Choosing A Guitar?

I've always wanted to play guitar, and recently I've decided to give it a go.

I won't be paying for lessons as they are too expensive and the moment and I've never liked working in a group (as these lessons tend to do). So I'll be trying to teach myself..

I know next to nothing about guitar, so I hope you guys can teach me some of the basics. For example, what kind of guitar is suitable for what kind of song etc.

I also need help picking out a guitar, preferably nothing over the price of £200 or $300.

Also need some good methods of teaching myself (Books, videos etc.) Whatever information you can give me.

Thanks!

 

Squier by fender is an okay cheap guitar to start off with.

and for tips on how to learn.. Learn all chords (where to hold you fingers), then learn how to read guitar tabs, literally how i learnt, picked up some techniques along the way.

 

Squiers aren't worth it.. you'll be crying for your money back once you're ready to take off your training wheels. Go with an Ibanez GIO, they're inexpensive and are great quality guitars

 

I've always been fond of the Les Paul.
If your smaller, you can get a decent Junior for a less than $500

 

Hmm, thanks for the advice. Looks like a pretty good guitar (purely from visuals). What about an amp? Is an amp 100% necessary? Is this an electric guitar? What's the difference?

I need the very, VERY basics lol, I'm useless on the subject.

To give you an idea, I'm 6"3.

 

The GIO is electric. You can learn on one without an amp but it wont be very fun. I'm unsure on what amp would be best for you, but if I were you I'd invest more money in one rather than buying a cheap one.

 

Like MegaMatt never get a fender... I prefer Ibanez myself and have an ibanez art-420 and a ibanez electric acoustic. I love my ibanez, and I personally feel they are the best guitar. There are some lower end ibanez's that will get the job done great.

 

Fenders aren't bad guitars.. The Telecaster is actually probably one of my favourite guitars, but if you're gonna go for one, go for the real deal instead of a Squier

 

I agree with this. Go with ibanez.

When you first start learning don't give up because you're fingers start hurting ( they most likely will) You will form calluses over them and that will stop in about a month or two.

 

Thanks a lot for the answers so far guys. At the moment I'll probably go for the guitar megamatt suggested. Few more questions.

Should I use a guitar pick? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Should I buy the guitar online or in store, bear in mind I'm from the uk.

Thanks.

 

Squiers suck, but the made in mexico fenders are some of the best values around. A friend of mine started playing last year and he ended up getting one of the teles, it's a really good instrument. A good question to ask before recommending a guitar though would be what type of music do you want to play?

 

If you like Les Paul's but don't like the price, try getting an Epiphone Les Paul. Epiphone is a Gibson-owned company, so any guitar from them is basically the same. The Epiphone Les Paul special II is only about $170 USD, and is a fairly nice guitar for beginners.

 

ive got myself a fender strat, they are very versatile. You could look into epi les pauls. Also pick up a peavy amp they are great beginner amps

 

Type of music, rock/hard rock/metal.

Being able to play this song would complete me, lol. Although I know it's going to take a lot of practise.

 

Yeah you should get an ibanez then, or a schecter, or something with active pickups if you want to play stuff like that.

 

Thanks a ton for the advice everyone on this thread. Don't know what I'd do without you - I was clueless

Looks like I'll get an Ibanez, last question is will it be cheaper online than in store, or near enough the same price?

Thanks a lot!

 

You should first look for deals on craigslist or kijiji. See if a music store near you has a way to check for prices online. If not, then you should go in to see the price then compare it to online.

 

yea i would definitely get used, you can get a good used guitar for that price, rather than an ok new guitar

 

Well, I've been playing for a few years and I'd have to suggest the B.C. Rich Warlock if you want to play heavier stuff. You can find them generally cheap (250-500$). Things such as an Epiphone SG or Epiphone Les Paul would be nice. I've tried both an I like the Les Paul better overall for my playing style (things more or less like Senses Fail, Paramore, Silverstein, etc). I wouldn't suggest a Squier EVER. NEVER EVER, EVER get a squier. You will be putting a bullet through the idea of you playing guitar. Ibanez are decent(ish) guitars. Probably a good starter guitar. but I've never played one that had a real heavy sound (such as the song you provided).

Overall, I'd say get:

B.C. Rich Warlock - 250-500$
Epiphone SG - 200-500$
Epiphone Les Paul - 250-1000$ (ish)

Now as for the amp, this REALLY depends on your preferences. If you're just starting out, get a crappy amp since you'll be kicking your ass later if you spend 150$+ on one. 10 Watts is good (it's what I started with) and you can later upgrade to what you think would fit your playing style once you've gained more knowledge over the sounds different amps/guitars produce.

If you want, I can talk to you on msn sometime just pm me and I'll add you


EDIT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8MHkb8hNfk&feature=related

Go to about 3:20 and so on. That's generally the sound you'll be getting. Keep in mind he's using a Line 6 Amp, so you won't get the exact same tone as him on a crappier amp. But yeah, that's essentially what "type" of sound you'll be producing is.

EDIT2: also keep in mind that's a more pricey BC Rich Warlock. Probably about a 900$ one.

 

Thanks a lot for your help, pm'ed you

The guitar in that video is awfully familiar. I think my friends brother has the same one..
I really like it, it's looks pretty cool and I love the sound it produces. Now I've got to decide between the 2.. =|

This could be a tough decision. I'm going to the music store on Friday so I'll need to of decided by then