I want to learn guitar, help me choose a starter

[memoryzero]

I would say go with the acoustic as well. If you get good enough to learn the metal stuff on the acoustic it will be a lot easier to play it on the electric once your ready for the switch. The frets on the acoustic are bigger which will help your hands get stronger and the texture of the strings are much rougher will also help you build up your calises. Learn the G,C,D and F open chords and just practice switching them without even strumming. Once you get this down you will be able to play a ton of songs and then you can mix in the E and A open chords and then power chords which will give you a good foundation. The one thing I always would tell my friends who wanted to learn was that you have to accept the fact that you are going to suck for about 3-4 weeks, its inevitable. If you can get through that time frame without getting discouraged then you should be fine.

[durkahdurkah]

[ QUOTE ]
I would say go with the acoustic as well. If you get good enough to learn the metal stuff on the acoustic it will be a lot easier to play it on the electric once your ready for the switch. The frets on the acoustic are bigger which will help your hands get stronger and the texture of the strings are much rougher will also help you build up your calises. Learn the G,C,D and F open chords and just practice switching them without even strumming. Once you get this down you will be able to play a ton of songs and then you can mix in the E and A open chords and then power chords which will give you a good foundation. The one thing I always would tell my friends who wanted to learn was that you have to accept the fact that you are going to suck for about 3-4 weeks, its inevitable. If you can get through that time frame without getting discouraged then you should be fine.

[/ QUOTE ]

this post is really good, but I think learning E and A (and their minor equivalents) is more important for beginner beginners than, say, learning F (which is typically fingered as a bar chord, which are much harder). Consider buying an instructional book for rhythm guitar along with your first guitar.

That being said, I'd go with an acoustic, and also make sure to buy a set of light gauge strings (the low E should have a gauge right around .046), which are much easier to begin playing on than the standard set, which I think is like .052 for the low E.

My first guitar was an acoustic Fender, dreadnought body. Got it new for like $350, but I'm a lefty and I bet you could find something right-handed for around $300, maybe less. Considering I still play that guitar today (13 years later), something like that may be a good investment, if you can find one. Another alternative I'd suggest would be Jasmine (which IIRC is Takamine's lower-end brand), which are quite affordable and have real nice action for the price.

[scotchnrocks]

[ QUOTE ]
if you're interested in playing metal why the [censored] would people tell you to buy an acoustic?


[/ QUOTE ]

oh i don't know, maybe because playing metal would take talent on a level that will take OP at least 1-2 years to attain...plus having to hook up an electric everytime you want to play is annoying...and when OP is good enough to entertain friends an acoustic is much better for several reasons

[adsman]

[ QUOTE ]

oh i don't know, maybe because playing metal would take talent on a level that will take OP at least 1-2 years to attain...

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, well sure, if he like only picked the guitar up once every 3 months.

[Misfire]

Don't buy an acoustic unless you want to play acoustic (sounds like you don't). If you buy an electric, it doesn't matter much as long as it has strings and frets. If you're playing rock or metal, make sure whatever you buy has a humbucker (doulbe-coil pickup). Go to a pawn shop or consignment store and pick whatever feels good in your hands.

[scotchnrocks]

[ QUOTE ]


Yeah, well sure, if he like only picked the guitar up once every 3 months.

[/ QUOTE ]

unless your talking about playing the opening line to "enter sandman" over and over, i disagree...now that i've reread the original post i do agree he should go with an electric fwiw

[Action Scott]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Yeah, well sure, if he like only picked the guitar up once every 3 months.

[/ QUOTE ]

unless your talking about playing the opening line to "enter sandman" over and over, i disagree...now that i've reread the original post i do agree he should go with an electric fwiw

[/ QUOTE ]
Acutally I would be pretty happy if I could do that right now, though I'd prefer to be able to play the intro to Sweet Child O' Mine.

[illeagle]

I learned how to play on an electric(even learned that pening riff to Sweet Child) and later transitioned to acoustic just fine.

Give the Yamaha Pacifica a look while you're shopping. Also keep in mind that Les Paul style guitars usually have smaller necks than Strat style guitars which could be a factor if you have unusually small or large hands.

[Action Scott]

[ QUOTE ]
I learned how to play on an electric(even learned that pening riff to Sweet Child) and later transitioned to acoustic just fine.

Give the Yamaha Pacifica a look while you're shopping. Also keep in mind that Les Paul style guitars usually have smaller necks than Strat style guitars which could be a factor if you have unusually small or large hands.

[/ QUOTE ]
Could be a factor for me, I have pretty good sized hands. (though not abnormally gigantic, I can barely palm a basketball)

[adsman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Yeah, well sure, if he like only picked the guitar up once every 3 months.

[/ QUOTE ]

unless your talking about playing the opening line to "enter sandman" over and over, i disagree...

[/ QUOTE ]

Lets not forget, 'Smoke on the Water.'