Advice for beginners on choosing a guitar.

[plank831]

. The last time I bought one, I just picked it out, since my parents were in a hurry.

I have never ever heard that one before.

I wasn't encouraged when I started, and my parents had their immigration interview that morning, they just told me to pick a guitar, and since I sucked then, they won't let me get the pretty expensive ones (i think the one I wanted was a Sheraton or Casino), they just got me some cheap Yamaha. Then after 2 years they got me a Strat copy as a birthday gift. Thankfully, I bought an amazing Gorilla Amp from trademe, that made my copy strat sound amazing.

[deadbeatriot]

i think beginners should focus on their backline - amps, pickups, what have you. a good amp will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to sound.

when you're starting out, i think what's most important is finding something comfortable - something that sits well in your lap, that conforms to your hand well, etc. i've seen people quit way early because they settled for a cheap guitar and found them unbearable uncomfortable to play.

pickups and the like can be upgraded, and at worst you get a feel for what you like when you need something that's higher quality.


a vintage les paul is gonna sound like crap through a nameless practice amp.

but a squier bullet will sound half decent through a vintage matchless head.


of course, this is assuming you'd have the means for a semi-decent amp.

but comfort reigns number 1 when you're first starting out.

[traurig]

oh this is a wonderful thread!  you all have given great advice.  I'm no experienced guitarist here, but I have to add my story.
I knew just about nothing when I bought my guitar.  I had a budget of around $300 or so for the axe and i went into the shop and told the guy he needed to sell me a quality guitar.  He showed me a couple, and I ended up deciding on an ibanez (basically cause I had asked someone once what a decent guitar was and Ibanez was one he mentioned)...i later found out it was the ibanez art 100.  I bought it without even trying it.  maybe a stupid decision, but I had absoultly no idea how to play at all and I didn't want to look like an ass.
So I brought it home, and it felt so right in my arms, and when I strummed it the way it vibrated through my stomach felt amazing.  I was in love with it right away.
Now that I have a slightly better idea of everything I am pleased with it.  It was a great axe to begin with.  It is a sturdy beast, and through all the hell I put it thru it stays in tune very well. 
however.... as much as i love it, and it will always hold that special place in my heart.... I do want another one.  This thread gives me really good help for looking for  a new one.  I definatly will play a bunch before i make a final selection this time.  along with following all the other advice here. 
1st things 1st though.  I need to get a better amp.  I doubt that will make me not want another axe.... as good as this one feels...the shape is just not me. 
so anyway....thanks everyone for all the input.  it is much appreciated

[JR1994]

iwhat's most important is finding something comfortable - something that sits well in your lap, that conforms to your hand well, etc. i've seen people quit way early because they settled for a cheap guitar and found them unbearable uncomfortable to play.

thats not always the case, when i started i had no choice but to play my brothers crappy guitar that my music teacher told me that its the heaviest guitar he ever played { it's pretty heavy, you get tired playing a song standing } and a sony stereo as an amp, but i really wanted to improve my self and didn't make that make me drop playing.

but yes most people when they start they really make bad choices picking a guitar { like my brothers }.

[Larry]

If you are in an area where it's easy to find used guitars this is a great way to go.  One of the biggest benefits is that if you want to get rid of it you can probably get most of your money back by selling it. You might even turn a profit.   If you buy a new one, you probably won't get over 60% of your money back when you sell.  And you'll get creamed on a trade.

[GlassPrison68]

Why does a beginner need an amp?

[deadbeatriot]

Why does a beginner need an amp?

sometimes people are insistent on getting an electric guitar, and it's much easier to learn on an electric than an acoustic.

although if a beginner decided to go acoustic, then they don't 

[GlassPrison68]

Why does a beginner need an amp?

sometimes people are insistent on getting an electric guitar, and it's much easier to learn on an electric than an acoustic.

although if a beginner decided to go acoustic, then they don't 

You don't need an amp just cause you got an electric.

[traurig]

Why does a beginner need an amp?

sometimes people are insistent on getting an electric guitar, and it's much easier to learn on an electric than an acoustic.

although if a beginner decided to go acoustic, then they don't 

You don't need an amp just cause you got an electric.

i agree with you there.  especially if someone just starting off does get an amp and gets locked into the mindframe that they should always have the thing plugged in to play. 

that can be dangerous.

i think amps... pedals... and all the other extras that add on to the actual instrument are kind of like drugs.
if used correctly they can be highly beneficial.
but they also have the ability to become highly addicting.
i'm fighting one of these battles inside myself right now.  i can't get myself to shut off the distortion.  I know i'm hampering my ability to really learn what i need to be learning... yet I CANT CONTROL the Craving!

yes.  an amp can be a dangerous thing.

[GlassPrison68]

Why does a beginner need an amp?

sometimes people are insistent on getting an electric guitar, and it's much easier to learn on an electric than an acoustic.

although if a beginner decided to go acoustic, then they don't 

You don't need an amp just cause you got an electric.

i agree with you there.  especially if someone just starting off does get an amp and gets locked into the mindframe that they should always have the thing plugged in to play. 

that can be dangerous.

i think amps... pedals... and all the other extras that add on to the actual instrument are kind of like drugs.
if used correctly they can be highly beneficial.
but they also have the ability to become highly addicting.
i'm fighting one of these battles inside myself right now.  i can't get myself to shut off the distortion.  I know i'm hampering my ability to really learn what i need to be learning... yet I CANT CONTROL the Craving!

yes.  an amp can be a dangerous thing.

Yeah, when practicing sweeping you have to go with a clean distortion.

[GPW]

Whatever guitar a beginner buys , it should be one that he wants to play ...A LOT... practice and playing is the ONLY way you get good....unless someone finds a good Talent pedal ....

[JR1994]

Whatever guitar a beginner buys , it should be one that he wants to play ...A LOT... practice and playing is the ONLY way you get good....unless someone finds a good Talent pedal ....

there's one??? jk .
technically, this is impossible to invent, you don't need a pre amp pedal, you need a pre brain pedal { not nessecory a pedal }.












^^^^  i think i can be nerdish some times


have a good day.

[Larry]

bump

[Larry]

If you are serious about wanting to learn and can afford it, I would suggest finding a knowledgeable friend to go to the store with you and help you pick out a nicer guitar.  If you can't find a friend, talk to the store sales rep.  Tell him/her your budget and see if they can help you find the best one in that price range. 

If the guitar is intonated well and stays in tune then the beginner will progress faster and not be as discouraged.  It tough enough trying to learn how to play.  But when you are fighting the guitar at the same time it makes it very discouraging. 



No matter what brand you are looking at, I would stay away from their "cheapest" models.  Take a step or two up if you can.  The cheapest models are basically meant to be Christmas or Birthday presensts for kids who want to learn to play guitar, to be purchased by parents who can't afford a good one. 

[GPW]

  Larry , Big Thanks for bringing this up front !!!!!  This question has been asked a LOT lately ... These guys need to read this !!!