Learn How To Play The Guitar Free » How To Buy A Guitar

THE BEST Budget Acoustic Guitar – Highly Recommended!

Ben @ Learn To Play The Guitar Free — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:55:47 +0000

I always get my music gear from Musician’s Friend, especially since they offer free shipping when you hit $99 (which isn’t that hard – just throw in some spare parts and stuff that you always wanted…they even have apparel!). Well, I was looking around Musician’s Friend when I discovered that they actually had the Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar on a further discount!

It was going for $39 – I couldn’t help it! I threw in a couple of strings and a pair of sneakers, and got myself free shipping. My order came pretty fast too, within 3 days. And it was beautiful! Here are some pictures:

This was the box that the Rogue Acoustic Guitar came in. Pretty well-packed! The guitar arrived in pristine condition.

The actual Rogue Acoustic Guitar – I chose black, and the colour and finish was absolutely amazing for this price point.

The extra strings that I bought – steel and nylon. Just in case

If you’re interested in learning how to play the guitar but always found buying your first guitar daunting, then this is your chance because this guitar is an amazing bargain. Get the Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar now, before the price increases!

Learn About The Classical Guitar

Ben @ Learn To Play The Guitar Free — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:13:35 +0000

A classical guitar

Learning how to play the guitar is just like learning how to drive. With driving, there’s always automatic and manual driving. If you have learnt how to drive manually, then automatics just come naturally to you. Similarly, with guitars, there are many types of guitars, but if you learn the classical guitar well, then it’s very easy to switch to other types of guitars.

The classical guitar is also known as the Spanish guitar. The classical guitar is undoubtedbly a bit harder to learn how to play, but once you’ve mastered the classical guitar, you’ll be able to play other types of guitars, such as acoustic or electric guitars with ease.

Unlike acoustic guitars, you don’t use a pick to strum a classical guitar – you use your fingernails and the tip of your fingers to strum instead – that is why the classical guitar is made with wider gaps in between its strings, and has a wider fingerboard. Using your fingers allows for different patterns of strumming, and unlike an acoustic guitar, the weight of the classical guitar can be relieved by balancing the guitar on your left leg, which is usually raised and supported by a small wooden footstool. By doing this you give your right arm and hands greater space with which to strum fast and freely.

The classical guitar also uses nylon or similar strings, and not steel strings. Nylon strings do not require as much tension as steel strings, and gives out a nice sound without sounding “hollow”. In addition, steel strings produce tension that must be counter-acted against with by an inner steel rod, which can sometimes be found in acoustic and electric guitars. This inner steel rod increases the weight of the guitar, and also takes away from the overall sound quality produced.

On top of the string material, classical guitars also come with six strings or more. More strings allow the player to reach other tones, but the more strings there are, the more difficult it is to play the guitar because there will be different chords, and the fret positions will vary.

Best Beginner Electric Guitars

Ben @ Learn To Play The Guitar Free — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:04:54 +0000

Choosing your first guitar is probably the most daunting task you’ll face in your journey of learning how to play the guitar. You need to buy a good guitar to facilitate your learning, as well as ensure that you really maximise your money’s worth. Listed below are a few recommendations of good electric guitars and value packages that you can consider.

Top 3 Beginner Electric Guitars

Overall Rating:
9.21

Squier Black and Chrome Fat Strat Electric Guitar Black Rosewood Fretboard

The Squier Black and Chrome Fat Strat Electric Guitar is the ultimate fashion accessory a sleek, gloss black and chrome Stratocaster that looks great under the lights. It’s also an electric guitar that screams, thanks to a hot bridge humbucker, while 2 single-coils cover the traditional Strat sounds.

This is the best guitar ever. I have been playing for as long as I can remember, and this is the best guitar I have ever owned. The looks on this axe are the best, but it plays even better. I have not had one problem with this guitar, and I don’t think I will either. The quality of this guitar is outstanding. It definitly gives you the most bang for your buck. There is unlimited amount of tone varities also. If you are a beginner, or have been playing all your life, it dosn’t matter, this guitar is for you.
- Active Musician from Eau Claire, WI

Overall Rating:
9.01

Epiphone G-310 SG Electric Guitar Vintage White

The Epiphone G-310 SG Electric Guitar is an axe that delivers everything from warm distortion to all-out scream. Crafted with select hardwood body, bolt-on mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay. Also features tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and chrome tuners. Limited lifetime warranty.

I bought this guitar from Musician’s Friend around 9 months ago or so, and I can say that this is a brilliant buy. I bought it as my first decent solid body electric (I have a no-name thing from the late 60’s which cannot stay in tune), and it’s never let me down on anything major. The tone is good, it’s nice and loud even through my cheap amp, and it looks fantastic. Mine’s red, which looks marvelous. It was worth every penny. The only thing I can complain about is that my cable jack has fouled up a few times, but with a little soldering, the problem ceased to be. Its got that classic SG look, which is still amazing 40 years after it was designed. If you’re a little short on cash, and are interested in picking up the electric, YOU MUST BUY THIS GUITAR.
- Sean the Über-Person from Katy, TX

Overall Rating:
8.51

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar Black

What’s so special about the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar? The super-low price for starters and that’s not all. Made with a mahogany and rosewood neck, alder/maple body, smooth 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays, and chrome hardware, this baby is every bit as handsome as its uptown cousins. (The wine red version has black hardware.) Features 2 humbucking pickups that deliver long, singing sustain and true Les Paul tones. Limited lifetime warranty.

I was looking for my first electric guitar. I wanted it to be a good-looking, hard-rocking seller. It was. It was the most satisfying axe I tried out there. Still rocks even after 1/2 a year. Good sustain too. Although I recommend you change from the factory strings as soon as you buy it. The strings are so cheap it makes the guitar look(/sound) less than a quality Les Paul… Which is exactly what it is.
- FretSurfingFreak87, Active Musician

Beginner Electric Guitars Value Packs

Overall Rating:
8.48

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack Ebony

What’s so special about the Les Paul Special II Player Pack? The super-low price for starters, and that’s not all. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is made with a mahogany and rosewood neck, alder/maple body, smooth 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays, and chrome hardware. This baby is every bit as handsome as its uptown cousins. Features 2 humbucking pickups that deliver long, singing sustain and true LP tones, and a limited lifetime warranty.This package also includes an Epiphone Studio 10 amplifier; rugged gig bag; instructional video; super-accurate quartz tuner; plus a strap, cable, and picks to put it all together. Everything you need to get going!

For any beginner this really is the ideal set up. When you’re just startin out you want to get decent equipment that will allow you to improve, but not spend a ton of cash. Epiphone did a great job with this pack. The guitar was surprisingly good for the money. By no means was it going to compete with other, more expensive, Pauls, but for a beginner it has alot of quality features to learn on. The amp was also surprising. It packs alot of punch for a little ten banger and has a decent little boost control for added distortion. Epiphone takes alot of pride in their gear, and this was no exception. The company goes to great lengths to make a repeat customer out of you, and this players pack will start you out on the right foot. As time goes by you will out grow this set up, but the gear is of good quality and it will be easy to find someone else who can put the gear to good use. The features are great, the quality was great for the price range, the value was second to done, and overall it was a good little warm up rig. Epiphone is a sister company to Gibson and they dont cheap out on any product, whether its a $2000 Les Paul or this pack. They want your business, and this was no exception. Highly recommended for any beginner.
- Maverick from Midwest

Overall Rating:
8.46

Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar Player’s Pack Ebony Chrome Hardware

The Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar Player’s Pack is everything you need to turn yourself into the hottest guitar star ever. Pack includes SG Special electric guitar, 10W mini-amp, strap, electronic tuner, cable, picks, and instructional video.

I recently purchesed this guitar, and I absolutly love it. Yes, the strings that come with it are crap , but with new strings this is easaly the best starter guitar on the market. I deffinently intend on keeping this guitar for a long, long time. Also, if you’re not sure of the quality, remember, Gibson owns Epiphone, and Gibson does not put just anything in their guitars and slap their name on it, like *cough* some companys do. All in all, at its heart this is a Gibson for beginners, labeled as an Epiphone.
- Rolamoto from Haslett, MI

Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars

Ben @ Learn To Play The Guitar Free — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:01:57 +0000

Choosing your first guitar is probably the most daunting task you’ll face in your journey of learning how to play the guitar. You need to buy a good guitar to facilitate your learning, as well as ensure that you really maximise your money’s worth. Listed below are a few recommendations of good acoustic guitars and value packages that you can consider.

Top Beginner Acoustic Guitars

I love these two acoustic guitars because they’re solid beginner guitars. Easy to play, smooth sounds, great bass — and definitely value for money. The Jasmine guitar costs only $99.99 SHIPPED! You can’t go wrong with that price. If you’re looking for a complete package, then I have a few recommendations for guitar starter kits too, just below this section.

Overall Rating:
8.75

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Natural

The Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar is a nicely crafted acoustic guitar that sports a select spruce top and mahogany body and neck. This guitar epitomizes Epiphone’s focus on affordable quality. Epiphone builds the DR-100 Acoustic Guitar with chrome hardware, precision construction, and rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays.

I just recently got this guitar, i purchased it in color of black. I was really surprised by the quality at such a low low price. I would purchase new strings but the ones that come on it are fine for a beginner.New strings made a big difference in the quality of sound. I would recommend buying this guitar for beginners, you won’t be dissapointed in it. Great deal
- Robert Johnson from eureka springs, AR

Overall Rating:
8.78

Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar Natural

A remarkable value, the Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar features a spruce top with nato back and sides. Full body binding and chrome machines are combined in one very playable dreadnought. The satin finish maximizes resonance.

This guitar is an amazing value. I have been playing for some time and came across this jewel unexpectedly. I was visiting a friends art showing and was asked to do some finger picking for atmosphere, I did not have my Martin in the car. Someone handed me a Jasmine with the protective coating still on the pick guard, after a bit of tuning I played it for 2+ hours. I then bought it from that person, thats how good it is. I have since replaced the strings with Elixir coated special 11’s and it sounds sweet. Just bought another one for the vacation house.
- Magtms from New Milford, CT

Beginner Acoustic Guitars Value Packs

These value packs are like starter kits. They come with everything you could possibly need to start learning and playing the guitar. That means the guitar comes included too! I get a lot of emails asking me which is better — well, for a beginner, personally I like either the Ibanez or the Epiphone — if you have the extra cash, then definitely go for the Epiphone, but if not, the Ibanez is a pretty solid choice too! You can’t go wrong with these two choices with that kind of price tag.

Overall Rating:
8.59

Ibanez IJV50 JamPack Quick Start Natural

One of the premier names in guitar manufacture, Ibanez has produced the Ibanez IJV50 JamPack Quick Start, a fantastically low-priced package with everything for the beginning guitarist. The V50 natural-finish acoustic guitar features a spruce top for fantastic tone. The package also includes an accurate electronic tuner, gig bag, guitar strap, and accessory pouch.

I was looking for an affordable guitar for a long time. Of course, I didn’t want to sacrifice quality which was very difficult to find. I also didn’t want a guitar that was small, as most were to fit the needs of kids. This is a full size guitar and fit all my needs PERFECTLY. It comes with everything you need to get started, and the sound is great which is surprising because of the price. If you’re a beginner, start out with this. It’s going to be hard to find something cheaper with this quality at this price.
- silic0nsilence from Nyack, NY

Overall Rating:
9.12

Epiphone DR-1S Acoustic Player Pack Natural*

The Epiphone DR-1S Acoustic Player Pack is a sweetheart of a package that features a quality Epiphone DR-series guitar. You get a guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck for resonant sound and smooth playability. It also has a rosewood fretboard and bridge and chrome hardware. To get you started with everything you need, the Epiphone Acoustic Player Pack comes with a gig bag, electronic tuner, strap, picks, and an instructional DVD.

At the beginning of this year I decided to go for an old dream of mine, I always felt the guitar in my heart. So I purchased an Epiphone guitar at first because my boyfriend who inspired me to take it up again played one and then later I discovered that it truley is a beautiful guitar. Alot of professional musicians have played it along with me and all have said it sounds great and rings true. I couldnt be any happier with it and it is a great value at a great price. My boyfriend is a professional musician and every since I bought this guitar he now plays mine instead of his, guess he likes mine better!
- Christina from Wichita, KS

Overall Rating:
9.10

Fender DG-8S Acoustic Guitar Value Pack

The Fender DG-8S Acoustic Guitar Value Pack has everything you need to learn to play guitar. It includes a natural-finish Fender dreadnought guitar with a solid spruce top, Fender’s best chromatic tuner, a gig bag, shoulder strap, picks, guitar strings, string winder, and a Fender instructional DVD in 5 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese).

Mr Friends told me about this guitar and i thought that for such a cheap price it would be pretty crappy. well i was wrong. this guitar was built pretty solid. i own a kingson acoustic and its pretty bad. i also have an epiphone and this beats it. it comes with some pretty neat toys. i enjoy playing this guitar after around a year and a half. my friends agree with me about the quality. great for beginner and pro. this guitar wont let you down.
- Guitarist from L.A.

How To Choose A Guitar

Ben @ Learn To Play The Guitar Free — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:53:43 +0000

The big step that you need to take! Anyone serious about learning how to play a guitar, should have a guitar. You just can’t learn effectively if you have to keep borrowing a guitar just to practice. And you need lots of practice!

Parts Of A Guitar
Steel-string Acoustic Guitar
Classical Guitar
Looks
Cutaway
Top Type
Guitar Shops
Buying A Guitar Online
Second-hand Guitars

Parts Of A Guitar

The guitar is made up of a few parts, namely:

Body: Hollow, with a big hole in it

Sound hole: Normally round and centered, it is where the sound comes out from.

Soundboard: The most important piece of the body. This is the wooden piece mounted on the front of the guitar’s body, and it amplifies the guitar’s sound.

Strings: These are what you pluck to make music. Normally 6, but there are 12-string guitars.

Bridge: This is attached to the soundboard, and acts as the anchor for the strings.

Neck: The long thing sticking out of the body, where the strings run on. This part holds the frets as well.

Head: The top of the neck, which houses the six tuning pegs used to tune the strings.

Right, now that you’re a little familiarised with the guitar, you will have to make your first major decision of choosing a steel-string acoustic guitar or a classical guitar.

Steel-string Acoustic Guitar

The more common guitar, a steel-string acoustic guitar have steel strings, which gives you a very nice and rich sound.

If you are a beginner, be aware that steel strings hurt! You will need to stick in there long enough for your fingertips to get calloused enough to stop the pain.

Classical Guitar

The more beginner-friendly guitar with nylon strings that don’t hurt as much. You will notice that nylon strings die more quickly than their steel cousins when plucked. The sound also isn’t as loud, and you might have a problem with the wider neck if you have small hands. It is more portable however, because of its smaller body.

Looks

Once you’ve made your choice, go look for a guitar that’s within your budget and that you like! After all, it’s your hard-earned cash and long-term hobby right? So make sure you find a guitar which has good looks! In your excitement, do remember to also check the guitar for discolorations, dents or scratches.

Cutaway

Some guitars have this part of the body cut away to allow your fingers access to the frets near the sound hole of the guitar. This is called the cutaway, and it makes reaching those high frets a lot easier, which is good if you are planning on doing a lot of solo-ing.

Generally, beginners should not worry too much about the cutaway. In any case, the cutaway affects the loudness and sound of a guitar because there is less space in which the air can resonate.

Types of Top

The top, or face, of the guitar where the sound hole is, acts like a speaker when you play your guitar, so you need to choose a good material for your guitar top. The top of the body is generally built in two different styles:

Laminated veneer top: Built similar to plywood, where thin sheets of wood are glued together. A laminated veneer top is not the the best top for your guitar, but is cheaper.

Solid top: This kind of style is basically a solid piece of wood. It resonates much better than a laminated veneer top, and thus, the overall sound of the guitar is louder, clearer, and better. Of course, you can expect to pay much more for a solid top than a laminated veneer top. You need to decide if sound quality is worth that much to you. Again, if you are a beginner, you can get a nice laminated veneer top first, and then upgrade in the future when you get better.

Solid top and veneer sides: The overall sound quality of a solid top and veneer side constructed guitar is better than that of a pure laminated veneer top guitar. You can consider this if you want to get better sound quality than a pure laminated veneer top guitar, but don’t have the cash for a purely solid top guitar.

Guitar Shops

For the beginner and the absolutely lost, going to a music store or a guitar shop and having someone explain stuff and show you guitar may be the best option. However, this is also probably the most expensive option as well. Good guitar shops give you good service, a warranty for your guitar, and definitely let you test out guitars before buying them.

Buying A Guitar Online

Buying a guitar online is not recommended for someone just starting out with the guitar, mainly because you don’t know what you’re buying, and can’t try out the guitar. Buying a guitar online does have its perks though – it’s usually a fair bit cheaper! What you can do if you really want the discount is to go to your local guitar shop, find a good guitar model that you like, and then go online to buy it from a reputable merchant. Sneaky stuff. Musician’s Friend is one online retailer that I frequent.

Second-hand Guitars

Alternatively, you can also consider getting a second-hand guitar, which is usually a cheaper option. Try asking around. Your friends or relatives may have a good guitar that they can sell to you cheap. Or visit a pawnshop or second-hand shop. You can usually find guitars there, but do check the guitar thoroughly before purchasing them.

So that’s that. And after you get your guitar, you can play like Slash in no time! Well, maybe a little longer than “no time”. Do pop by my free guitar lessons page where I showcase some of the better free guitar lessons sites on the Internet!

If you’re looking for something better and faster, check out my review on Jamorama, that program helped me a lot on my guitar learning journey!