I am thinking about making an attempt at learning to play guitar. I have decided that electric guitar would interest me the most but I have a limited budget because I am not sure how this whole thing will pan out. I have looked at a few starter kits ranging from $130-250. I looked back at a few threads here for advice but the best one was for bass guitar. Any thoughts on buying used from a place like Guitar Center or something similar? All constructive input on price, makes, models, etc is appreciated!
Electric guitar for a newbie.
- Thread starter mike4cy
- Start date
Go talk to the guys at Professional Music on 86th/22nd (not sure which one it is there but it's not too far north of university) they know their stuff and usually have some decent used stuff. Also Crazy Horse on University isn't a bad place to look either.
Professional Music
Professional Music
When I first started out, I ended up going to the store with a guy that knew guitars, settled on a Stratocaster, and a Frontman 25R amp (both by Fender). They served me pretty well, and I am pretty sure I only spent around 120 on them, but they were on sale at the time.The amp is really nice to jam with, and the Stratocaster is more of an introductory to guitars model that Fender makes.
I've actually been impressed with guitar center overall. Get a cheap one, probably new in my opinion, get a $20 amp and your set to learn. Start with chords and move up to tabs.
When you fall in love with it, and want to drop a couple of hundred, do a lot of research, look at the new stuff and used. A lot of shops have awesome used guitars that work and sound like new that people trade in.
i started with acoustic, but electric will be much easier on your fingers.
The amp has been my learning point. Once you learn, $2-300 on a better amp will be we'll worth it. I have a fender mustang 3 that is amazing.
have fun!
When you fall in love with it, and want to drop a couple of hundred, do a lot of research, look at the new stuff and used. A lot of shops have awesome used guitars that work and sound like new that people trade in.
i started with acoustic, but electric will be much easier on your fingers.
The amp has been my learning point. Once you learn, $2-300 on a better amp will be we'll worth it. I have a fender mustang 3 that is amazing.
have fun!
I started on an acoustic just to get the basics down, and I figured if I learned on an acoustic (tougher on the fingers) then the electric would be a breeze.
I pretty much just learned your basic chords and power chords. Once I got those down I started digging into tabs on ultimate-guitar.com. I've never learned how to really wale or solo on the electric but I still have fun with it. I enjoy the acoustic much more simply because the style of music I'm most into.
Anyway, as others have said, the Fender Strat with a frontman amp is great to start with. Once you start getting into it try your local music store for their recommendations. I have a semi hollow bodied Ibanez electric and a Dean acoustic.
I pretty much just learned your basic chords and power chords. Once I got those down I started digging into tabs on ultimate-guitar.com. I've never learned how to really wale or solo on the electric but I still have fun with it. I enjoy the acoustic much more simply because the style of music I'm most into.
Anyway, as others have said, the Fender Strat with a frontman amp is great to start with. Once you start getting into it try your local music store for their recommendations. I have a semi hollow bodied Ibanez electric and a Dean acoustic.
You can squeeze on the amp but get a decent guitar, it will make a difference.
I went with New Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Studio “Vintage Mahogany” « Time to play b-sides and got Line 6 Totally Amp'd Spider IV 15 Guitar Amp Starter Pack | GuitarCenter this amp pack
great combo and provides everything you need!
I went with New Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Studio “Vintage Mahogany” « Time to play b-sides and got Line 6 Totally Amp'd Spider IV 15 Guitar Amp Starter Pack | GuitarCenter this amp pack
great combo and provides everything you need!
I would think an Epiphone guitar would be a good choice. Entry level price and craftsmanship, but they look cool!
Don't get one of those cheapies from Walmart (they get knocked out of tune immediately). Squier & Epiphone are quality starter guitars- shouldn't be too hard to find a used one. Once you've figured out the basics and want to get serious, you can move on to the more expensive stuff. I'd recommend starting out on electric as well because an acoustic easily discourages beginners because it'll shred your virgin fingers. At least with an electric you can have some fun picking up on bar chord tunes ala Smashing Pumpkins and Shinedown right away.
If you're looking to play in a band right away, bass guitar is a good way to go. You can be Sid Vicious in no time. Getting as good as Flea is another story. Easy instrument to learn, but tough to master.
If you're looking to play in a band right away, bass guitar is a good way to go. You can be Sid Vicious in no time. Getting as good as Flea is another story. Easy instrument to learn, but tough to master.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
My son's birthday is coming up and he needs a new guitar. I found a good deal on a Jackson that he likes, but I have never heard of this company. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
This wasn't the thread I was looking for, but it will work.
https://www.americanmusical.com/Ite...eo&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=retargeting
This wasn't the thread I was looking for, but it will work.
https://www.americanmusical.com/Ite...eo&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=retargeting
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A lot of the 80s shredders used these guitars. I think Randy Rhodes played a Jackson. See if you can find the same guitar on Amazon or Sweetwater. Then read the reviews. Also check out YouTube. A lot of people will make videos of guitar reviews. I think it’s a pretty solid guitar
The best, most user friendly guitar shop on the planet.
https://www.normansrareguitars.com/
Spend as little or insanely as you want, they have it. Pro's who will help.
https://www.normansrareguitars.com/
Spend as little or insanely as you want, they have it. Pro's who will help.
Just look online at guitar center. Stick with a Squire or Epiphone for the price. Find a small practice amp as well. Look at used inventory on their site. If you stick with it you can always upgrade later.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
Randy did play Jackson and that is what I mostly played before I quit playing music. Jackson are great guitars and the one I posted normally goes for $200 but the site I linked has it for $150. I guess I worded it wrong, but I was mainly wondering if anyone has used that site and if it is trustworthy. I'm weird when it comes to ordering things on the interwebs.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
He has a Peavy Spider combo amp, which I highly recommend. He is still playing his beginner guitar, the Squier Mini Strat, but is ready for something new and is wanting a heavier sound. Jackson has a nice heavy sound and this particular guitar is not only a great price, but also has a whammy bar and that is something he wants.
What type of music do you want to play? Are you committed to playing years down the road or just a casual hobby? Professional Music is where I went in Des Moines while I was still living there.
Just remember that if you get something with a Floyd Rose or locking strings it will be harder to uses if you want to play in different tunings.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
This is for my son. I quit playing music years ago. He's 13 and wants to do it for a living. He plays extreme metal - thrash, death metal, black metal etc. He wants a Jackson with a whammy bar and we found the one he wants, but are trying to figure out the best option for purchasing it.
Jackson is a fun guitar especially for what he likes to play.
If you want to get him something a little nicer, Schecter makes a pretty damn good mid ranged guitar these days. Looks nice, plays nice, and doesn't kill your wallet like many of the other brands out there. If he is really dedicated it's better to get him something a little nicer, generally people have a better time playing when the instrument is enjoyable to play.