Your First Guitar
And Years ago, everyone always started on Acoustic Guitar, I know I did too (I’m Andre by the Way – Hi) because way back then they were the only ones that were playable and affordable.
Now perhaps You’ve already made up your mind which way to go – Acoustic or Electric – and are just looking for advice on a certain brand – and You’ll find one key tip ( Tip Number 6) for that a little later..
And yet when beginners come to see me about guitar – they think they will like acoustic, try an acoustic and sometimes they are right – and yet other times, they think they’ll like acoustic and try an electric – and they actually find they prefer the feel of the electric.
Ofcourse it can work the other way too – they think they’ll like electric better, but when they try acoustic… something about the acoustic feels better.
This short Tips Guide is the next best thing to actually trying out guitars on your own – People tell me they feel nervous as beginners trying out guitars in shops as they have yet to really play.
Tip Number 1 – Favourite Bands and Artists
What Guitars do your favourite bands, artists play, those people that have inspired you towards the Guitar?
If most play acoustic – You might be more inspired by an acoustic guitar.. and if Electric, then perhaps more inspired by an electric guitar.
This can be a useful pointer on the right guitar direction for You.
Tip Number 2 – Everyone starts with Acoustic Right ?
Not necessarily times have changed. A lot. Yes years ago because it was only acoustic guitars that were playable and affordable.
But if You are more drawn towards electric guitar – then it might make better sense to think about perhaps starting on electric from the get go. Over the years the split between my students for example has been half acoustic and half electric – and then some who actually eventually play both.
Starting with the right instrument for You is key ? Why ? To help keep You stay inspired to Play – which is why thinking about your favourite bands, artists can be useful for You.
Tip Number 3 – The One Acoustic Guitar Type To Avoid
Avoid nylon or gut string classical guitars. Why ? Because these are used for classical music (think composers like Bach, Beethoven – not really the styles I teach).
But also because if You think you might at some point in the future go to an electric guitar – then it is harder to do, because You have to retrain your fingers to the metal strings of an electric.
If You are considering an Acoustic Guitar – more important than make is that it has metal (steel strings).
Also electro-acoustic guitars – those acoustic guitars that can be plugged in to amplifiers and PAs- they also need metal strings.
Classical Nylon Strings are fanstastic for Classical Music, but not so flexible for modern rock, blues, indie type styles.
Sometimes young children might start with nylon strings – but it is a steeper learning curve to build callouses later on steel strings.
Tip Number 4 : Consider a Starter Pack Guitar
Whether You are looking at Acoustic or an Electric Guitar – it is worth considering what are called starter packs. These have everything You need to get started.
An acoustic pack might have an acoustic guitar, plectrums, guitar tuner and also a strap.
An Electric Guitar Pack will also have plectrums, strap, tuner and also a small amplifier.
Tip Number 5 : Avoid Second Hand Guitars as Your first Guitar
Second hand guitars – acoustic or electric – can be a mine field – best avoided for your first guitar. Once You are up and playing, and perhaps considering another guitar (it can get addictive), then You might consider a second hand guitar once you have more experience.
Tip Number 6 : You have a Certain Acoustic or Electric Guitar Model in Mind – is it Any Good?
There are so many makes and models of guitar – the best thing to do would be to check them for online reviews – if You have a certain make or acoustic or electric guitar in mind – You can try a website such as Musicradar and check for reviews in their guitar section.
Tip Number 7 : If You want more clarity on whether Acoustic or Electric Guitar is the right way for You ?
One way to do this would be for You to try both an electric and also an acoustic guitar for example in a first lesson – before you decide which to buy. Ofcourse you will need a guitar to practice between lessons – though people have said there is something about just trying both an acoustic and electric guitar which gives you that extra peace of mind before making the final decision which way to go.
Andre
From Beginner To Beyond, Showing Progress