What Guitar Should I Buy when I'm Trying Learn? I Want to Play Songs by The Fray?

Posted in learn guitar on 26. May, 2010

A tough learn guitar question this week. Let’s dive straight in

Question: I want to learn how to play the guitar and I have no idea what I should look for. I want to be able to play songs by The Fray, Owl City, Jason Mraz, and Colbie Caillat. I’d appreciate any tips and pointers for buying your first guitar!
Also, what about tuning the guitar? What are some easy tips for that?
Answer: it doesn’t matter what kind of guitar you get, as long as its a 6-string, full scale guitar it’ll play ANY song. the only exception to that is the fact that electric guitars for the most parts have extra "frets" at the bottom of the neck providing for even higher notes, but only experienced people should be venturing there anyways. so it doesn’t matter who’s songs you want to play, all guitars (full scale) are designed the same.

if you’re looking for sound, decide now if you want an electric or an acoustic. Acoustic guitars are like bikes with training wheels and i strongly recommended for beginners; they’re light, easier to handle, and you can take them anywhere and play, no plug-ins required. but if you don’t care about that and want an electric, and you’re saying to yourself its a lot of money your spending and aren’t looking to spend again on another guitar just cause that one’s electric, then start off with an electric.

after that, it’s all preference and personal choice: Quality of the sound versus how much money you willing to shell out. but again i strongly recommend an acoustic and then work your way to electric. and last but not least: take care of it like it’s your only child!

EDIT::: For tuning your guitar buy a cheap tuning device that has a microphone in it to pick up sound acoustically and doesn’t require (but has the option) to have a guitar plugged into it in order to tune it. if you want to tune it by ear check youtube instructional videos. its easier than me describing it and writing a long paragraph u wont wanna read.

Pointer for picking your guitar: ALWAYS try it out first, play scales on different guitars and see which one is comfortable for your fingers and your posture.

check to see if the strings are spaced wide enough for your fingers, or if the strings are not close enough together? picking a guitar is like trying on a glove, always pick the right size for yourself.

4 Responses to “What Guitar Should I Buy when I'm Trying Learn? I Want to Play Songs by The Fray?”

  1. Adam says:
    May 26, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    Go with an acoustic. Gives it a more natural sound

  2. Sarah says:
    May 26, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    yeah i have an acoustic and the fray plays mainly acoustic :)

  3. Mojo Rocket says:
    May 26, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    You need to start off on an acoustic guitar, then when you have mastered the chords(which will take quite some time) try an electric acoustic or just a strat, but I think it is important to start off on an acoustic… good luck

  4. TollBridge says:
    May 26, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    first of all, you should start out with buying an acoustic guitar and take private music lessons for at least a year to learn all the basics before upgrading to an electric guitar. When I was a kid I was so mad at my parents for making me start out acoustic long before they let me get an electric, but now I’m so glad they did that. I highly recommend Ibanez acoustic or electric guitars

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