I wanna learn guitar

cheekeemonkey

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. :rotfl:

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

iwannamotorbike

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

cheekeemonkey

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...


Eastwood Full Bodied Acoustic Guitar

Any thoughts ?

Adrian

iwannamotorbike

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.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-acoustic-guitar-FG-412S_W0QQitemZ7401972505QQcategoryZ33033QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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

cheekeemonkey

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...

:T :T Good Luck for the contest :T :T

CM

cheekeemonkey

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

thor

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?

iwannamotorbike

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

cheekeemonkey

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 !!):D

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 !!:rotfl:

Allan - how did you do in the competition last week?

Bye for now
CM

iwannamotorbike

Hi CM

We came joint second with the song 'Peace In This World' - it can be heard here https://www.myspace.com/wrightdenmademusic

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.

Goldust

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