Buying my first guitar?

Twirl

I've decided to learn how to play guitar, I want to buy one that's functional but not too pricey. I need to know:
a) What is a normal or average price for an acoustic guitar
b) What kinds of things need to be bought for an acoustic guitar, like strings, etc., and how much they cost
c) Does the shape of the guitar matter or is that just for looks?
d) What are some good, non-expensive guitar brands?
e) My friend's dad plays guitar and he has a lot of calluses on his fingers from pressing down on the strings. Is there any way to prevent this or to make it less painful?

Thank you!

Answer
a.) Epiphone, Ibanez, and Fender, and Alvarez make some very decent acoustic guitar packages for 199-299.

b) The packages ive mentioned above have everything you need to start playing, case, guitar tuner, extra strings, picks, shttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AsWBV8FCFfzk0X8w8LpbfJmJxQt.;_ylv=3?link=answer&qid=20080701144350AAJ2rYRtrap and instructional dvd.

That particular link is of a guitar ive played, and is a very good guitar for a beginner.

c.) Yes.. shape and size, as well as woods used in the construction of a guitar make a world of difference in how it sounds. Smaller bodied acoustic guitars have more of a tendency to be a bit "brighter" in sound, while your larger bodies such as a dreadnaught or jumbo are very full and rich in sound.
d.) See a)!.. although, i will add yamaha, to this list as well.
e.) Callouses are common place in guitar playing. One option when starting out.. if you settle on an acoustic, swap the strings out that come on it with a set of electric guitar strings. Much easier to play, but you will sacrifice a bit in sound. Another option as well would be to start on electric.(much easier to play) In my many years of playing, as well as teaching some along the way, ive found that a beginning student practices more, and will also learn more by playing what they want to.. not what some one tells them they have to play.

I would not advise getting a guitar in an entry level price range by mail order though. Quality is very random in your entry level guitars, and if your dads friend is willing to go with you when you shop, i would highly recommend taking him along. His years of playing will help you in selecting a very playable instrument to make your learning experience a much more enjoyable one!

What is the Best Acoustic Electric Guitar for ME?

Q. ok so my last experience with yahoo answers was not the best one, so i'm going ahead and stating that i will take all answers as suggestions, and nothing more. not to be mean, but there r some antagonistic ppl out there.
so i'm an amateur singer/song writer. i play guitar and sing for my christian rock band, Free Fall. (check us out on youtube- http://www.youtube.com/user/FreeFallchristian
and facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Fall/342385672455236 )
I've been playing guitar for about 7 years now, since i was 14. it's an old Fender Newporter that belonged to my grandpa. and i've been using a dean markey pick up for my amp. i also own an electric guitar, but it's not what i love. i love acoustic, but like i said mine is old and i really need something i can plug in a go, and not worry about a pick up.
so im ready to get an acoustic electric guitar, keep in mind i don't want to spend over $800. and our music style is a sound that would range from Shinedown to Lynard Skynard. and the Beatles to Lenny Kravitz. (funny how i'm a female singer, but love male dominate music)
and in case u need anymore info about my music style i kinda have a mix singing voice/style as Joan Jett and Etta James.
thanks please leave any suggestions :)

Answer
Hello there,

The old Fender Newporter guitars are very good guitars. You will not get a new electric acoustic of equal quality for less than $500. If you want a guitar that is better than what you have, pass over looking at all the beginner level guitars suggested so far. Look check out intermediate level guitars starting in the $500 range. By the way, you will have no problem selling your Fender Newporter. There is a strong market for those. They are great guitars.

Later,

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What's a good acoustic guitar for beginners?

Mimi Lee

I want to start learning the guitar, but I can't spend too much on one. Does anyone have any good suggestions on what guitars are good quality but don't cost a lot?

Answer
I would suggest a Yamaha. My first guitar was a Yamaha. They have some inexpensive models that sound pretty good. I think you get a great sound for the money.

Answer mine?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj.6Beabm.56W6ydTE6LT2Tsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20110318185929AAAgD1s

What is the best brand of acoustic guitar for a beginner?

Agent 007

I am familiar with music, i've played the piano for 5 years and the clarinet for 4. However, I want to learn the acoustic guitar and I haveno experience in that.

I am looking for a cheapo brand to learn and practice on. Since it 's my first guitar I don't want to spend a lot of money, but at the same time I don't want it to sound like a toy. What brands offer the most value and durability for beginners?

Also, would it be better to take private lessons, or group lessons?
I learned to piano via private lessons, and the clarinet through group lessons in my school. I have to say that I favored the group lessons- since my classmates were there I felt more confident. However some music veterans tell me than private lessons are more focused towards progress. What is your opinion on this?

Answer
Whatever works for you is best. I teach group lessons in middle school and have up to thirty five guitars in a room. I can tell you that the group lessons are definitely geared toward making sure everyone is comfortable with the material before moving on, but I do keep a bunch of enrichment material available for students who want to move ahead.

As far as inexpensive guitars, there are starter packs that come out between the start of school and Christmas, that are usually a pretty good deal. Yamaha, Epiphone, Kona, Ibanez, Fender, and Washburn all put one out. You need to decide whether you want a steel string ($100 - 300) Nylon string ($100 - 200) acoustic electric ($150 - 300, sometimes a little more if it comes with an amp and a tuner) or electric ($150 - 300) You can get an idea of the price from Musician's Friend, Sam Ash, Elderly Instruments, or even Yahoo shopping, then take what you've learned, go down to your local store and actually put your hands on a few. If their prices are about the same as mail order (or if you can convince them to sell it to you for that price since you have the printout in your hand!) buy it right there. Best of luck, hope this helps and give me a shout if you have more questions.

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What guitar should I get?

At first I wanted guitars with really nice designs and a cutaway but after looking through comments and things I realised you also need to check out the quality and playability too. One I've found is http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=05022815233828. All of the guitars I've found on the website I'm searching at, the cutaway ones are electric acoustic, making them more expensive. I have no need for electric now, but I don't mind getting it because I may want electric acoustic later on. I've already got a guitar like the one above so I'd like a full acoustic guitar with a cutaway. If it's electric acoustic I don't mind but they are considerably higher in price and I don't have any need to play electric for now. Thanks!
The highest my parents are willing to pay is £310
Sorry I think I gave the wrong link http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=05022815233828
if that doesn't work its a Yamaha FG720S OBB Oriental Blue Burst
Sorry I think I gave the wrong link http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=05022815233828
if that doesn't work its a Yamaha FG720S OBB Oriental Blue Burst

Answer
I bought a really nice $600 Taylor acoustic guitar. It was not a cutaway and not electric... My only regret about buying/selling/returning 12+ guitars over 5 years? Not getting that acoustic with a cut-away and electric pickup built in... The same guitar with that would have only cost me another $100 and ugh, it would've been so worth it...
You can't really fix a non cut-away, but I looked into getting a soundhole pickup for it, and along with being a pain to mess with, it didn't sound near as good... Plus it was $70, meaning a good one would cost even more. So why not spend the $100 now (or save up for it!!) and get what you want, or what you will want, in the future?

NOW TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ! ! :D
Here are some guitars I would recommend... They should all have a cutaway and decent/good built-in pickups. Epiphone are average guitars (I personally hate them, but know people who love them). Fender makes very solid cheaper guitars, and great expensive ones. Yamaha.. I've never really been a fan, compared to other brands, but they make solid guitars as well.

For &169 - Epiphone
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=12082312114288
For &228 - Fender
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=11010310375032
For &293 - Yamaha
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/acoustic_guitars_detail.asp?stock=11011412171632

I'd also like to point out that going to try these guitars in person is a very good idea. Especially if you're stuck between two different ones. I know people who will go to Guitar Center many times over 2-3 months just trying to narrow it down between 2 dif guitars.

If I had to pick for you, I'd get the Fender for sure. Yamaha Second.

Question about guitar pick ups?

Wombat

Hi all,

I have an acoustic guitar, its an epiphone and it sounds ok.
I am thinking of buying this pick up -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherub-WCP-55-Pickup-inch-Plug/dp/B001GCBVJA/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1339533342&sr=8-11

Its very cheap but has 'does the job' reviews which is all im looking for really. Will this give me a taste of electric guitar? does it sound anything like one?

+ does anyone know where I can find a small amp for that pick up.

Thanks

Answer
Hello there,

You cannot convert an acoustic to an electric guitar by putting a pickup on it. Different type of pickups. The pickup for an acoustic guitar is like a small mic. When plugged into an amp you have a louder acoustic sound. If you want the sound of an electric guitar, you need an electric guitar.

Later,

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Which electric guitar should I get? Epiphone Les Paul or fender strat?

meeee

I've been playing acoustic guitar for around 2 years now and i want an electric. I'm on a budget so the guitar has to be under $300-400. I want to play pop punk,rock, and alternative(like all time low,paramore, boys like girls, etc) and i was thinking between either the epiphone les paul 100,
the epiphone les paul special II, or a fender strat. I don't really know much about electric guitars, so if you guys could help me out that'd be great!
and what's a good amp i could get?

Answer
Hello there,

Those guitars have totally different sounds. They also have quite a different feel to them. The Epiphone will have a 24 3/4 inch neck scale and the Fender a 25 1/2 inch scale. That means the frets on the Fender will be slightly farther apart. Where that becomes most noticable is down the neck, especially below the 12th fret. I presume you will try both style guitars out before you decide. You will want to notice the difference down the neck. Up in the first few frets there is very little difference.

Epiphone makes some great guitars, however those two are not some of them. Both are very cheaply constructed and not very good quality guitars. I also presume because of your price range that when you say Fender Strat you are referring to a Squier Strat. Actual Fender Strats are going to cost more than that. While Squier is made for Fender, they are considerable lower in quality. The Squier Standard is a decent guitar. The Squier Bullet and the Affinity are just too cheaply made for my tastes. Of the two Epiphones you listed, the Squier Standard is a better quality instrument. The Affinity and Bullet are about equal to those two Epiphones. I would not recommend either those Epiphones or the Bullet or Affinity.

If you can find an 80s vintage Squier those are much higher quality than the current ones made in China and Indonesia. The 80s Squier was made in Japan and Korea and are very good guitars. I see them on eBay sometimes.

Most beginners underestimate the importance of the amp and speakers in your sound. No matter what guitar you have, you can sound no better than your speakers will allow. That is the limiting factor. A great guitar played through a lousy amp or lousy speakers will sound lousy. A mediocre guitar played through a good amp and good speakers will sound decent. Do yourself a big favor and do not get a small practice amp. The speakers in those always make you sound thin and tinny no matter what brand. My suggestion to beginners is to look for a used 1x12 (or 2x12) combo amp. A combo means the speaker and amplifier are in the same cabinet. The 1x12 means it has one 12 inch speaker. I pick that speaker size because I have never seen a lousy speaker in a 1x12 combo by Fender, Marshall, Crate, Peavey, Vox, or Line 6. I see used 1x12 combos sell on eBay for about the price of a new small practice amp. There really is not comparison in sound. Sure each of those brands have a slightly different sound, but all are good and you can sound good on any of them. I picked those particular brands because they are all commonly found and there are lots of good used 1x12s on the market.

If you decide you prefer the Gibson length neck scale, look for a Epiphone Les Paul Standard or even Studio. You can probably get a used one within your price range. There are so much better sounding than the two Epiphones you listed.

Since some of the music you listed requires a clean sound, you may be better off with the Strat over the Les Paul. The Les Paul does distortion better than the Strat because of its pickups. However, the Les Paul does not do clean nearly as well as a Strat.

Over all, my suggestion to you is look for a used Squier Strat made in Japan or Korea ($200 or less). Then get a used 1x12 combo amp (probably $150). You come in within your budget and get a decent quality guitar that plays well and has a good sound and you have a decent amp and speakers to project a good sound.

Later,

what's a good Electric Guitar for under 400?

rurouni

I'm gonna be buying my first Electric Guitar moving up from an acoustic i just don't know where to begin..i live in the middle of know where so going to a music store its not impossible but its near impossible a link to a online store would be great.

Answer
Eh, for $400, you can't really get a good guitar in my opinion. With 500 or 600, there are a lot better guitars. But for $400, you can get low end ibanez, epiphone, and squire.

I suggest you save up a little more. With $400, you will be able to afford low end epiphones, from which I hear, aren't very good quality. With $500 you can get an actual fender guitar. With $700, you can afford a highend epiphone, which is very good for the money. Some say that it is even better than low end gibsons.

Here are some guitars you can get, from lowest to highest.

$230

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Standard-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=510422

$400

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-Les-Paul-Studio-Deluxe-Electric-Guitar?sku=581254

$450

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Blackout-Stratocaster-HH-Electric-Guitar?sku=H61567

$500

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-1956-Les-Paul-Electric-Guitar?sku=518320

$700

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Custom-Electric-Guitar?sku=518350

Keep on Rockin'

pacmanguitarist

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What would a direct box (DI) do for an acoustic guitar?

Alex

I'll be playing acoustic guitar at some places this month, but I don't have a DI unit. The worship leader at my church always uses a direct box and I was wondering what the difference is between playing an acoustic guitar straight into a pa system and with a direct box?

Answer
Depending on the mixer you plug into, using a direct box often results in higher output, less noise, and and a wider frequency response. It can sound more like the real acoustic sound, but the difference can be subtle or even unnoticeable.

You probably won't put yourself at a great disadvantage by not having a DI; but if you get the chance, consider doing an A/B test and hear for yourself whether using a DI is worth it for you.

Good direct box for acoustic?

Andrew P

Looking for a good affordable direct box for an acoustic guitar.. just to be sure, a direct box in this case would make it sound better when i want to plug it directly into the PA right? thanks!

Answer
WhirlWind, ULTRA and BOSS make some decently priced D I Boxes. I have used them all and never had any problems. You will probably be looking to pay between $25- 50 dollars.

Really a good idea when going through a PA.

Good Luck!

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What is a good acoustic guitar for a beginner?

Justin

I have some bass playing experience and I would like to start learning guitar. What would be a good guitar for a beginner to buy?

Answer
The Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar is a great entry-level acoustic guitar that is not only a wonderful sound, but the appearance of this beautiful instrument is note-worthy as well. This Yamaha acoustic guitar offers deluxe features including die-cast tuners, solid Sitka Spruce top, and a Rosewood fingerboard. Other features include a black-and-white body binding, tortoise pickguard, and a high-gloss natural finish that will look great under the stage lights. This acoustic guitar is the number one selling acoustic guitar in the United States, is one of the most popular Yamaha guitars, and is backed by Yamahaâs limited lifetime warranty.

What is a good acoustic guitar for beginners?

James

I am looking for a guitar for under $200.

Answer
Yamahas be the beginner guitar

heres an acoustic electric
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-FX-335-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-101862217-i1166369.gc

heres a straight acoustic
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-F335-Acoustic-Guitar-102919487-i1166364.gc

i think they used to sell a 99 dollar one, which is the one i started with, but i wasn't able to find it

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Acoustic Guitar Question?

Samantha

How much would a decent acoustic guitar cost? I don't need like a super nice one. If there's like a website or something, that would be great. I need 2 acoustics.

Thanks!

Answer
About $200, but if you're a beginner, in all honestly you're just going to want a guitar with six strings that's playable. There are some decent sounding Ibanez, Yamaha, and Epiphones around that range. Don't get anything cheap though. I would spend $200 on a new guitar, not used. But the choice is really up to you as long as you have a six string instrument in good condition.

The more expensive your guitar, the better it is. It's true! They'll last longer, won't dry out easily, and have a better sound. $200 is really the ideal price for what you're looking for, because the wood, sound quality, and durability are all decent, and they're the guitars you can use at a small gig, at home, or anywhere else, and they can coincide with your voice pretty well.

I have an Ibanez and it sounds great! It was just about $200 and I've never really had problems with it. Also, and you may already know this, try your guitar before you buy it. Make sure there is no buzzing sounds (usually happens when the strings are too close to the frets), no scratches, the wood is in good shape, and the tuning knobs can be used with ease.

Make sure you get some equiment too - tuner, cleaning cloth, humidifier (very important for acoustics - they'll keep your guitar from drying out and will increase their life span), capo, strings, picks, etc.

Good luck!

Where can I buy a super cheap acoustic guitar?

nadrajay

somewhere in sydney or that ships here

Answer
www.guitarrailway.com

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Good, affordable classical guitar?

Matt

I have a really strong interest in classical guitar, and want to major in it for college. I dont have one, so il need to buy one. i dont have much knowledge on brands for classical guitars. Im looking at acoustic-classical. I cant spend much because i recently bought a new electric.

Here are some i found that i kinda liked for the price-
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-GA35-Thinline-Acoustic-Electric-Classical-Guitar-108579822-i2808625.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-AEG10NII-Nylon-String-Cutaway-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-108579806-i2808607.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-GA-Series-GA6CE-Classical-Cutaway-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-100613884-i1150629.gc

Answer
A classical guitar is a type of acoustic guitar, usually with nylon strings. And please don't buy your first guitar by mail. Some guitarists won't go anywhere near a Guitar Center, but they actually have some very good guitars in a wide price range there. I think it's more to do with the staff that may not be very knowledgeable about guitars--but it depends on which store you go to. The ones near me seem to have at least a few professional local musicians working there to earn money in-between gigs. At least, you are allowed and even encouraged to go in and try out the various guitars they have to see which one seems right for you. If you get a poorly made instrument that has a terrible sound (or one you don't like), or if it doesn't "feel" right to you for whatever reason, you won't want to play it. Since you apparently play guitar already, you will have a good idea of what to look for (though I can post some helpful sites that offer information on selecting a classical guitar).

The reason you can't just go by brand names only, is that guitars being made of natural materials will vary--even slightly--in sound. I know you like electric guitars, but you might want to consider getting a regular classical guitar with a more traditional body and one that doesn't plug in? If you are interested in playing classical music on the classical guitar and you want to MAJOR in it, you might pick the kind of guitar that serious classical guitarist would use (only in your price range). I don't think I've ever seen performance by classical guitar virtuosos like Segovia, Bream, Williams, Parkening, etc use a cutaway acoustic-electric guitar---even if it does have nylon strings.

By the way I bought my own classical guitar from Guitar Center in the same price range as yours (actually it was on sale or it would have cost a lot more). I am extremely satisfied with mine, but I don't consider myself a serious guitarist. It doesn't matter what "brand" I got, because I tried several guitars that day, include ones made by the same company and this is the one I chose (or felt it almost chose me).

You also might consider just holding off purchasing your guitar until you can save up a little extra money and get the best instrument you can.

There is nothing wrong with buying an used instrument, but again--try before you buy. It wouldn't hurt either to go to a real music shop (or luthier) because you might have better luck avoiding instruments with hidden structural damage or small defects that eventually turn into large ones and can spoil your playing.
http://www.ehow.com/video_5113604_types-classical-guitars.html
http://www.ehow.com/video_5113612_choose-classical-guitar.html
http://www.classicalguitardelcamp.com/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=60330
http://www.truthabouttheguitar.com/2011/06/top-10-classical-guitar-brands-for-real.html
http://www.heartwoodguitar.com/resources/buyguitar/

Is this acoustic guitar good for a lifetime guitar?

Yoshi

The Ibanez AEG10NE Acoustic-Electric Guitar (in black) is the one I wanna purchase. It'll be my first guitar and I don't plan on purchasing any new guitars in the future so if I buy it, it'll be my one and only lifetime guitar. Is it good for a lifetime guitar? Pros and cons? I really like the shape and the fact that it has a built-in tuner and standard amp connection.

Here's the link to the website for this guitar:
http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/ag_page11.php?area_id=2&data_id=22&color=CL02&year=2011&cat_id=3&series_id=414

Here's a quick video review of the guitar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0jVlNahY_U

Thanks in advanced for any help!

Answer
If you take good care of it , it should last you a long time. I have an old Kay F-hole guitar that I've owned since 1961 and it's still in great shape because I take good care of it. Carl is right though about the tone quality of a laminated top guitar, it's usually not the greatest sounding. I also wouldn't suggest ordering a guitar over the internet. Buying a guitar is a lot like buying a car, you need to check it out good , kick the tires and take it for a test drive to be sure there's nothing wrong with it and it's the right one for you. I would highly suggest that you go to a dealer and try some guitars in your price range and get the one you want that way, instead of taking a chance by ordering one. Good luck to ya!

Oh I almost forgot, unless you're planning on playing classical or flamenco style music you should go for a steel string guitar. A solid spruce top is usually the best way to go.

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Mildly cheap and quality acoustic guitars for beginners?

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do you know of a good acoustic guitar for a beginner?

justme

I know that there are many different styles. I was thinking of a Epiphone Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar because I heard that it had a great sound. I don't want to break my pockets just yet, but I also don't want something that I'll need to replace in a month. I am only 5'1 and I really can't hold a huge Sherryl Crow style Jumbo guitar. I like the sound of Chris Cornell's guitar on his acoustic live show (on yahoo). I hope that's enough info to get a good answer. Thanks!
I also like Beck's sound in Sea Change especially golden age...

Answer
Look at the Washburn D10S. It's the top selling guitar in the world. Solid spruce top. It's a little smaller than a jumbo. If you have the $$$, look at the smaller bodied Guilds or Taylors.
Alvarez has some smaller bodied models also. Look at musiciansfriend.com and/or americanmusical.com.

Buying my first guitar?

Twirl

I've decided to learn how to play guitar, I want to buy one that's functional but not too pricey. I need to know:
a) What is a normal or average price for an acoustic guitar
b) What kinds of things need to be bought for an acoustic guitar, like strings, etc., and how much they cost
c) Does the shape of the guitar matter or is that just for looks?
d) What are some good, non-expensive guitar brands?
e) My friend's dad plays guitar and he has a lot of calluses on his fingers from pressing down on the strings. Is there any way to prevent this or to make it less painful?

Thank you!

Answer
a.) Epiphone, Ibanez, and Fender, and Alvarez make some very decent acoustic guitar packages for 199-299.

b) The packages ive mentioned above have everything you need to start playing, case, guitar tuner, extra strings, picks, shttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AsWBV8FCFfzk0X8w8LpbfJmJxQt.;_ylv=3?link=answer&qid=20080701144350AAJ2rYRtrap and instructional dvd.

That particular link is of a guitar ive played, and is a very good guitar for a beginner.

c.) Yes.. shape and size, as well as woods used in the construction of a guitar make a world of difference in how it sounds. Smaller bodied acoustic guitars have more of a tendency to be a bit "brighter" in sound, while your larger bodies such as a dreadnaught or jumbo are very full and rich in sound.
d.) See a)!.. although, i will add yamaha, to this list as well.
e.) Callouses are common place in guitar playing. One option when starting out.. if you settle on an acoustic, swap the strings out that come on it with a set of electric guitar strings. Much easier to play, but you will sacrifice a bit in sound. Another option as well would be to start on electric.(much easier to play) In my many years of playing, as well as teaching some along the way, ive found that a beginning student practices more, and will also learn more by playing what they want to.. not what some one tells them they have to play.

I would not advise getting a guitar in an entry level price range by mail order though. Quality is very random in your entry level guitars, and if your dads friend is willing to go with you when you shop, i would highly recommend taking him along. His years of playing will help you in selecting a very playable instrument to make your learning experience a much more enjoyable one!

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Is there a book that teaches you how to play the acoustic guitar?

LaLa

Okay, I want to learn how to play the acoustic guitar
but I don't want to take a class because I don't
like meeting new people. So is there a book that
can teach you everything you need to know about guitar
and how to play it? And is there a certain type of acoustic
guitars that beginners should use?

Answer
Hi
A great book that I always recommend is The Guitar Handbook by Ralp Denyer. I have had my copy for over 20 years.
Theres also some excellent video tuition about too.
Lick Library have great DVDs that you can sometimes buy cheaply on eBay. Also a site called guitar tricks has good and varied video lessons.
I also have a youtube channel that has some guitar videos that are ideal for beginners.
Good luck with your quest.

Should I learn the guitar?

Drew S

i always wanted to play the guitar but never really tried it. i dont really know anything about music but thought maybe i should give it a shot. i found an Acoustic guitar in my basement that is smaller than a regular guitar. do you think it would be ok to learn on something like that. also the guitar is right handed would it matter if i switched it to left.
Just wondering what i should do. if you have any tips for learning let me know.

Answer
The guitar is a easy-to-start-learning instrument and makes beautiful sounds. Definitely give it a shot!

By small, do you mean the body is thinner, or is everything smaller which are normally meant for very young kids. Nevertheless, if the fretboard/neck is about the same size as a normal guitar, it is fine!

When you switch the right handed guitar the other way around, you may want to change the order of the strings such that when holding the guitar, the thickest string is closest to you. When you decide to get serious into learning the guitar, you may want to consider a real left handed guitar. Most left handed guitar are 10-20% more expensive than a normal one for right handed players, but some brands like Martin make left handed ones the same price as the normal guitars.

An excellent guide for beginners http://www.melodicguitar.co.cc/?p=1937 provides a learning roadmap and recommends using video lessons to substitute a real teacher. I've done the same last year and is now following his guide! http://www.licklibrary.com also teaches you how to play certain songs, but you should try lick library only after you have developed a certain foundation in guitar playing. You can find guitar tabs (the chords) of your favourite songs on http://www.ultimate-guitar.com

When practicing, remember to use a metronome, which creates ticking sounds to keep you in pace, and try not to play too fast too early. Learn to read guitar tabs and listen to how others strum the guitar to learn some basic strumming patterns which u can use. Lastly, when your fingers start to hurt, its time to stop.

All the best!

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