Buying an Electric Guitar

[Xei]

Hey there, you might as well only keep reading this is if you play electric guitar and know a bit about the instrument. Basically I've played piano for about 8 years or so so I know a fair bit about music, but in the last year or so I've become quite interested in rock, bands like the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine, and that kind of thing. I enjoy experimenting with sound and piano can only take me so far with the range of different noises you can get out of it, so I'm going to try picking up electric guitar. I have no equipment at the moment, so what I really need is some suggestions as to what I should get. As I'm a beginner and there is a small chance I'll give up playing or not play that much, I'm looking at something around £100 ($200) if that's possible, but obviously I'd still want a quality guitar that I could go quite far and do a fair bit of stuff with. I'd also need an amp and anything else you think is necessary. So yeah, any ideas are very welcome, please ask more questions if you think you need more info. Thanks.

[Oneironaut Zero]

For a solid beginner, without knowing whether or not you are going to go much further with it, you could get something like a Peavey Raptor (my first guitar). Right now, I've got a Epiphone Les Paul, which is pretty nice, without being up in the high-end range, so I'd recommend one of those, too. I don't know too much about the quality of the more high-end guitars though, since I'm still relatively new to the guitar scene. I think either one of those would be good for you, though... And I don't know a damn thing about amps, yet. The only two amps I've ever had were Peaveys. They get the job done, and you can find them pretty cheap, but I honestly couldn't tell you how well they stack up against the more expensive ones, or different brands.

[pj]

Check out Rondomusic.com, and look at the Agile instruments. Do check around the web for reviews of them as well - you'll find the reviews universally positive, and note that these instruments rarely end up for sale used. They are Korean made, but not in the same factory that makes the Epis and most of the other Korean instruments. The bang-for-buck is incredible. I own an Agile jazz box bought from them - an instrument I paid less than $500 for (with shipping included) that plays, sounds and looks as good or better than instruments I auditioned costing four times (or more) as much. I wouldn't hesitate to replace my Agile if I lost it, and I'm seriously considering getting one of their dot-neck 335 clones now.

[skysaw]

Don't buy an amp without taking YOUR guitar to a store, and plugging it in to test it.

[b12]

For $200 you'd probably end up with a Fender Strat just like everyone else I've got a Fender American Telecaster (custom), that put me down about 1200. But for a guitar and an amp, 200 will either get you not much or something like a starter pack. I'd say go online, look for some really cheap guitars, and post back here, see what guitarists think about them. Once you've found one, go to your local store and show them the ad for the guitar and ask if they can match the price. Most often they will.

[PatienceMarie]

wooo!! Imma buy me an electric quitar and make up my own way of playing ^_^. Just because imma cool guy. Plus I can't read music . imma dumb dumb. But in all seriousness, if you want a good, inexpensive electric quitar, and don't mind it being slightly used, ebay has great offers . mhm. -patience

[27]

First, try out every guitar in your price range you can get your hands on. Chose what feels most comfortable to you. I defiantly recommend trying out the PRS SE line of guitars. Amazing quality at a great price. Most important, once you start playing never quit! Playing the guitar effortlessly is a sanctuary of divine personal revelation. The modern day virtuoso refuses to die! ~Steve Vai

[oystein]

Micheal Kelly got some pretty good guitars for beginners. Now i got a Fender Jaguar and thats my third guitar and i regret i didn't buy one before, so like b12 said, a fender strat is a good choice.

[james-25:22pm]

From what I can tell...you would be after a versatile instrument right? Because as a beginner you might want to hop around styles. I myself was a clasically trained musician of about 8 years and I picked up the electric. You and I have a very, very good start. The best thing you can do is buy a guitar and amp at the same time...and bargain with the music store hard! Now...guitars are very personal instruments in the regards that different people like different feels for different styles. Having a playable guitar should be your priority above amp. Basically....pick a guitar and see what amp they will throw in My personal reconmendation of a quality beginner instrument is a bottom of the range 'Ibanez'. These instruments feature 2 kinds of pick ups (im not getting technical) which will cover soloing, or rhythm or soft rock or metal or whatever you dig. Now...the guitar I will reconmend cost me $320 AU including some new sets of strings. Thats somewhere between 100-150 pounds I think. I play this guitar as much as I play another one of mine about 4 times the value. Its durable, versatile and smooth to play not to mention great tone. Here is the link...(disregard the price....because music gear is negotiable) Ibanez GRG170DX http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--IBAGRG170DX I could tell you why this is good...but unless you know guitars it would be gibberish. THe important features are -smooth and thin neck -24 frets (this gives you 2 octaves per string) as opposed to some other low end guitars with only 19...or 21 frets -comofortable shape -nice clean AND distorted tone --I AM BIASED, because I love this instrument.---- or you could try this...I own this guitar too but not this amp...whilst not as nice to play as the GRG170DX...its a good option for a beginner due to the 'everything included' deal I dont know these prices...but because its a combined deal it may work out cheaper for you... http://www.ibanez.com/eg/series.aspx?s=jumpstartEG and why should you listen to me? No idea...maybe my determination at how these guitars are the world's best beginners instruments. I've been playing like 4 years and It's the guitar I can perfect my technique on best because it plays fast and smooth. People will try to flog you traditional beginner instruments.... Fender Jaguars? these are jazz instruments....Stratocaster dont have enough frets for non-blues soloing. Epihpones have thick necks but this is good for some music...it doesnt sit right with me... and the world's 3 best guitarists (IMO) have played Ibanez. you buy a reputable name! John Petrucci Joe Satriani Steve Vai

[27]

From what I can tell...you would be after a versatile instrument right? Because as a beginner you might want to hop around styles. I myself was a clasically trained musician of about 8 years and I picked up the electric. You and I have a very, very good start. The best thing you can do is buy a guitar and amp at the same time...and bargain with the music store hard! Now...guitars are very personal instruments in the regards that different people like different feels for different styles. Having a playable guitar should be your priority above amp. Basically....pick a guitar and see what amp they will throw in My personal reconmendation of a quality beginner instrument is a bottom of the range 'Ibanez'. These instruments feature 2 kinds of pick ups (im not getting technical) which will cover soloing, or rhythm or soft rock or metal or whatever you dig. Now...the guitar I will reconmend cost me $320 AU including some new sets of strings. Thats somewhere between 100-150 pounds I think. I play this guitar as much as I play another one of mine about 4 times the value. Its durable, versatile and smooth to play not to mention great tone. Here is the link...(disregard the price....because music gear is negotiable) Ibanez GRG170DX http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--IBAGRG170DX I could tell you why this is good...but unless you know guitars it would be gibberish. THe important features are -smooth and thin neck -24 frets (this gives you 2 octaves per string) as opposed to some other low end guitars with only 19...or 21 frets -comofortable shape -nice clean AND distorted tone --I AM BIASED, because I love this instrument.---- or you could try this...I own this guitar too but not this amp...whilst not as nice to play as the GRG170DX...its a good option for a beginner due to the 'everything included' deal I dont know these prices...but because its a combined deal it may work out cheaper for you... http://www.ibanez.com/eg/series.aspx?s=jumpstartEG and why should you listen to me? No idea...maybe my determination at how these guitars are the world's best beginners instruments. I've been playing like 4 years and It's the guitar I can perfect my technique on best because it plays fast and smooth. People will try to flog you traditional beginner instruments.... Fender Jaguars? these are jazz instruments....Stratocaster dont have enough frets for non-blues soloing. Epihpones have thick necks but this is good for some music...it doesnt sit right with me... and the world's 3 best guitarists (IMO) have played Ibanez. you buy a reputable name! John Petrucci Joe Satriani Steve Vai Vai, Satch and Petrucci are 3 of the best player of all time (Vai at the top of the list), but Petrucci isn't with Ibanez anymore. He plays Ernie Ball/ Music man guitars. I am an Ibanez player myself (RG350DX) and I have to say they make the best guitars on the planet. But as much as I love 24 frets, the number of frets has nothing to do with quality. And humbucker vs. siglicoil pick ups has nothing to do with rythem vs. lead. They just give you different tones.

[james-25:22pm]

you are right 27...but notice I said "have played Ibanez" not "do"! Petrucci's old JPM signature on Ibanez was a beutiful instrument. And true about pickups...but usually people assign a certain tone to their own interpretations of lead/rhythm/clean etc. People want a strong and powerful lead with plenty of gain they will want humbuckers...but a soft warm bluesy tone they may enjoy from a single coil...I was saying the GRG170DX has both, giving a new player versatility. anyway...I dont know why I dug this up..boredom maybe

[b12]

I love my coils. Single coil neck and double coil bridge with an in-between, it's just sexy. Not to mention has a range that gives me tone nice enough to let me play some good old blues and then switch over to some dragonforce or something

[Xei]

I got a nice little Fender last week. New, and only £75 when its RRP was £130. So pretty cool. I like the thing a lot, although I'm obviously crap at the moment. Any tips for how to start off practicing?

[ThePhobiaViewed]

John Petrucci Joe Satriani Steve Vai Let's not forget Paul Gilbert. Get out there and try some stuff if you can. You can also try looking online for cheap guitars with good reviews. Of my 10 guitars, one of the best playing is a $100 7-string Washburn. Also I have a cheap Paul Stanley Sovereign which isn't extremely high quality but plays decent and has an amazing tone. I personally don't like starter packs. I started on an Ibanez one but as soon as you get a new amp you won't use the old one anymore too often and as soon as you get a better guitar you realize how bad the starter pack one is. I'm sure there are some decent starter packs but I think getting a decent guitar and amp for a little more is a better investment. Definately post some different guitars that you are considering getting so we can offer advice. I am getting a sweet Schecter Damien 7 (7-string) for Christmas and I can't wait. It looks, plays, and sounds amazing. Also the nice thing about playing guitar is that you are constantly improving and learning and can see yourself getting better from practice to practice. With all that piano playing you really have an advantage as far as finger dexterity and musical knowledge. Now get out there and ROCK! Edit: I guess I should pay attention before I post lol. Tips for practicing? Do it alot, do it slowly and correctly, and have fun with it.

[b12]

Remember to check the finish for ANY sign of crappiness at all (an unfinished area, a dent, an orange "peel," etc) -- an unfinished finish means an unfinished guitar. Also, hold the pickups close to an amp and see if you get feedback. You don't want that. And make sure the neck is sturdy. A lot of manufacturers bolt in their necks now, but that won't give you the angle for the best tone. Remember to play plugged in AND unplugged.

[james-25:22pm]

Hey there Xei... the entry-level Fender was a good choice for a beginner instrument. (even if its not one of my favourites!) How to practice? well...I may be able to help you...because I myself am self-taught at guitar...but not self-taught at music. 1 - get your posture/position sorted. This will make it MUCH easier for the future. Little things like a straight back...and making sure your fingers/thumb are comfortably shaped are an important thing. im sorry, I didnt have time to find a good guide online. But I would reconmend buying a beginner's guitar book. One that has a description of how to hold/play the instrument properly. They needn't be expensive. 2 - learn to read tablature....or tabs. go to google...and type ARTIST + SONG + Guitar tab. There would mostly be tabs for any song you could possibly want to play ever. The tabs make a map of where on the guitar the correct pitches can be found; but its up to your knowledge of the song for knowing 'when' to play the notes. If you need help reading them; let us know. 3 - so you've picked a song which you know. So you would work through the 'tab' slowly. Playing/memorising the piece. This is merely down to 'time and repition'. Play along with the original song for good fun. (im sure I dont need to remind you as a pianist; to KEEP IN TIME!) 4 - play 'clean' or unplugged when you are learning a song. Effects/distortion can hide unnacurate picking. 5 - repeat. With guitar; the music I liked when I started was very simple. The music you listed should be a good place to start. Simply make sure you have -good technique -practice/repetion and it will be easier/faster for you to learn new songs. (hard for me to cover everything; but if you need help just ask) GOOD LUCK!