acoustic guitar beginner basics image
I can sort of play the keyboard, I do not really play any other instruments. I cannot read music notes but I know the basics. I want to become a singer/songwriter and I want to learn to play the acoustic guitar. As a beginner I found two Taylor acoustic guitars online at Best Buy that are cheap enough for me to save my money and buy one of them. I would like to know if it is a reliable brand for beginners.
Answer
Taylor makes great guitars so in general, you can't go wrong with that. However, buying guitars online can be something of a hit and miss affair when you're just starting out.
You really should be able to try the guitars first before you decide to purchase the instrument or not.
I suspect you've been looking at the Baby Taylor guitars. Although these are good guitars, they are not full size. They are somewhat limited in volume and tone. You should really go for a regular full size steel string acoustic. And again, you definitely want to try this out for yourself...
You will definitely do best if you buy from a dedicated guitar/music dealer. Oh, and stay well away from First Act instruments. These are nothing but kids toys.
Edited for spelling errors...
Taylor makes great guitars so in general, you can't go wrong with that. However, buying guitars online can be something of a hit and miss affair when you're just starting out.
You really should be able to try the guitars first before you decide to purchase the instrument or not.
I suspect you've been looking at the Baby Taylor guitars. Although these are good guitars, they are not full size. They are somewhat limited in volume and tone. You should really go for a regular full size steel string acoustic. And again, you definitely want to try this out for yourself...
You will definitely do best if you buy from a dedicated guitar/music dealer. Oh, and stay well away from First Act instruments. These are nothing but kids toys.
Edited for spelling errors...
What is a good beginner acoustic guitar?
Kat
Honestly I don't know anything about guitars but I really want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar and then electric guitar. So...what is a good acoustic guitar for beginners? And also do they make any self teaching books on acoustic guitars? Sorry if some of that doesn't make sense! lol
Answer
Yeah, there are self-teaching books, as well as online resources. But my advice to you is this: Find a friend or an instructor to teach you the basics at the very least because it'll prevent you from starting of with bad habits. It's alright to do the later parts on your own, but things like how to hold the neck, posture etc need to be correct from early on because they're hard to fix once it's a habit.
A good acoustic guitar for beginners?
Well first of all, it's important to have a budget, or the saleperson at the shop will try to get you something expensive that you don't even need.
Once your budget has been decided, look at all the guitars in your price range. Now here comes the difficult part: You're going to have to try them. I know you probably can't play yet, but it's still important you hear and test them. Do NOT get the first instrument you see that you can afford, or the nicest looking one, too many people make that mistake.
First, have someone play it for you, and see if you like the sound it produces. Also, strum the strings yourself, and see if you like it. Pluck individual notes and take notice of how long the note holds. It's generally a rule that better guitars have better sustain, meaning that the note will ring longer. Next, hold down the strings. Notice how hard you have to push to get them down. A better guitar shouldn't hurt you too much. If it feels like it'll bust your fingers if you hold on for longer than a few seconds, it's probably not the ideal choice.
Next, wrap your hand around the neck, with your thumb under, and your other four fingers on strings within reach. Does it feel too thick? Too thin? Only you can decide, because it's personal preference. Also, check the tuning pegs, turn them and the should offer some resistance, but not too much. Finally, check for overall construction, make sure it's all in good shape.
Do this, and decide on what is best. Try not to look at the brand names, because honestly, at entry level they're usually all made in China and of similar materials, and sometimes even in the same factory. So, get the one that sounds and feels best regardless of brand.
However, just to give you an idea of what is worth looking out for, the following brands are popular amongst beginners and are generally good value. Don't be afraid to try something else though, remember, it's whatever feels and sounds best.
- Takamine
- Yamaha
- Ibanez
- Seagull
There are others of course, just as there are brands to avoid, so I'd suggest testing them out. Oh, and in my opinion, cheap Fender guitars suck. So avoid them like the plague.
Good luck, hope this helped and have fun! =)
Yeah, there are self-teaching books, as well as online resources. But my advice to you is this: Find a friend or an instructor to teach you the basics at the very least because it'll prevent you from starting of with bad habits. It's alright to do the later parts on your own, but things like how to hold the neck, posture etc need to be correct from early on because they're hard to fix once it's a habit.
A good acoustic guitar for beginners?
Well first of all, it's important to have a budget, or the saleperson at the shop will try to get you something expensive that you don't even need.
Once your budget has been decided, look at all the guitars in your price range. Now here comes the difficult part: You're going to have to try them. I know you probably can't play yet, but it's still important you hear and test them. Do NOT get the first instrument you see that you can afford, or the nicest looking one, too many people make that mistake.
First, have someone play it for you, and see if you like the sound it produces. Also, strum the strings yourself, and see if you like it. Pluck individual notes and take notice of how long the note holds. It's generally a rule that better guitars have better sustain, meaning that the note will ring longer. Next, hold down the strings. Notice how hard you have to push to get them down. A better guitar shouldn't hurt you too much. If it feels like it'll bust your fingers if you hold on for longer than a few seconds, it's probably not the ideal choice.
Next, wrap your hand around the neck, with your thumb under, and your other four fingers on strings within reach. Does it feel too thick? Too thin? Only you can decide, because it's personal preference. Also, check the tuning pegs, turn them and the should offer some resistance, but not too much. Finally, check for overall construction, make sure it's all in good shape.
Do this, and decide on what is best. Try not to look at the brand names, because honestly, at entry level they're usually all made in China and of similar materials, and sometimes even in the same factory. So, get the one that sounds and feels best regardless of brand.
However, just to give you an idea of what is worth looking out for, the following brands are popular amongst beginners and are generally good value. Don't be afraid to try something else though, remember, it's whatever feels and sounds best.
- Takamine
- Yamaha
- Ibanez
- Seagull
There are others of course, just as there are brands to avoid, so I'd suggest testing them out. Oh, and in my opinion, cheap Fender guitars suck. So avoid them like the plague.
Good luck, hope this helped and have fun! =)
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