

Plus, the neck of a guitar is supposed to be bowed.... not straight.

How much does it cost to get an acoustic guitar fixed?

Alexx

My grandma gave me my late grandpas old acoustic guitar.it hasnt been used for atleast 10 years and i want to play it. But the strings are all old and rusty and its just worn down in general. I can easily go to guitar center or something but i just want a range for how much it costs

Answer
A worn down guitar is a worn down guitar. Some call it 'vintage' and indeed, it has a lot of charm to it. I don't know if the neck is worn down. If so, the neck and the frets might need some filing, which luthiers can charge anything from $15 to $50 for.

The strings don't cost much though, most are less than $10 for a set of strings, and having them changed usually costs even less. Most likely you'll only need new strings.

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suggest some givson electric guitars in india for upto Rs 5000 or below?

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roger

i hav been playing acoustic guitar for 2 years now want to buy my 1st electric. but i want this 1st one cheap so dat i save n buy a more decent one later. so plz suggest some models for 5k or below not above that. brand shud be givson only.

Answer
Try with musical instruments shoppe, mylapore, chennai.4.

how much would an electric acoustic guitar cost in india?

jane

i'm not really looking for very expensive ones.......... <10000
F-hole guitar

Answer
Yep, it's easy to find guitars less than 10k.

u can find it in local market,
or u can go online: http://www.furtadosonline.com/productlisting-brand-cat-more/brand-37352/catid-1088/pg-1/sort-1/prod_available-1/type-1/st-.html

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Learning the ukulele?

best budget acoustic guitars 2010 image

Andie

Hello, I'm planning on buying a ukulele... but I do not know how to play the normal acoustic guitar. Eehm, I was wondering if that's okay? Will I still be able to learn how to play the ukulele?

thanks. 5 stars

Answer
For newbies like you, I'd prefer you purchase from the following brands:

1. Lanikai particularly the LU-21 Lanikai ukuleles
Visit: http://ukulelehunt.com/buy-ukulele/models/lanikai-lu-21-standard-ukulele/

2. Kala particularly their KA-S ukuleles
Visit: http://ukulelehunt.com/buy-ukulele/models/kala-ka-s/

3, Makala ukuleles
Visit: http://ukulelehunt.com/buy-ukulele/brands/makala-ukuleles/

4. For Electric Ukulele, you may choose from Ovation Applause ukuleles
Visit: http://ukulelehunt.com/buy-ukulele/brands/applause-ukulele-ovation/

All of the links mentioned above presents to you some of the soprano ukuleles with the best reputation for beginners like you plus they fit your budget. They are sturdy type of ukuleles, with nice colors. As a beginner, you may also want to visit http://ukulelehunt.com/ and http://ukulelehunt.com/2010/02/24/beginner-ukulele-lessons/ to be guided in learning the ukulele. Hope it helps.

Need help from guitarists?

Marissa

So... In September of 2010 i bought an acoustic guitar by the brand of Lucero and i don't like it at all. it was very cheap and just recently i've decided i want an electric. i know. what a was of money... kinda. i got it for $150 including the $20 2 year warranty on it and my mom suggested we sell it to her friend's husband for $100 or so so he can put it on his ebay store. i'm considering on buying a starter guitar package but i've been told to never buy one because i'll get a piece of crap. i'd like to buy a guitar before school starts because i plan to take guitar for my elective (incoming freshman).i added up the amount of everything i'd need if i bought everything seperate and it came to $314. the packages i've been looking at are $200-$260 including tax and all. here are packages i've been considering. i'd like to play a variety of genres

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-Evo-XM-Electric-Guitar-Pack-620087-i1452632.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-IJX30-Jumpstart-Electric-Guitar-Metalpak-104378153-i1372012.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Junior-and-All-Access-Amp-Pack-513158-i1324648.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-IJX25-Electric-Guitar-Jumpstart-Package-H02699-i1546030.gc

Answer
The starter electric guitars packs aren't crap. Well, the guitars aren't bad.

But the amplifiers that typically come with them aren't good. The clean sound is average at best, and the distortion and overdrive, stuff you need for rock music, is really bad usually. The straps may fall apart. The rest of the stuff is generally ok.

I would recommend buying the things separate instead. Buy a decent starter electric, for 150 to 300 dollars. A Epiphone Les Paul Special (2 pickups and slightly better than what is listed) or even a Epiphone les paul standard (with upgrades, one of these has been a favorite of mine for a long time).

Yes, the individual pieces are at a better price in the pack...but if you knew better, you wouln't want each and every piece of those packs ! :)

Buy a decent amplifier for at least 150-200 dollars. Yes the amp is going to be expensive, but most 'starter' amps sound bad and may even be unreliable. You want 15 watts solid state or 5 watts of tube power. If you have to go solid state, a roland cube or a Marshall MG might be the way to go, but I would myself vastly prefer the quality of a tube / valve amp like a Fender Champ.

Better yet, buy a good electric guitar, play it without an amp while you save up for a decent amp, and then buy the amp. Not the most fun solution, but its better than ending up with bad equipment that you quickly outgrow.

If you buy a cheap amp, be prepared to spend 100-200 dollars on a multi effects processor to give you sounds your amp can't give. For me at least, I need a good clean sound, a good overdriven sound, and a decent distorted sound, and I tend to be able to get them from basically any valve amplifier, like a Epiphone Valve junior or a Fender Champ 600 ($150 on sale now, its the tube based champ). Bugera makes some great sounding budget amps - their quality control isn't the best, but they make up for it with their warranty.

I'm almost of the view that you should be prepared to spend double the value of your guitar on the amp that goes with it, since with a good amp, I can get good sounds out of practically any guitar I plug into it.

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What are some good acoustic guitars for beginners?

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Captain

What are some good acoustic guitars for beginners that are under or at least $200?

Like: Fenders, Yamaha, Epiphone, Gibson, ect.

Answer
Yamaha make good entrance level guitars as do Ibanez. Not a big fan of fender acoustics. Another one is Takamine, those are ok also. But I'd choose a yamaha. Best thing to do is go to guitar center or your local guitar/music shop and play some guitars to see what is comfortable and what they sound like. All guitars feel and sound different so that's why it's best to play them before you buy. If you don't know how to play anything ask the salesperson to play a few chords for you, dont be shy either, thats what they're there for. I wouldn't buy a gibson maestro at all so scratch that brand off your list unless you are spending $1000 for one.

What is the best acoustic guitar for a beginner?

Lena A

I'm just starting out, and am looking to make an acoustic guitar out there my own. My price range is around 200-350, and I really want a guitar that will make me love playing music. What is the best acoustic guitar for a beginner?

Answer
There are a lot of different things to consider when buying a new acoustic guitar. For a beginner it is important to weigh up quality with price. It is much better to go for a acoustic guitar that is on the lower end and then as you get better buy a better guitar.

Having the best guitar won't make you the best guitarist so there is no point investing in a really expensive instrument.

For around $200 or $350 i would suggest purchasing perhaps a Yamaha FG700S Folk Acoustic Guitar.

I hope this information helps.

Check out the site below for more information about acoustic guitars. You can also sign up for a free guitar lesson.

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what are your favorite summer 2011 songs?

best acoustic guitars 2011 image

emilyybean

They don't have to be from 2011, just ones that you love listening to now and kinda go with a summery theme (ex: acoustic guitars, dancey stuff, light rock, etc.) thanksss!

Answer
How to love

Tonight, Tonight

Lazy Song

Super Bass

Good life

Will I have time for hobbies whilst studying a law degree?

Natalie W

I am starting a law course in September of 2011 at degree level and I want to study hard and get good grades, but I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar and have the money available for christmas to buy a solid top acoustic. I also enjoy reading and writing and I was wondering if I would be able to find time to read, write and learn the guitar whilst still studying for good grades at university? How busy is an average law student?
Thanks in advance!

Answer
Probably not. I went to Medical School and had time for nothing and no one

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What's the best way to record an acoustic guitar using Audacity?

best acoustic guitars for recording image

Jaimie

We want to record acoustic guitar music using Audacity. A dynamic microphone is working pretty well for vocals, but the guitar doesn't sound good. The only equipment we have is the microphone, mic stand, and a Dean Markley pickup. Any ideas of how to get a better sound?

Answer
If it's an acoustic guitar, place the mike about 1-2 feet from the sound hole and play normally. Watch your input level to make sure it doesn't clip (turn red).

If it's an electric guitar, place the mic about 1-4 inches away from the speaker cabinet and watch your levels.

One trick is to get your ear close to the instrument and imagine that YOU are the microphone, then place the mic wherever that sounds best.

Peace,
Andrew

Is Digital Voice Recorder with Integrated Speakers enough to record my singing with my acoustic guitar?

Vaishak

Is Digital Voice Recorder with Integrated Speakers enough to record my singing with my acoustic guitar? Will it record the song with clear voice and guitar sound ?

Answer
You question is extremely general. There are thousands of "recorders" out there, some better than others, but most will do alright for what you're talking about. The results wouldn't really be clear by my standards but you have to work with what you have.

The best way to record music is with a computer, DAW (Digital Audio Workstation- such as ProTools or Logic), an interface (check out the M-Audio Fast Track Pro) and a mic.

I'm a recording engineer so if you would like to know more about recording music hit me up and we can chat.

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What is a good beginner guitar for an 8 year old girl?

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Pink1967

My 8 year old daughter wants to learn how to play guitar. I bought her a kids guitar last year but it's so cheap that the strings don't stay tuned and the fret board is loose. I'd like to get her an acoustic guitar but one that's smaller so she can learn to play it well. I want to spend under $200 if possible.

Answer
Yamaha makes a relatively sturdy and very nice sounding guitar that you can probably get in a kit with a strap and tuner at Sam Ash or music123.com. It is a full-size guitar (but "full size" is relative, as it's smaller than most professional guitars), but I simply have not seen a child-size guitar that's made well. Let her try one at the store to make sure.

Will a First Act guitar sell at a flea market?

Turtlefenc

I'm going to the flea market soon to make extra cash for a Telecaster kit I'm saving up for. Will anyone buy a used First Act MG521 Acoustic Guitar at a flea market? I know First Act is junk, but I was figuring if I included a strap and some picks to sweeten the deal, maybe I could get $20 or $25 for it. Is that an unreasonable to think someone will buy it, and for that amount of money?

Answer
I have Ibanez, Gibson, Schecter, and Martin, and I was surprised that my very first guitar, a First Act guitar, sounds as good as the Martin I spent nearly a thousand dollars to buy.

Some First Act guitars are junk, I've seen others that were better than the Gibson and Epiphone that cost a hundred dollars more. Take it into a Guitar shop and let them strum it and see what they think it works. Adding a strap and picks isn't going to sweeten the deal, new strings might be better.

I've puchased guitars at yard sales and flea markets for pennies on the dollar and resold them at a profit after I cleaned them up and put new strings on them, tuned them and let others hear the sweet sound that came from them.
I've also purchased cheap guitars for parts for others, to make my own and mix and match.
I don't think it is unreasonable to expect 20 to 50 depending on the condition of the guitar and if you have it playable.

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How much different is an acoustic guitar from an electric guitar?

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Chantel R

What are the differences between playing an acoustic guitar and an electric one? Is one harder to learn/play than the other? What are some good brands for guitars?

Answer
The electric guitar is much easier to learn on simply because there are a wider range of techniques available for use on it. The strings are thinner and can be bent easier, which provides pitch changes. The electric guitar is more easily recorded. The electric guitar has an almost infinite sound possibilities due to the constantly rising range of effects pedals.

The downside to an electric guitar is that it almost always needs some type of amplification, where the acoustic guitar has a sound hole which acts as its own speaker.

The acoustic guitar can have either steel/nickel strings, which is more common, or it can have nylon strings. They are more commonly used for classical style guitar. Steel/nickel stringed guitars are also tougher on your fingers. They require a bit of a tougher callus. Many people prefer it because of its "natural" sound though.

Good brands for electric guitars are
Ibanez, Fender, ESP, Jackson, Gibson, Schecter, epiphone, Dean, B.C. Rich(for more death metal-ish styles), music man, and Washburn

Acoustic guitar brands, classical and steel stringed
Alvarez, Taylor, Fender, Yamaha, Gibson, Martin, Ovation, Cordoba, Ramirez, ibanez, Hill, Alvarez, and la patrie.

what is the different between acoustic guitar and electric guitar?

Chong

I am a new guitar learner so i am wondering what is the different between the acoustic guitar and the electric guitar?

Answer
An acoustic guitar is one that gets its sound amplified from within the guitar itself. When you strum, the sound resonates inside the hollow body of the guitar whereas an electric is not hollow and requires an amplifier to be able to hear it clearly. They are the same thing (meaning that if you know how to play an acoustic, you'll know how to play an electric) but they differ in the way they're built/sound.

If you would like to play just some simple folk songs or chords and not have it loud, an acoustic is for you. If you want to play some of your favorite rock tunes, then I'd suggest getting an electric.

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Which brand is better - Fender or Epiphone for acoustic guitars?

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tiquesmith

I was wondering which brand is better - Fender or Epiphone in terms for acoustic guitars because that are kinda in the same price range. Anyone an experienced guitarist?

Answer
Same price range? Do you mean the $199 range or the $899 range? Those two companies make a wide range of guitars.

Your question is like asking "who makes the best running shoe?" Comparing Fender and Epiphone is like comparing Nike to New Balance. Professionals use both and it depends on preferences.

Having said that, it doesn't mean that all guitars in the same price range are the same. You have to consider the details. An acoustic guitar with a solid spruce top will sound better than one with a laminated top.

So, it's hard to generalize. You need to look at the specific guitars. But both Fender and Epi are respected brands.

What kind of guitar stings does the epiphone pr5-e electric acoustic guitar use?

Taylor

Like how big are the strings supposed to be and are they supposed to be regular bronze? Like does anyone know the exact strings or close to the exact strings on the guitar when you first get it? I got a pack and the strings were wayyyy to thick to go in the hole in the headstock and they were light. btw its the Epiphone pr5-e electric acoustic guitar.

Answer
I'll be honest, I'm not sure how you found strings that were way to thick to go through the holes... that doesn't sound right. What kind of strings did you buy? For all guitars, you can more or less change out strings regardless of size and brand. It's mostly just a preference thing. I'm pretty sure they come with D'Addario light gauge strings... if you want them to last longer, grab some EXP ones. They're the coated bronze ones. Some people hate them, others love them. Again, all a preference thing. I personally like the coated D'Addario light gauge ones for my Dean and will onlyyyy use Elixir Polyweb light for my Taylor.

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Acoustic Guitar lessons for beginners online (first answer 10 points?

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Anthony

Can someone give me a website link about learning how to play acoustic guitar for beginners.

Answer
cyberfret.com

Where can i learn to play the guitar online?

kelicant

I want to learn how to play the acoustic guitar online. I want it to be free, if I have to pay I would rather go somewhere for lessons. But I would rather try to learn online. Anyone know anywhere to learn from scratch for free?

Answer
PluckandPlayGuitar has free video based lessons for absolute beginners and assume you know nothing or close to nothing.

It takes you step by step through the basic guitar chords one by one. There's also lesson on guitar scales, techniques and some easy songs to play.

http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/

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Where can i buy a crappy and used acoustic guitar?

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Awsomeness

I want to play bass, but I want see if I like it. Andy know where to buy a crappy acoustic bass/guitar for under $50. I don't care how bad it is, just not broken so i can play it.

Answer
try craislist.com - u can pretty much find anything on there

Can you recommend a good acoustic bass guitar?

InHisTime

I am looking into buying a good quality acoustic bass guitar and can only spend around $500. it will mainly be used for acoustic sessions with a couple other acoustic guitars. I would like something that has a full sound but cant afford to pay thousands of dollars. does anyone have any ideas?

Answer
I just started going acoustic shows with a trio I work with, and thought it would be cool to get an acoustic bass. I went in with a $1000 budget, played 7 or 8 of them, and wound up ordering a Dean Exotica Acoustic Bass:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/dean-exotica-quilted-ash-acoustic-electric-bass-guitar-with-aphex

To me, it had the best sound acoustically, and the electronics are great on it.

At $400, you'll still have enough to get a gig bag and some other accessories.

Good luck.

Greetings from Austin, TX
Ken

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Is a Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar Pack w/ 10G Amplifier a good set for a beginner?

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AmyM

I am a total beginner and plan to take classes at school starting nxt school year for guitar. Is this a good beginner guitar. Yes I want to play electric rather than acoustic. If u think any pack is better tell me. I have a budget of 200$ or less.

Answer
A Squier is a Fender but of lower quality. For beginners, you can't go wrong with the starter kit. What you will need to do is change the string, put Ernie Balls on and settle for light or extra-light gauge. Have the salesman set it up for you. Aside from that, the guitar will play okay.

Remember one thing.... its not the instrument but how well you will end up playing it.:)

What is a good electric guitar for a complete beginner?

marko V

I was thinking of starting up electric guitar soon and i was just wondering what would be a good beginners guitar to start off with.Also does anyone know any good guitar teachers within the South London area??

Thanx :D

Answer
U wont be able to afford a real Stratocaster, so thats not the best idea. A Squier strat, which is fender's cheaper and "beginner" guitar sect w/n the brand

Micheal is rt, get a starter pack, but i personally dont trust or like epiphone guitars. I suggest getting the Fender Squier ppack, which Micheal was talkin about. Then theres the Ibanez pack and the Laguna Pack (i have one of those, and i like it better the Fender pack alot. The Laguna one has a better amp (line 6's spider III 15watt amp, which is a better amp than the fender one, alot better) and i like the way the guitar feels better in comparison to the Squier)

The Squier is like $220 and comes w/ a book (which the laguna doesnt have, but the laguna has a video), and the Laguna is are $300, there are differnt Ibanez packs but they are mostly around $200, and Yamaha has one too (i like their acoustic, but never played their electric but they're pretty reliable all around)

the laguna pack:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Laguna-Ultimate-Rock-Rack-Electric-Guitar-Pack-with-Spider-III-15W-Amp-3-Tone-Sunburst-773178-i1375180.gc

note: it also comes in all black, i dont like the sunbusrt one

the squier pack:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-SE-Special-Strat-with-Squier-SP-10-Amp-Value-Pack-104486238-i1177837.gc

yamaha's gigmaker (electric):

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-GigMaker-EG-Electric-Guitar-Pack-104508114-i1372111.gc

heres the site w/ a bunch of pack and starter kits, but dont buy the Dean or BC Rick ones, they're crap.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Electric-Value-Pack-Electric-Guitar.gc



Never buy from a department store, or any other store/company that doesnt SPECIALIZE in musical instrument and equipment (this include HSN and for some reason some ppl thought Overstock.com was good, wtf? No overstock either)

For teachers when you go to the music store they should be able to recommend a teacher, but try to avoid using the stores instructor cause they're usually over-priced

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How do you bargain for guitars?

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Chasing Ca

I was thinking of buying an acoustic at Guitar Center. They have price tags and also prices online

How would you start off bargaining?

Like pick up a 500 dollar guitar and say, "I'll pay 400 for it!" at the place where you pay?

Or how would you go about bargaining?

Answer
It is very difficult to bargain on new guitars since they're already deeply discounted. On the other hand, it never hurts to ask if there's any wiggle room on the price. But a $500 guitar probably lists for $800 so the store doesn't have a lot of room before it's down to its own cost for that guitar.

Used guitars are a different story. There, the store either bought the guitar for about half of what it's asking for it or it's on consignment. If it's on consignment you should feel free to make a counter offer that's lower, at which point the store will contact the owner to see if he'll accept your offer. If the store owns the guitar - most likely taken as a trade-in - then you should again feel free to offer substantially less.

Whats a good electric/acoustic guitar that is under $500? One thats good for tap and slide?

Jora

My boyfriend plays the guitar. He's very passionate about it and happens to be very good. He recently had his car broken into and someone stole his guitar. Im looking to buy a nice guitar for under $500 dollars for his birthday. Acoustic/electric, good for tap guitar and slide. Id love some guitar people to help me out if you can.

Thanks!

Answer
Right off, you're an awesome "significant other", lol.

Anyway, tough question but do you remember what kind of guitar it was? Also, what kind of music does he play?
See you can buy an acoustic that can be played by itself or can be plugged into an amp.
But you can also buy an electric guitar which can sound like an acoustic but only if its plugged into an amp (you won't hear much without the amp!)
A person can do tapping & slide guitar on both acoustic & electric. Thus why a little more info might help.

Fender Guitars (or in your case b/c of your budget, Squire - the 'budget priced' version of Fender), can sound great on a clean setting. Another option is Ibanez (or its 'budget priced' version: Ltd ). Don't overlook looking in the 'used' instruments shops. It never ceases to amaze when Ibanez guitars, going for nearly $1K new at a shop, will turn up at my local used shop for about $400! And they're not bad guitars either.

Anyway, good luck!

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Help ! How Do You Play Acoustic Guitar ?

acoustic guitar lessons for beginners download free image

Sarahh

I am way new at guitar. So far all I know is eADGBE (every Adult Dog Gets Bored Evenually xD .. by the way, does anybody know anything better? I keep forgetting the one I have ).

I cant download anything or buy anything from the internet, and diagrams or pictures help way lots.

I already have ultimement-guitar.com (i think ) and a few others, but I still need help (just skimmed through the sites).

Pleaseee help !

Answer
Well like guitarloverr said, take lessons. They really help. If you take lessons, tell your guitar teacher what kind of music you would to play, such as Beatles, or alternative music, I'm sure he/she will help you learn some songs.

Ultimate-Guitar.com is a GREAT site to learn tab.

In order to be a good musician, you must know music. Research and study music and see how it relates to the guitar. Learn different chords.
etc. etc.

I play a lot of Beatles and Led Zeppelin on my guitar, but no matter what, I think these are some good exercises to do before you start playing anything, and they only take a few minutes.

First practice your scales. Learn to go up and down. Then you can even have a little fun with it and skip every other note in the scale. You will be more flexible in the scales.

For playing techniques, do chromatic exercises. Basically, start at the low E-string on the first fret. Play the first fret on the E-String with your index finger. Then play the second fret with your middle finger. The third fret with your ring finger and the fourth fret with your pinky finger. Do this for all six strings. Once when you get to the high e-string and you have played the last note. Slide your hand up one position so your pinky finger is on the fifth fret, ring is on the fourth fret, middle is on the third fret, and index on the second fret. However instead of playing up, play down. Start by going 5-4-3-2 on the High E string then go to the b string and do this etc. etc.

Do this about two-four times and whenever you hit the last note on the scale, slide up one position. If I made it sound too confusing then look up chromatic excercises on youtube. Eventually you will get faster and your guitar-playing techniques will be enhanced. Also this will help you use all four fingers instead of two or three like most beginners.

The internet is a great source, but if you are serious about getting better at guitar, then take lessons at your local guitar store.

I hope you will enjoy playing the guitar as much as I am. If you have any questions then feel free to e-mail me.

Good Luck!

Edit: Heres a thing I made myself but I'm not sure if you'll like it. Eat Apples Daily, Grow Bigger Everyday

Good online guitar guidance?

pajamallam

I took a few (acoustic, folk-ish style) guitar lessons last semester and have been practicing on my own the last month, but am thinking it might be time to start looking to some youtube videos or other online tutorials for guidance. But I don't want to have to sift through everything that's out there, and am wondering if anyone has recommendations. I'm not a beginner musician so I'd rather not waste time with things that are going to teach me basic music theory, or even guitar basics, which I more or less have down. I'm hoping for something that will give useful tips to someone who already has a clue, and help with general techniques that I can keep using as I learn new music.

Thanks!

Answer
Well I been looking around the internet myself to find better tutorials, but it seems that the good ones have to be paid for. I was looking around YouTube and an ad showed about up about a website called "guitarbots.com" It is a website that let's you play at your own pace. Now obviously you have to pay in order to play as much as you want, but if you just want it for free you only get a limit of 15 minutes, yea it sucks but it is a really nice website, and the best part is you don't have to download it.

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How much does the average acoustic guitar cost?

best acoustic guitar 3000 image

Morte et D

So I want to learn to play acoustic guitar, and then one day learn to play an electric guitar. How much would the average acoustic guitar cost? Can you please also add some links for good acoustic guitars for beginners? :)

Answer
Do not buy any guitars sold at big box stores. The price may be attractive, but these are just toys that look like guitars. Don't be fooled by the guitars target sells that have the Gibson name on them. The maestro series is total junk and I don't know how Gibson ever licensed their name to this worthless junk.

Musician's Friend and Guitar Center sell the Epiphone DR-100 for between $99 and $129. This is the only guitar in that low of a price range that I would recommend. They are perfect for beginners and will make a great couch guitar when you advance and want something better.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-DR-100-Acoustic-Guitar-101558153-i1150079.gc

To get a better guitar you're looking at $299 and up, but don't need to have huge price tags.
Taylor is probably the best acoustic you can buy without having it custom made, but not everyone has $3000 to blow on a guitar. My favorite 6 string acoustic ever can be had for $399. While it is designed to be a jazz/swing guitar, I find it rocks for all genres.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gitane-Cigano-Series-GJ10-Gypsy-Jazz-Guitar?sku=580375

Takemine and Ibanez have some decent student guitars at lower prices. you might want to look at those as well. Just search those names on musician's friend for more info.

xx

How big should a guitar be for an adult?

Q. I'm buying a cheap acoustic guitar for my boyfriend and I've looked online and all the ones that are 36 inches say they are "Children's" guitars. How big should a guitar for an adult be?
I know nothing about guitars so any help is welcome.

Answer
I don't know what stores you are looking at, but real guitars for adults are never sold in "inches".

They are sold with no labeling at all referring to size OR they may be "3/4 size" for children.

Do NOT buy a cheap guitar from a place like Wal-Mart or Target for like, $100. They will be awful to play. They are hard to play because of the cheap construction of the neck and bridge, and they cannot be tuned.
I'm not joking. They are made so imprecisely (the location and spacing of the frets on the neck), that they will always sound out of tune.

Having played guitar as a serious hobby and in a few bands for the past 30 years, let me give you some honest advice. Expect to pay about $300, for an acoustic guitar that is at least playable, meaning the strings won't be absolute agony to hold down, it will stay in tune, and will have a pleasant sound. Anything cheaper is total frustration.

If you are looking on-line, you can look at Musicians Friend or American Musical Supply (google them, they are easy to find), and look for something in the $250to $350 price range.
I have bought from both of those on-line places before, and they have always been reliable, even buying instruments through the mail. If he is serious about playing, it is much MUCH better to go to a local music store where you can try out the guitars, because there is a lot of variation in what you'll get for your 300 bucks.

(Of course, if your budget is bigger, you'll get a BIG jump in quality if you can get into the $700 guitars, and still other big jumps at the $1200, $1600, and so on, level. Yes, good guitars really do cost that much, and with good reason).

If you have a choice, TRY to get ones with a SOLID top (not laminated). Unless the description SAYS it has a solid top, it doesn't, believe me. Next up, you want solid back and sides (again, it will say if it has this). But now you are getting up into the $700 and up range.

Brands in $300 price range that make decent instruments, that I have actually tested out, are Guild, Yamaha, Ibanez, Takamine, and Epiphone (there are others). I have NOT been pleased with Fender's acoustic guitars, so I'd stay away from them, despite their well-respected name in amplifiers and electric guitars.

The really good stuff, like Martin, Taylor, Seagull (cheaper than the other two!) are $800 - $3000.

Oh, and for historical information, my first guitar was an Ovation (I don't care for them anymore, but they do still make fine guitars). It cost $200 in 1978, so today, it would be
$750. Next was a Seagull around year 2000 that cost $600, and just recently, a BEAUTIFUL Taylor that cost about $1700.

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What is the best sounding acoustic/ibanez acoustic electric?

best acoustic guitars under 750 image

Baylee

I know its ALL about the feel, but i would like to know from all of you experianced players, what acoustic or acoustic electric guitar sounds the best. Im a partly begginner player looking for a new guitar thats not a worthes piece of glued saw dust(: LoL, And please dont mention "you really have to play the guitar yourself", or "there really is no best guitar". I just want to know what guitars sound best to you. I dont want any answers like, a martin, or an expensive brand like that, Because ive got a budget!(: I think i like Ibanez guitars because of the sound of them on youtube (i know its didtorted through a camera) and ive heard good things from buyers, and there fairly cheap, is that the right way to go?
What i would like to be answered:
Is ibanez a good acoustic/acoustic electric
whats the best sounding guitar youve heard
under $300
what are good acoustic/electric acoustic models (from any brand under about $300)
any brand recondmendations?
thanks alot, i know its a little specific, but please answer, im STUCK!
(: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (: (:

Answer
I have to be a bit bias, as I do have an Ibanez Artwood acoustic/electric (with a solid top) that is, has been, my main work guitar for the last several years.

But, you really have to try them out FIRST HAND, physically and listen to them to get the best impression, to decide for YOURSELF. And at $300.00 bucks? Good luck, buddy.

Mine was $750.00 list (retail), but bought @$500.00. How come? It had been at this great little music store for some time and marked down, marked down, to the point of being so attractive and being what I found as 'my' ideal instrument of choice. And, a discontinued model of the line.

So, it does make a difference between what players need, want and look for in their concept of what will please them of comfort, design, performance and expression of the music they intend to project as a part of themselves.

And, we all being players around here, can only suggest, and refrain from promoting anything that may be our own favorites in makes and models of any guitars in question.

By the way, my Ibanez Artwood has exceeded my expectations since getting it a few years ago. It blows away other guitars of like quality (and more expensive makes) and performance.

But, that is my personal opinion.

What acoustic guitar should I buy for under $500 - $1000 US?

MikeTechni

Here are my top 3 right options (in order) right now:

1. Takamine EG523SC
2. Wechter Dreadnought Elite Cutaway
3. Taylor 110e

HELP!! They all seem like good choices, but I want the BEST for my money.. I want something that's easy to play (I'm an intermediate player), sounds great, and is built to last.

One more thing, can I get the best VALUE at this price level ($750)?? In other words, would it be better to drop down to a $500 guitar, or step up to $1000 and go all out???

Thanks for any help!!!

Answer
the big ones are martin, taylor, takamine, breedlove, and gibson. martin d-1 and d-15's are nice, very good all around. Breedlove atlas series dreadnoughts are all really sweet sounding, with a very cutting treble. I'm not a huge taylor fan, and have never owned a takamine, but i know that they sound good, and gibsons are probably out of your range.

try fenders perhaps though. I have a few martins, gibsons, and fenders, and though the gibson is my favorite (an old Gibson Dove from a friend), the fenders have a very distinctive sound and i like them almost as much. I don't know if youre willing to buy used, but you could probably get an ls-20 for about in your price range, which just sound amazing. Another guitar i got after i played a freinds and just fell in love, its the Fender J5 signature, of John5 who's an amazing player of all genres.

in short, look at:
Martin D-1 and D-15
Breedlove Atlas series Dreadnoughts
Fender used LS-20
Fender J5 acoustic

Also, I'm sorry, but the person above me is incorrect. Ask any luthier or player, but the major difference in guitars lies not in the metal or the electronics (when speaking of electrics) but in the wood. The reason that squier guitars sound somewhat...bad...and upper end fenders sound amazing is the difference in the quality of the wood. It would cost perhaps 300 dollars max to give a squier all the electronics of a 2000 dollar guitar, and it would still sound terrible, because it has terrible wood. Sorry, I just hate it when people think that wood doesn't matter.

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What is a good beginner acoustic guitar to buy?

acoustic guitar lessons for beginners dvd image

snicks

Should I buy the guitar kit with DvD's included and strap and such. oR BUY A BETTER GUITAR AND ALL THE OTHER items seperately? This will be a birthday present for my 14 yr old son who has started last year on an electric but lost interest, says he would rather try an acoustic. I would say 500. would be the higher end of what I would spend. Your experienced input much appreciated.

Answer
When buying a guitar, like anything else, you get what you pay for. But lets be honest, most people who start off playing guitar give up within a few months, and the guitar player just ends up a few hundred dollars poorer. When buying a guitar, buy something cheap, but easy to play.

The best acoustic guitar for a beginner is an inexpensive Yamaha FG700s. This is a cheap guitar that is very easy to play, and it looks and sounds great. This is hands down the best choice for a newbie guitarist. Another option would be an Takamine G-340 guitar. You can find both for around $200. But do not buy that Esteban guitar it is very badly made even by cheap guitar standards.

So hold off on buying a $500 guitar until you are sure that playing the guitar is something he is going to stick with. You already lost money on the electric guitar don't make the same mistake twice.

With regards to buying a kit or the accessories individually. I wouldn't buy the kit the accessories included are throw aways and you are better off buy a little better guitar for almost the same price. You can buy the accessories later when needed, which you will end up doing later anyway becuase the ones that come in the kit are garbage. And then have your son use You Tube and Google to search for free lessons before spending money on DVD lessons. There are a ton of free lesson out there. That is what I did when I first started learning and then when I needed more instruction and wanted to move ahead in my playing did I start buying DVD's and paying for Online Lessons.

Just my 2 cents.....

Where should I start learning guitar?

kaisaki134

I am going to buy an acoustic guitar (a starter package with a training dvd). I'm a complete beginner so I don't know where to start learning. I want to build the basics. Maybe some chords.

I am more comfortable following instructions in written materials.

Answer
I would suggest learning how to read tablature (tabs) http://guitar.about.com/od/tabchordslyrics/ss/read_guitar_tab.htm and the finger shapes of the more common major/minor chords like C, D, A, E, G and Em. There are a number of online guitar courses available that cost money but only what you would pay to get 2 or 3 lessons from a real teacher. I own Jamorama (about $40) and Learn and Master Guitar (about $150 I think). L&M guitar is a DVD based course with a booklet. Jamorama is a downloadable course with text lessons and videos/jam tracks included. They are both excellent courses and use videos to teach. They also have money back guarantees if you dislike their teaching style.
If you can't afford Jamorama, then I suggest checking on Youtube for Justin Sandercoe. He provides some great lessons for free and is a pretty good teacher. http://www.youtube.com/user/justinsandercoe?blend=2&ob=4

For your first song with strumming and chords, I suggest learning Pearl Jam - Last Kiss. The chord progression follows G - Em - C - D with simple down down up up down strumming. And for songs where you are picking (plucking strings individually), I would suggest simple songs like Old McDonald, Twinkle Twinkle and Happy Birthday. Ok... so that is a bit lame, but it will help you learn some of the basics.

As for buying a guitar, I would suggest something around $140-180 that is already on sale as a beginner instrument. Check at local music shops for any deals they might have and ask them to make some recommendations. Decide on what you can afford before you go the store so you don't end up buying that awesome guitar that is 3 times what you wanted to pay. You can pick up an electronic tuner or use an online one (I believe Jamorama comes with a version, however I like using an electronic one) Here is a resource about guitar buying http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=99529 Be sure that the guitar fits you well.

Good luck with learning to play. And remember, it is starting that is the hardest. Your fingers will get sore until you develop some tougher skin on the fingers, but hang in there and keep practicing.

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