The Electric Guitar

[RessXalcor]

Well My Birthday is July 19th and it will be my 19th year, and for a long while I have wanted to play the guitar. Well I currently want to get one so I decided that I wanted this one for my birthday, it's a starter pack. But I hear that its a good one to start out with.

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/3/0/428530.jpg

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-IJX121Metal-Guitar-Jumpstart-Package?sku=518877

I am really serious about this, if anyone plays the guitar can you give your own opinion on what a great guitar to start with is? An post pictures of yours if it would be cool.
...Thanks if you reply
EDIT
I decided to get a strat, Since it is my beginner guitar I don't want to get something too expensive as someone said. I have to know If I'll still like to play the guitar a week after my fingers become raw.
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/2/8/5/487285.jpg

TheHighwaySong is asking about Bass so I though I should post this.
I don't mean to derail you're thread here Ress, but for the sake of not making a new one and since it's about a similar topic, I have to ask: Would anyone recommend that guitar in the first post for a bass player's first electric guitar? When I first started looking at the possibility of buying a guitar I always leaned more towards that starter pack, probably because the basses I have are Ibanez and they make excellent basses in my opinion.

So I guess this should be changed to The Electric Guitar/Bass

[lobster bisque anyone?]

Nice choice to start with. Ibanez is the best. I think that the best guitar to start with would be an acoustic one. They're cheap, light, you dont need an amp or any thing and if you decide that guitar isn't for you, than you didn't just spend that $300 on your Ibanez there.

[ilovebrownies]

The Gio is an alright starter guitar I guess, just don't get a bottom of the line one. Epiphones and Squiers are fine too, but I wouldn't go for any other make than those.

[MyspAIDS]

an ibanez is good to start off with. I personally dont like them, because i like a thicker neck (I play a schecter C-1), but theyre very playable and wont murder your fingers when you start off.

well, they will since all guitars murder your fingers when you start playing, but it wont be as bad.

[Jiveturkey]

Decent starter. I assume it comes with and amp and other accessories if its a starter pack?

[Knight of Cydonia]

I think that the best guitar to start with would be an acoustic one. They're cheap, light, you dont need an amp or any thing and if you decide that guitar isn't for you, than you didn't just spend that $300 on your Ibanez there.
I 100% agree with that. But an acoustic first. I did and I learnt that I didn't enjoy playing so I saved myself a lot of money. Also a good teacher is important.

[Pelican Man]

I would honestly recommend getting the cheapest guitar and amp you can find, even going to a second hand shop and getting one there (but making sure it works first, obviously).

Even on a bottom of the line guitar and amp, you can get a feel for guitar playing, and having an overpriced instrument won't make starting out seem any more fun than it is. Because starting out is boring and tiresome, as you'll find yourself very, very restricted as to what you can even begin TRYING to play.

Also, if you're going to start acoustic, don't buy a really cheap one. With electrics, the cheapest ones are usually still made pretty well, but with acoustics, often the 'toy' ones or whatever will fall apart on you.

With that said, if you (or your parents, as this is probably gunna be a present, right?) are willing to spend a little bit more, then go for it. Just keep in mind that for now, all you need is a guitar to see if it's for you. Once you get into it and get good, then you could start considering upgrading.
When I started on bass, I bought a secondhand starter bass and amp off a friend of mine, for 200 bucks. A year later, I bought a $700 Yamaha bass, and then another year later, bought a $1400 bass amp and $1000 5 string Yamaha bass. If I had started buying that kind of stuff straight away, and then decided bass wasn't for me, that would have been a lot of money wasted. So try to really limit how much you're going to spend on your first.

Edit: KoC made a good point. Lessons are a must. Otherwise you're gunna go in circles and stand a very good chance of losing interest. With lessons, you're going to get somewhere.

[RessXalcor]

Yeah I am getting lessons, and I have always wanted to learn how to play since I was 5 and I held a guitar on my hands. The only reason why I didn't pick an acoustic is because, I've been told that you don't need to start out with acoustic, you could begin with Electric as well.

[InTransit]

Peli's right. Start cheap, but make sure you get reviews of what you're buying first. Looking at the reviews on that Ibanez, it's a piece of shit. If things start breaking on the guitar straight away, you're not going to know that it's the guitars fault. If the guitar's shit, you're going to think you're playing shit, and that's not good for someone that's learning.

I would suggest a Squier Strat pack for the start. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Stop-Dreaming-SE-Special-Pack-With-Squier-SP10-Amp?sku=513287 There's a good chance you'll blow the amp really quickly, but the guitars themselves are a lot better quality and will last you longer. I think it's actually a bit cheaper too. One other upside of the strats is that the neck is wider than an ibanez, so it'll teach you better hand positioning.

Personally, I started off with a Skylark classical, then pinched my friend's Squier Strat, then bought a $1200 Epiphone Dot 335, and my newest guitar is a $1800 Maton acoustic. Starting off cheap is definately better because you'll find on a lot of the better guitars (especially noticed this with the Maton), if the player is bad the guitar will make you sound ALOT worse. Because they're not made for bad players, they usually have things like a really low action, or really sensitive pickups so it'll just amplify your mistakes.

edit: And Ress, acoustic's are preferred for learners usually because the wider necks and high action mean you've got to learn good hand positioning. Also, the strings aren't going to rape your fingers when you first start.

[RessXalcor]

Thanks InTransit looking at the Squier Strat really makes me interested in it than the one I was interested in previously. I'm sorry if I don't know a better way to re-phrase that. And I love Strat, I really didn't consider it at first because I kept getting reminded of those target one with the shitty small amp, and made from inferior wood. But this one looks great, I'm reading the reviews now.

[InTransit]

Yeah, the good thing about them is that they are still a Fender brand, just a cheaper version and probably made in Korea or something. So while its cheap, and it's not going to sound anywhere near as good as a real strat, you know the parts and the workmanship on the guitar is at least modelled on the real thing.

[Ziggy St. Valentine]

Yeah, the good thing about them is that they are still a Fender brand, just a cheaper version and probably made in Korea or something. So while its cheap, and it's not going to sound anywhere near as good as a real strat, you know the parts and the workmanship on the guitar is at least modelled on the real thing.

My ex's brother has a copy strat and a copy telecaster and they sound just as good as the real thing in my opinion. Sure maybe not exactly the same, but they still have a very good sound.

[Alcoholic]

You'll want to start with an acoustic, man. Trust me. Start with heavier gauged strings. When you get to playing electric, the sustain will make it much easier, with the (more than likely) passive pickups really carrying your tone. Acoustic stringd and playing really make you stronger with chording, which leads to better finger control, thu better lead riffs and all that junk.

[Android]

You'll want to start with an acoustic, man. Trust me. Start with heavier gauged strings. When you get to playing electric, the sustain will make it much easier, with the (more than likely) passive pickups really carrying your tone. Acoustic stringd and playing really make you stronger with chording, which leads to better finger control, thu better lead riffs and all that junk.

Don't do this. While an acoustic can be helpful in finger control etc, it'll also make your fingers bleed. Acoustics are nice and worth getting, but I would recommend going with the electric guitar + amp first. I started on an acoustic and all I can remember was wanting to kick on some distortion and just rock out. Don't get me wrong, the sustain is great for working on rhythms and stuff, they are transportable, and they sound amazing but I would go electric first.

The thinner (i think nickel) strings will also make it easier to build up hand dexterity.

[Inconceivable]

Starter packs look fine and dandy, but beware.
The only half decent thing you'll be getting is maybe the guitar and amp. The little things like the tuner/chords/strap/picks, are all made of the cheapest materials in the world and are likely going to be replaced quickly. A much better idea as people have said before is to go to a pawn shop and find a cheap guitar/amp that feels good to you, not one that came in a box.

[KeyboardSpastic]

Seems fine, except I recommend you start on acoustic just like a few of the others said. If theres one thing I've learned it's that its much easier to play electric after you've gotten the hang of an acoustic or classical guitar first.

[Inconceivable]

Acoustics can be very hard to get the hang of.
One of my friends just all out quit because he couldn't deal with how bulky and some times painful it was. But in the end it comes down to personal preference and what you want to play.

[scatter]

Start with a classical.

It's the easiest to play on due to the nylon strings.

[Kenneh]

Ibanez GIOs suck. I've heard a shitload of issues with them that literally make them unplayable (bridge not screwed parallel to the neck, shitty wiring, etc).

Starting out with a plain old acoustic is much more awesome.

[Jiveturkey]

Start with a classical.

It's the easiest to play on due to the nylon strings.

Easiest on the fingers perhaps but the wider neck does at difficulty to playing on them.

[InTransit]

Acoustics can be very hard to get the hang of.
One of my friends just all out quit because he couldn't deal with how bulky and some times painful it was. But in the end it comes down to personal preference and what you want to play.

Electric strings are so much more painful than an acoustic because they're so much thinner. Your friend is just a pussy.

[TheHighwaySong]

I don't mean to derail you're thread here Ress, but for the sake of not making a new one and since it's about a similar topic, I have to ask: Would anyone recommend that guitar in the first post for a bass player's first electric guitar? When I first started looking at the possibility of buying a guitar I always leaned more towards that starter pack, probably because the basses I have are Ibanez and they make excellent basses in my opinion.

[allizdog]

What is your budget exactly?
Also, do not, absolutely do not buy the Squier Strat pack, I'm sorry but whoever recommended this should be stabbed to death, even beginners don't deserve to be tortured like that. Cheap sound, cheap craftsmanship, cheap everything, they probably won't last a couple or weeks, hell you can get a much better long lasting guitar and amp if you increase your budget a few extra hundred dollars. All it requires is that you do your research and make sure to head out to guitar shops and try out every single guitar you would consider buying. It is vital that you are comfortable with the guitar you want to purchase because for instance you might prefer a thick neck to a thin neck. Also be patient, guitar shops tend to decrease the price of guitars as time passes and when they need to empty stock they tend to sell at dirt cheap (which is how I bought my guitar). I'm not the biggest guitar genius, but when I wanted to buy my first electric guitar it took me more or less 5 months of searching and I was patient enough to get my hands on the following guitar (and amp) under a tight budget of only $500: (note that this guitar was suitable for me, it might not be suitable for you but I'm posting it here to show you what options you can get for a considerably cheap price. Also not that my country is expensive, Dubai, and retail price can be extremely ridiculous, and usually ordering and shipping guitars is risky because the guitar might reach in 2 pieces and if you pay for insurance you might as well just buy the guitar locally.)

Ibanez SA 120, here are some reviews
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/electric_guitars/ibanez/sa120/
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Ibanez/SA120/10/1

You can check other sites as well but all the reviews are pretty much the same with high ratings. For a beginner I love this guitar, it's extremely reliable and sounds not bad at all for a guitar at that price range. If I'm not mistaken at retail stores (not online or factory outlets) it should cost about 350-500$ max (depending on where you live, and I don't know what your budget is so sorry) anything more than that and you know someone is trying to rip you off, or your country suffers from terrible infaltion, like mine. I bought the guitar when they were almost out of stock for $300 which was a killer deal considering sky rocket prices (it used to cost $450, then went down to $400).

For amps, I can only say one thing, if you can find a moderately good amp for a considerably cheap price, go for it. While wandering the streets I stumbled upon a musical electronics store that was closing down, so obviously they were having a clearence sale, out the corner of my eye I spotted one 30 watt amp - Behringer v-tone gmx110 (http://www.music123.com/Behringer-V-Tone-GMX110-Combo-Amp-480699-i1145404.Music123) behind several Ultraaccoustics. I asked the guy for the price and I expected $250 but was surprised when he told me $190. I was able to further bargain down to $175.

So in total I payed $475 for a stellar beginner guitar and a really good amp and both would last me for a while, it's been a year now and I have not encountered one single problem. I was even able to use the last $25 to buy some extra cables. I actually wouldn't advise beginner packs, I personally wouldn't, but each to his own I guess.

[Alcoholic]

In actuality, the sooner you tear your fingers up, the better, which is why I suggested starting on acoustic. the less tender your fingertips are, the more maneuverable they will eventually be, because they will be more rigid, with less movement in the flesh when you push against the fretboard. Also, if you can bend a heavy acoustic string, bending electric strings will be a breeze.

I did this, and can bend jazz strings like you wouldn't belive (though those aren't my normal choices). If you want some nice Van Halen tone, slightly larger gauged strings are a must. Even if you can equalize your amp and other gear incredibly well, you still won't get the same tonal quality.

The acoustic will also help with strengthening your fretting hand, giving you less string buzz, and obviously, more well-worked muscles in your hand. Due to the difference in strings and neck builds, as well as the lack of pickups, it will also help with false harmonics on electric, not to mention the pinches.

[RessXalcor]

So I am definitely getting the strat that InTransit suggested, It should ship within a few days, I'll post a picture(if I can once I get it).

[thisiswhoiam]

http://schecterguitars.com/hr.asp?id=30


Heres my first.

[Pelican Man]

I don't mean to derail you're thread here Ress, but for the sake of not making a new one and since it's about a similar topic, I have to ask: Would anyone recommend that guitar in the first post for a bass player's first electric guitar? When I first started looking at the possibility of buying a guitar I always leaned more towards that starter pack, probably because the basses I have are Ibanez and they make excellent basses in my opinion.

It all depends. Stuff like how long you've been playing bass, how good you are, whether you think you'll actually continue playing guitar, etc. Realistically, yeah, you should start with a beginner guitar like that. But if you're a mad bass player, some of those skills can move over into guitar, so if you want, get a good one. For me, after I'd been playing bass a while, I picked up a cheapo nylon string acoustic, learnt chords and all that shit, then moved onto a decent electric.

[allizdog]

So I am definitely getting the strat that InTransit suggested, It should ship within a few days, I'll post a picture(if I can once I get it).

I still think it's a big mistake, even for a one time beginner electric guitar.

[Pelican Man]

The Squier Strat pack is the best option for a beginning guitarist. Cheap and reliable.

[allizdog]

The Squier Strat pack is the best option for a beginning guitarist. Cheap and reliable.

Cheap yes, reliable absolutely not.

[thisiswhoiam]

I got a Schecter Omen 6 for my beginner guitar but I love it.

[Kenneh]

You'll probably regret the 21 frets later.

[RessXalcor]

You'll probably regret the 21 frets later.

Last time I checked I am just starting out, the last thing I need is to start out with a 30th fret guitar. Eventually I'll get a better guitar but until then... As I said I am starting out.

[My Penis]

Rather than buying a starter pack, why not rent one? That is what I did. It costed 20 dollars a month with no return fee's etc. If you find you like it after a month or two, go buy yourself a real nice guitar / amp. Head down to your local music shop and go pick something up.

BTW. 30 fret guitars don't exist to my knowledge...

[Pelican Man]

Cheap yes, reliable absolutely not.

Actually, they are pretty reliable.

[allizdog]

Actually, they are pretty reliable.

The expensive ones are, the beginner pack ones are not, it's a fact that they are the most unreliable guitars in the whole industry, that's why they're so cheap. The electronics are badly wired, loose connection, horrible pickups, the tuning is hell because it can't hold a standard E tuning for more than 10 minutes before dropping to a D, and he would probably end up spending more on repairs in the first week than he did on the actual guitar. I'm not saying he should buy an expensive one, it's just that there are other cheap guitars that are 100 times more worth the value than the squier strat.

[InTransit]

Allizdog, I don't think you know what you're talking about. I think whoever you know that owned one of these guitars just didn't look after it properly.

Fenders are extremely reliable. The electronics on a beginner guitar arent important because it's not like you're going to be using it to play Glastonbury or whatever. The one thing that makes the Fenders stand out from the rest is the woodwork. The problem with the Ibanez's is that the necks warp and the intonation goes out and that's not something that a beginner is going to even know is wrong with the guitar.

[allizdog]

Allizdog, I don't think you know what you're talking about. I think whoever you know that owned one of these guitars just didn't look after it properly.

Fenders are extremely reliable. The electronics on a beginner guitar arent important because it's not like you're going to be using it to play Glastonbury or whatever. The one thing that makes the Fenders stand out from the rest is the woodwork. The problem with the Ibanez's is that the necks warp and the intonation goes out and that's not something that a beginner is going to even know is wrong with the guitar.

I didn't generalize, I didn't say all fenders are unreliable, but the squier strat is. Yes, you won't be using beginner guitars for shows, but all I'm saying is that there are much better guitars for a bargain price out there, it's all about weighing your options and reading reviews and trying them out at stores. I don't think a single person ever recommended the squier strat and every single review online and in real life has been negative, I've even tried it myself and didn't find it comfortable (personal preference, I love thin necks).

You are right about Ibanez because they do make thin necks and string tension can mess things up if not attended to and taken care of, however, adjusting the truss rod and action can fix that issue especially when going for heavier guage strings low tuning, though yes a beginner would not know that. Nonetheless, I was a beginner and learnt from people, sites, books. That's why I said the Ibanez was good for me though it might not be for him.

Also, I never claimed to be the master of guitar knowledge, I actually don't know as much as I want to.

[InTransit]

I think you're still a beginner. Lots of people recommend the Squier Strat pack. Did you look at the reviews on the site I posted? And despite my previous comment I actually know people that've had to use this on stage.

Also, adjust a truss rod and action will not fix a bent neck. Just saying.

[allizdog]

I think you're still a beginner. Lots of people recommend the Squier Strat pack. Did you look at the reviews on the site I posted? And despite my previous comment I actually know people that've had to use this on stage.

Also, adjust a truss rod and action will not fix a bent neck. Just saying.

I am still a beginner though not absolutely new to guitars, I mentioned that
For a beginner I love this guitar
That doesn't mean my opinion is not accounted for, if all he's going to get is professional opinion from professional people who know every little thing about guitars and being professional, that won't be much help to a beginner.

I may have exaggerated about reviews, but truth is there are mixed reviews, some say it is the best beginner guitar and some say it is the worst guitar period, however, you can't deny that the quality is poor, hence my argument on reliability.

Adjusting the truss rod and action will help prevent a bent neck.

Listen, I'm just telling the guy he has options and the squier strat is not the best one, I think he made the decision way too hastily that's all.

[Pelican Man]

Listen, I'm just telling the guy he has options and the squier strat is not the best one, I think he made the decision way too hastily that's all.

I've encountered at least 20 regularly played Squier Strats, and all of them have maintained the quality they had from 4 months into when they were bought. And some of these have been SCHOOL guitars, so they go through hell. They're cheap, but that's just because the parts used to make them are pretty crappy. They're built well, and will do everything a beginner needs them to do. I have one myself, and I quite often find myself playing it over my other guitars.

A Squier Strat will do what he needs it to do, for a good price. If he decides he loves guitar and is gunna be awesome, then bust out the dosh and get a wicked axe. For now, reliability and low price are the most important factors, and the Squier Strat offers both of those.

Dunno what makes you think they're unreliable. Only thing I could think is that you actually have no idea what you're talking about and just go by what idiots who don't know what they're talking about say after just looking at the price. But it looks as if that isn't true. So I don't know. But they ARE reliable.

[InTransit]

Adjusting the truss rod and action will help prevent a bent neck.



You shouldn't have to do that on a new guitar :confused:

And I think Pelican Man's right

Only thing I could think is that you actually have no idea what you're talking about and just go by what idiots who don't know what they're talking about say after just looking at the price. But it looks as if that isn't true. So I don't know. But they ARE reliable.

The Squier Strat that I borrowed off my friend was "borrowed" specifically to smash it up Rockstar Style. They're that badly made that it's still in perfect condition and plays fine. I fail.

[allizdog]

You shouldn't have to do that on a new guitar :confused:


If you switch to heavier gauge strings then yes that would be a favorable option.

I give up, I don't even get why we're still arguing, he ordered it anyway.

[RessXalcor]

Actually I didn't order anything yet, the only reason why I said it is to stop you guys from fighting. But I guess it didn't work. I'm still looking but the Squier Strats is on my #1.

Hopefully someone will now help that guy who was asking about Bass

[Pelican Man]

Hopefully someone will now help that guy who was asking about Bass

HEY! I helped. :mad:

[RessXalcor]

HEY! I helped. :mad:

I meant more than 1 person's opinion.

[TheHighwaySong]

It all depends. Stuff like how long you've been playing bass, how good you are, whether you think you'll actually continue playing guitar, etc. Realistically, yeah, you should start with a beginner guitar like that. But if you're a mad bass player, some of those skills can move over into guitar, so if you want, get a good one. For me, after I'd been playing bass a while, I picked up a cheapo nylon string acoustic, learnt chords and all that shit, then moved onto a decent electric.
Yeah I guess learning chords would be essential before I get an electric. All I know how to play on electric are most System of a Down songs that I already know on bass. And even then they don't sound too clean. Maybe I will consider an acoustic after all :aaa:

[El Travo]

Skipping in and replying to the first post.

Great guitar to pick first, I myself have an Ibanez GiO and it works great. For my birthday I just picked up another Ibanez. Ibanez ART (http://www.musik-schmidt.de/osc-schmidt/catalog/images/Ibanez-ART-120-WH_2.jpg) is what I got and it does the job. Though what I really like about the GiO is the locking system at the top of the neck, if you want to switch tunings alot I suggest you get a bridge blocker as the GiO has a floating bridge. It's a bitch to tune with the floating bridge.

Good choice with the Strat though, it too is a good guitar.

[TheHighwaySong]

So let's say I do consider getting an acoustic. Where do I start? Is there a specific guitar that's a good starting acoustic guitar?

[Alcoholic]

Takamine makes pretty decent acoustics at really great prices. I've been playing since before most of the forum members hit puberty, and I still play mine religiously.

[Pelican Man]

So let's say I do consider getting an acoustic. Where do I start? Is there a specific guitar that's a good starting acoustic guitar?

It depends how much you're willing to spend. Around the $250+ mark, and I'd suggest a Cort. Less than that, and I'd say look at SX's. But don't take our word for it, go to your local music store, and ask them about good entry level acoustic guitars. Try out a couple, steel string and nylon string, and just see what feels good. Always make sure, if they ask you what price you're looking at, to name your price as about $50 less than your max. Because they're gunna ignore your price anyway and suggest guitars that are a little out of your price range, to try and milk money out of you.

[El Travo]

Yeah, I agree with Pelican with the acoustic bit. A good and cheap brand would be Epiphone, some people may not agree but I personally don't find anything wrong with them. I suggest Epiphone for a money saver, it's pretty much Gibson but with less expensive materials.

[InTransit]

Yeah epiphone's are good but still a little bit on the expensive side (atleast compared to the Cort's and Sx's). Considering you can already play bass, just go for a steel string unless you specifically want the nylong strings for the sound. Because it's not like you're going to have to build callouses on your fingers or anything.

[Pelican Man]

Yeah epiphone's are good but still a little bit on the expensive side (atleast compared to the Cort's and Sx's). Considering you can already play bass, just go for a steel string unless you specifically want the nylong strings for the sound. Because it's not like you're going to have to build callouses on your fingers or anything.

Yeah, all I meant with the nylons is, you can usually get some way cheaper than steel strings.

[InTransit]

Haha yeah I think my classical cost about $20. It's amazingly good for the price though. Sound wise, not make-wise. It's that great that instead of using dark wood for the fingerboard they painted it black :confused:.

[Akvod]

I don't feel like my question is worthy of its own thread, so I'll just ask it here. What's the best way of learning how to play the electric guitar, by yourself?

[My Penis]

I don't feel like my question is worthy of its own thread, so I'll just ask it here. What's the best way of learning how to play the electric guitar, by yourself?

Get some lessons for a year and play everyday.

Do you want to learn how to play the guitar, or how to play music?

[InTransit]

I don't feel like my question is worthy of its own thread, so I'll just ask it here. What's the best way of learning how to play the electric guitar, by yourself?

I did this. Although I started on a classical, then moved to an electric. By starting on a classical you'll learn your hand positioning a lot better.

But, to start on any kind of guitar, get one of those "How to play guitar" books. It'll show you things like what string is what, how to tune the guitar, how to look after it, the basic notes, and some basic chords. From there, work out what songs you'd like to learn, and sound fairly easy. Use a tab site like ultimate-guitar.com, print the tabs and sit down with your guitar and try to play it.

Well that's what I did anyways. And watch guitarists play. I couldn't work out how to strum upwards till I was at a gig watching the guitarist and was like "ohhhhh it's all in the wrist".

[My Penis]

Thats why you get lessons. So you arn't wasting hours / days trying to figure out simple method's such as strumming up or alternate picking. I learned how to sweep pick in an hour's lesson. This takes people weeks to figure out on their own.

Also, Intransit. How does starting with a classical guitar help you learn hand positioning better? I don't get where people get this idea.

[InTransit]

Thats why you get lessons. So you arn't wasting hours / days trying to figure out simple method's such as strumming up or alternate picking. I learned how to sweep pick in an hour's lesson. This takes people weeks to figure out on their own.

Also, Intransit. How does starting with a classical guitar help you learn hand positioning better? I don't get where people get this idea.

Because the neck is alot wider you have to have you thumb on the back cos unless you have giant hands you can't get your thumb over the top of the neck. And because of the super-high action you have to press down with the tips of your fingers because if you don't get it right you'll end up pressing more than one string.

To be honest, I prefer having taught myself. Overall I've gotten to the stage I have alot quicker than most of my friends and I have my own style & technique simply because I haven't had anyone show me theirs. But I know there are some people that won't be able to just pick up an instrument and teach themselves. I think if you're stuck on one thing for more than a couple of weeks, it's not something you're going to learn yourself and then maybe you should get lessons. But if you think you can do it, and try your hardest, and have some kind of musical talent, there's no reason why you can't do it yourself.

[allizdog]

I don't feel like my question is worthy of its own thread, so I'll just ask it here. What's the best way of learning how to play the electric guitar, by yourself?

Added to what InTransit said, I found it useful to learn scales and practice them regularly. And yes starting on classical is a plus. Also, where I'm from when you buy D'Adarrio strings you get a 1 week free subscription to online guitar lessons, don't know if that's the case everywhere though. I think I still have an unused one lying around, if you're interested I'll pm you the details.

There shouldn't be a reason why you won't learn by yourself, but if you see that you're struggling too much it might be wise to take up guitar lessons.

[Pelican Man]

Haha yeah I think my classical cost about $20. It's amazingly good for the price though. Sound wise, not make-wise. It's that great that instead of using dark wood for the fingerboard they painted it black :confused:.

I think we may have bought the same classical guitar. The paint on mine is almost gone; most of it has rubbed off onto my fingers.

Because the neck is alot wider you have to have you thumb on the back cos unless you have giant hands you can't get your thumb over the top of the neck. And because of the super-high action you have to press down with the tips of your fingers because if you don't get it right you'll end up pressing more than one string.

Seconded.
Placing your thumb in the center of the back of the neck and pressing down with the tips of your fingers are, in my opinion, the two most important aspects of technique to be learnt, especially at an early stage of learning guitar. I have monster hands, so I can place my thumb on the top and still be able to reach almost everything, but I'm damn glad I was taught the other way.

[Lush]

Is that proper technique for all kinds of guitars? I took accoustic guitar lessons and the guy teaching me taught me to try to keep my thumb on the top, which was pretty much impossible because I have tiny hands. I never kept up with it because it was really frustrating, but I mean to get back into it. Probably without lessons this time.

[My Penis]

Is that proper technique for all kinds of guitars? I took accoustic guitar lessons and the guy teaching me taught me to try to keep my thumb on the top, which was pretty much impossible because I have tiny hands. I never kept up with it because it was really frustrating, but I mean to get back into it. Probably without lessons this time.

Likewise. I've always been taught to keep my thumb ontop to mute the E string when not used. If I'm doing a scale my thumb naturally goes to the back of the neck, and as I get closer to the high E it comes up and mutes the low E.

I personally don't get the point of starting classical guitar first. I started with an electric, and have no problem adapting to a acustic neck. The problem I have between the two are the body shapes (big acustic vs thin electric). However, my guitar has a fat neck. You play both instruments the exact same way, finger postitioning, hand positioning, all the junk. It doesnt matter what you start with.

[InTransit]

Is that proper technique for all kinds of guitars? I took accoustic guitar lessons and the guy teaching me taught me to try to keep my thumb on the top, which was pretty much impossible because I have tiny hands. I never kept up with it because it was really frustrating, but I mean to get back into it. Probably without lessons this time.

You need a new teacher. It's definitely meant to go at the back because you've got more reach over the fretboard that way. The ONLY time you should have your thumb at the top is if you're muting the e string with your thumb (which I can't do anyways).

[El Travo]

I preffer my thumb near the middle but my hands are bigger to I can have it at the very top and still reach around to the E string. What I find to be the best way to get better maneuvering is to arc your wrist more.

[drunkchuck]

You need a new teacher. It's definitely meant to go at the back because you've got more reach over the fretboard that way. The ONLY time you should have your thumb at the top is if you're muting the e string with your thumb (which I can't do anyways).

are you suggesting that Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, BB King, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and pretty much every blues and rock guitarist up to around 1980 didn't know how to play the guitar? Wrapping your thumb around the neck is one valid way to do it, I have very small hands, but for the most part I have my thumb around the top (Mainly for blues) and I even play notes on the E and A strings with it. The only time I move my thumb around to the back is when I have to do crazy stretches. Blues example:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SU_-ZQz6Ruw

Do what's comfortable, there is no wrong way.

[RessXalcor]

So Its the 18th and I decided to officially go with Intransit's opinion. And to be serious I'm planning on taking lessons twice a week. I have already seen a video on the anatomy of the guitar, how to remove the strings, and how to clean the guitar to keep the strings from caroding(?). Once I get really good at it I will eventually buy a more expensive guitar and Amp.

[Greger]

There isnt really a right or wrong way of playing guitar, as long as you can make it sound good and enjoy yourself, just go with the hand position that'll work for you :)
But I do guess that specific handpositionings give you a different reach for the strings, but usually you let the thumb rest on the back of the neck.

[Inconceivable]

Congrats Ress, hope to hear you shredding it up soon. Good luck.

[Overunaccomplished]

Cheap yes, reliable absolutely not.
...I beg to differ. I've had one for two years and, although it isn't great (sounds quite terrible when plugged in, in fact), it's a great starter instrument. It's easy to play unplugged and, while doing so, helps new players learn that high gain doesn't necessarily mean that something sounds good. However, when you DO plug it in, it will sound terrible and pick up a crapload of noise. This might seem bad (it IS if you perform with the thing), BUT if the learning player keeps practicing with it on high gain, they will learn proper muting techniques and how to play without generating that noise on cruddy pickups, so when they eventually get a much better guitar with less noisy pickups, they will be able to play like a dream.