Question:
Hi all
I've decided (as part of my mid-life crisis) that I'd like to learn an instrument and have settled on guitar.
I have been searching the web for good startr deals etc. (even read the ebuyer.com one on this site)
I am looking at the following set up which I know is not the cheapest starter and would value anybody's experiences and feedback: -
Aria STG-003 or 004 guitar
Behringer GM108 Amp
I can get the above for ~£170 including cable; gig bag; stand and strap plus a couple of plectrums!!
Looking forward to your thoughts
Thanks
CM
Answers:
Hi
I started by buying a second hand acoustic. Choose a good make like Yamaha and they will retain their second hand value.
It is slightly harder to play acoustic but all you need is the guitar,strap and a bag if you want to travel with it.
If you learn a to strum a few chords and enjoy it you can then invest in an electric guitar, amp, leads etc.
Check out any local sellers on ebay as postage can be expensive between £10 - £20
Good luck and enjoy
Allan
Answers:
Thanks Allan
Did you self teach or did you have lessons ?
I was thinking of buying an acoustic - hartnoll guitars seem to have a good deal on an acoustic...
Any thoughts ?
Adrian
Answers:
Hi Adrian
I was self taught - I only strum but really enjoy it and use the guitar for writing songs! We're in the final of the Tipperrary Song Contest on 22 April so wish us luck. Most good learn guitar books show the basic chords which are easy to learn. Libraries are good for checking which book you like.
I have to say I've never heard of Eastwood guitars so I don't know if they are VFM or will put you off playing for life. Check what the p&p is as this can be comparatively expensive.
I had one of these and they are great guitars. Even better if you can find one for sale locally so you can collect and save p&p.
If it were my money (and I don't part with it easily ) I'd pay a little bit more so you know you can always get a good resale should (heaven forbid) this be just a whim. Also if you spend a little extra you will be more determined to learn it to get you money's worth.
Good luck - enjoy learning and let me know how you get on.
Ciao
Allan
Answers:
Thanks Allan
I'm going to a music store tomorrow (oops today - look at the time!!) and have a feel of a few to assess quality as you say better to spend a bit more now...
Good Luck for the contest
CM
Answers:
Well the guitar is here (bought an Eastwood as it was recommended but wasn't too expensive).
I also bought a book and DVD to help me pick up the basics and all I'll say is that they are right .... my bl@#&y fingertips on my left hand are tender - it's like pressing down on cheese wire !!
Anyway must go - need to practice (lots and lots!!)
CM
Answers:
Ain't it a pain fretting? I have got relatively thin, slender fingertips but when going for chords I find it very difficult keeping one fingers away from strings they are not supposed to be touching. How do some of these overweight rockers manage it?
Answers:
Hi cheekeemonkey
You gotta suffer for your art
If the pain on your tender fingertips gets too much try some surgical sprit.
As for fretting thor I have to employ the services of a better guitarist, sad but true (sigh).
Enjoy your music
Allan
Answers:
Had my first lesson today - thought I'd not get beyond a competent amateur otherwise.
It was certainly worth it - I already feel as though I am progressing in a more logical manner and my tutor was pleasantly suprised on how I'd grasped the basics so I was really pleased (not forgetting that we are just talking basics here !!)
Anyway, I don't have another lesson for a fortnight and I have been given lots of homework to practise with so lets hope I can get over the tender tips and improve my co-ordination/grasp of the chords !!
Allan - how did you do in the competition last week?
Bye for now
CM
Answers:
Hi CM
We came joint second with the song 'Peace In This World' - it can be heard here
Had a fantastic weekend in Tipperary of peace, music and guiness.
Good luck with your lessons
Allan
PS Don't forget to soak your tender fingertips in the surgical sprit! It does work.
Answers:
Hi!
I know there have been threads in the past about learning to play but nothing recent. My main issue is that I'm left handed!
Can anyone recommend where to get a decent guitar and a good way to learn. I was thinking of using an electronic guide on the PC or on a DVD perhaps unless there's a really good book someone could recommend.
Any suggestions are welcome, I'm from Liverpool so could travel to a shop within the area or alternatively buy online.
Hope someone can help!
Thanks a lot
MATT
Answers:
there are loads of websites that allow you to teach yourself
many have the scales, explained, as well as chord shapes, best hand positions, and hand exercises...all with step by step help.
just google guitar tabs
or check out
(or might be .com)
Answers:
Try Dawsons in town ... 37, Ranelagh Street ... or have a look at the website ... dawsonsonline.com
DD wants to learn in school and i had a panic as need to buy her a guitar but very reasonable, cheapest full size is £39.99
They can also find you a teacher ... the 1/2 size & 3/4 size actually come with free internet based lessons ... might be worth asking about them.
HTH
Lou.
Answers:
Check out .
got heaps of links, software, tabs, powertabs etc, really good place to get started
Answers:
can anyone suggest the easiest way for me to learn to play the guitar??? absolute begginer and would welcome to any ideas??
Answers:
Buy a cheap acoustic guitar and a good self-teach guide, like the Dummies Guide to Guitar.
DON'T buy a really good guitar and don't invest in expensive lessosn straight away. It's good for you to learn to play on a really clunky old dreadnought and then progress to something better as you get better.
Take a while to familiarise yourself with the shape and feel of the guitar, and be prepared to get very, very frustrated - it's not as easy as a lot of people think.
Learn the basic open chord shapes and progressions and don't worry about playing complex solos just yet! It takes time to learn to play the guitar well and rushing it will only result in frustration.
If you find you're making good progress, then you should think about lessons or a new guitar.
If at all possible, find someone else to learn with, or certainly a mate who'll help you as you go along. The best way to learn once you've mastered the basics is to play alongside other people.
So go get a cheap second-hand guitar in reasonable nick, try to pick up a self-teach guide and get ready to practice, practice, practice. A lot of patience and practice will soon have you mastering the basics.
Also be prepared for blisters and a bit of pain in your left hand (if you're right-handed). You should try to toughen up the skin on the very tips of your fingers in advance by resting them in a small dish of vinegar for a couple of hours over the course of a week.
Answers:
i know what u mean about getting frustrated. it looks so easy when watching other people play. just learnt to play the A D and E chords but really struggling moving the left hand into the right positions.
practise practise practise then hey? thanks
Answers:
Hi key125,
We have an older thread on learning how to play the guitar that might help you, so I'll merge your thread with it as it helps to keep all the suggestions together.
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