GETTING STARTED
First priority: Choosing A First Guitar
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I have heard over the past 22 years as a guitar instructor: What is a good guitar to get? How much should I spend? I was told that I should I start out on an acoustic, then work my way up to the electric. Is this true?
Let's tackle the "What is a good guitar to get", issue.
We first need to re-phrase the question to make it more clear and to the point. What this person really means to ask is, "I want an easy playing, comfortable, great sounding guitar for the least amount of money possible, so in the event that myself or my child loses interest, I won't feel like I have lost much money in the deal." First off, guitars are like cars. Would you rather spend $1000 on a car, then try to get rid of it, or spend $5000 on a car and try to sell it then? In other words, it's best to invest as much money as you can up front. That way, if for some reason, you need to sell it, you'll more than likely get almost what you paid for it back. On the other hand, if you child still has the interest after 3 months or so, he or she will, more times than not, be more more inspired to continue to play, because the guitar is a decent sounding guitar. Same thing goes for the amplifier.
Next is, "How much should I spend?"
This is relative. It is the equivalent to asking, "How much should I spend on a car?" Well, it would depend, wouldn't it? First, what is your
budget, and second, what will you be using it for? The same is true with guitars. If I had to say a price, you need to spend at least a $200
on a first guitar (acoustic, electric or nylon-stringed), and at least $100 on an amplifier (if needed). If you think that this is too much to spend starting out, keep your money. The interest is not too high to begin with.
Finally, " I was told that I should I start out on an acoustic, then work my way up to the electric. Is this true?
This is absolutely the biggest myth ever. I don't know how it ever got started and it is amazing to me that anyone would hold this opinion.
I would guess, for example, that since the acoustic guitar looks more simple, one might think that it is more simple to play. Quite the opposite is true.
Actually, the acoustic guitar is physically more demanding to play! This is partially because the notes must be sounded "manually" rather
that with playing the electric, whereas the amplifier will help sound the notes. Aside from that, I will say that the interest is number one!
Therefore, if you or your child wants an electric guitar, then get an electric guitar! The same is true for the acoustic or a nylon-stringed guitar.
The interest is what is going to inspire him or her to practice, and that it the most important thing. In addition, starting out on an electric guitar won't hurt anyone's ability to play an acoustic guitar in later years if he or she chooses to do so.
OTHER ITEMS TO PURCHASE
When you have your guitar, the first thing you will need to purchase is a tuner. This is not a waste of money or an "extra" thing that you will never use. Matter of fact,
you will get a lot of use out of it. The guitar has been called an " imperfect" instrument. This means that the way the guitar is constructed
gives way to the fact that it will never be perfectly in tune, and even if it was, it will only be for a little while. The strings are always
"wavering" back and forth when you play, or get it out of your case, etc. Eventually, you will develop your ear to the point where you
can tune up without using a tuner, but for right now, you will need to use your tuner everyday. Many professional guitarists have a tuner
pedal which is hooked up into their effects line at their feet so they can tune up without being heard. This is also an option, although not
necessary unless you're playing gigs. Cost: I recommend spending at least $25 but not over $40.
Item number 2 is a metronome. I could write a book giving you all of the reasons why this little device is crucial to your
development as a guitarist. However, for right now, I'll simply state that a metronome is just as important as having strings on your
guitar! Yes, I'm serious. But hey, you might be asking, "What is a metronome?" Definition: It is a mechanical instrument that makes
repeated clicking sounds at an adjustable pace, used for marking rhythm or, more simply, the thing that goes tick, tock, tick, tock.
Still don't know what it is? Go to any music store and ask for one. They will be happy to show you what it is and how it works.
I recommend the Sabine metronome, since it is louder than most other metronomes, which is important when two guitarists are
playing together. Cost: $30
Item number 3 is a blank tab book. This is also a great purchase because this will allow you to write down any new licks, scales, or chords that you might come across on your musical journey. It will be your personal musical reference book. I highly recommend Peter Vogl's-The Guitarist's Tablature Book. If your local music store doesn't carry it, have them order it for you. I have used this book for many years and have found it to be very useful for myself and my students. It takes me about 2 years to fill one up. A very hip book indeed!
Cost: $7
John Ezell
Guitar Instructor
|
