Guitars

[AJ]

I'm looking at taking a full step into learning how to play, and I was curious who else plays the real thing. And what they would suggest for learning. I have a friend at work who is telling me to get a good one right off the bat. Fender. And probably spend no less than $500 right off the bat.

I'm not entirly sure what I would all be needed, but I am serious about wanting to learn for my own enjoyment.

 

[dmention7]

+1 on not getting a cheap one. I learned a bit when I was younger, and being poor, I just had a cheap guitar. I suppose if you have a ton of devotion and talent it might make you a better player, but for me it was just frustrating trying to get a decent sound out of a crappy instrument. I don't necessarily agree, however, with putting a floor on the price, though.

I'm not up on current brands, but I know that there are generally high-quality guitars from lesser-known brands in the 2-300 range.

I'd recommend starting on an acoustic as well. Unless you just want to fuck around in the basement, I think it makes you a better player when you can't get distracted by effects and distortion when you're learning. Makes you focus on getting better if you want to sound better.

 

[Jesse MS3GT]

^ I agree. I bought a 150 dollar guitar(before I knew my wrist was effed) and it was frustrating trying to keep it in tune and dont get me started on the horrible noise... I keep contemplating learning lap tapping... This was the guitar I was looking at getting. Not an acoustic though. x2 on Acoustics teaching you to play better, though. It makes your fingers a lot stronger and its harder to sound good with acoustic since you have no distortion to cover up your mistakes.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Jackson-DKMGT-Dinky-with-EMG-Pickups?sku=512241

Every brand makes a quality guitar in some shape or form.

 

[AJ]

What do you guys suggest for lessons? Just free web baesed vids or pay for lessons? Also, I'm a complete newb for this stuff, when does Amps and such play a part?

 

[dmention7]

Amps only play a part if you get an electric guitar. Yet another reason to start on an acoustic.

 

[WhiteSpy9]

Sweet... I play drums. So let me know when you get it all together.

As for lessons, I hear they just came out with a guitar training software that is like guitar hero, but you plug in your guitar.
That would make practicing a lot more fun.

 

[AJ]

I'm going to swing into that one store in Maple Grove after this weekend.

 

[niterydr]

I'm going to swing into that one store in Maple Grove after this weekend.

Music go Round, go see John, he is the owner, and set me up on my stuff.

I picked up a nice Ibanez RG series and Crate amp from him for a smoking deal.

He also knows a guy that gives lessons there, very good.

If you want to play electric, start on electric. You can practice without an amp no problem and won't need some for quite some time.

You better be serious, cause I need someone to push my ass!

 

[AJ]

Swanny I'm dead serious. Post up a pic of your setup. Wanna go with me some day next week?

 

[DrWebster]

When I first left for college, I traded my drum kit for an Ibanez acoustic and Danelectro DC-6 electric. The acoustic probably cost about $300, and that's about what I'd recommend you spend as a beginner. Don't buy a $100 cheapo guitar, but you don't need to spend $500 if you don't know how to play. You may end up hating it or giving up on learning, in which case you'll be glad you only blew $300 instead of more.

On the other hand, I suck at playing the guitar. The next house I buy, I'm gonna soundproof the basement and buy another drum kit.

 

[niterydr]

Pics attached.

I think I have $400ish into the setup tops.

 

[mndsm]

Triple black Les Paul with the pearl inlay. Should only be like 1600$....

 

[tricky]

My first guitar was an accoustic, I'd recomend it be yours as well. Like people have said if you learn on an accoustic it'll only make become a better player. Hell, anyone can hack on an electric and make it sound good. I got a hohner accoustic for $200, not a bad deal and it sounds pretty good. Hit up Craig's List for sure, there's a ton of guitars that people pretty much just give away.
Check this one out, it's an accoustic/electric so you'll have the option to plug it in.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/msg/577278415.html

As far as electrics go, this is what I picked up http://www.alpha-music.com/productcart/pc/catalog/922817229389X.jpg (it's a Paul Reed Smith SE Santana edition) and I absolutely love it! I then got a Crate practice amp off of Craig's list for $30, which new the go for ~$80-90.

As far as learning to play, I'd definately recomend lessons at first, they'll give you the building blocks you'll need for playing. Once you learn the basics it's just a matter of practice, practice, practice. Then if you feel you hit a platuea go back and get another round of lessons. Hope this helped a little