Where should I start

[Subhojeet Majumdar]

Hello I wanted to get started on guitar and had few questions if you can help me

1) As a beginner which Guitar should I opt for? Can you recommend me any brand? Copper string v/s Nylon string?

2) I went to one music school. The music instructor told me that he would be teaching on electric guitar at school so that people can use headphones and there is less disturbance when six people are playing different things in a class in the same time. But at home I can practice using acoustic guitar. Will that be a problem for a beginner?

 

Any guidance in this matter would be helpful.

Regards,

Subhojeet

[randythoades]

It completely depends on what you want to play, there is no right or wrong answer. You can learn on pretty much any guitar, the principle is the same.

 

However, if you want to play classical guitar pieces then it makes sense to choose a nylon strung classical guitar, likewise, if you want to play folk or Americana then an acoustic guitar makes sense, or if Van Halen or Eric Clapton styles are the ultimate goal then an electric guitar (like a Squier stratocaster) makes more sense overall. You can happily play electric guitar unplugged, you don't NEED an amplifier, although it helps.

 

As a very generalisation you will find that a decent beginner electric guitar will be physically easier to play than both a regular acoustic or classical guitar, but it will be harder to bring those skills across if you actually wanted to play the other.

 

If you can answer that question then we can guide you in the most appropriate direction.

 

Edited October 7, 2024 by randythoades

[Dad3353]

This ^^. More information needed as to your goal in order to give pertinent advice. Over to you... 

[Subhojeet Majumdar]

I am not somebody who likes rock mysic. I am an Indian. I like bollywood style music. Or may be some Bob Dylan songs, some Joan Baez songs.

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, Subhojeet Majumdar said:

Bob Dylan songs, some Joan Baez songs.

These would make me a suggest a dreadnought or maybe a folk sized acoustic.

Edited October 7, 2024 by ezbass

[Dad3353]

1 hour ago, Subhojeet Majumdar said:

I am not somebody who likes rock mysic. I am an Indian. I like bollywood style music. Or may be some Bob Dylan songs, some Joan Baez songs.

 

9 minutes ago, ezbass said:

These would make me a suggest a dreadnought or maybe a folk sized acoustic.

 

I agree ^^. 

[Subhojeet Majumdar]

Thank you all.

[randythoades]

14 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

 

 

I agree ^^. 

I agree too

[Crusoe]

16 hours ago, ezbass said:

These would make me a suggest a dreadnought or maybe a folk sized acoustic.

*cough*Dylan went electric*cough* 

[Crusoe]

As has been suggested, if you are wanting to play folk style music, like Bob Dylan or Joan Baez, you would probably want to play a steel strung acoustic guitar. Just be aware that this can be harder on your fingers than an electric guitar. Good luck.

[Dad3353]

49 minutes ago, Crusoe said:

*cough*Dylan went electric*cough* 

 

What..? Dylan, electric..? Heresy..! 

 

...

 

 

[Dad3353]

48 minutes ago, Crusoe said:

As has been suggested, if you are wanting to play folk style music, like Bob Dylan or Joan Baez, you would probably want to play a steel strung acoustic guitar. Just be aware that this can be harder on your fingers than an electric guitar. Good luck.

 

My usual words of encouragement for this 'harder on the fingers' issue...

 

'It's the first forty years that are the worst, after which things sometimes have a tendency to get slightly better.' 

 

...
 

 

[ezbass]

You can lessen a good bit of the early grief of steel strung acoustic guitars, with a good set up and using light/low tension strings. Optima make a low tension set and, having tried them, they do make a difference, although sound projection is somewhat reduced (as you’d imagine).

[Pbassred]

Not all guitars are set up for beginners. Some experienced players prefer higher string heights and thicker strings. If you can a discuss having the "action" set low at the shop, or look for that in reviews, that will help you to play more easily at first.

Another thing: when choosing your first guitar, don't go cheap and expect to get a better guitar later, becaudse you will be more likey to give up. That does not mean you need a fancy, expecive guitar. Only that playability requires a good, basic instrument. Epiphone, Yamaha, Squire etc.

Edited October 8, 2024 by Pbassred