Guitar Question and Answer

• Is it better to start on acoustic or electric guitar?

  There are pros and cons to beginning on either acoustic or electric guitar. Acoustic guitars have warm, natural, "woody" tone and do not require an amplifier to be heard. However, the strings are usually a heavier gauge and often times beginners find them more difficult play... at least until they improve hand strength and dexterity. There are some great new acoustic guitar designs that have an adjustable neck and truss rod which improve upon the playability of the instrument. Electric guitars generally have smaller necks and bodies with lighter gauged strings which usually make them easier to play for beginners. They can be plugged into a number of different effects for a variety of sounds that lend themselves to any style of music. But the added electronic gadgets as well as the need for an amplifier add the to startup cost. Either way you decide to begin you guitar adventure, the most important thing to consider is the quality and playability of the instrument. There are some really great quality beginner instruments available these days. But, there also exists a number of guitar shaped objects that are one small step above a toy and will do more to discourage a beginner and make them want to go back to just playing Guitar Hero.

• Where should I buy my first guitar?

  This is a question that has been popping up a lot lately as online retailers and "big box" chain stores have now entered into the guitar market. I would like to start by suggesting you do not buy a guitar (or any musical instrument) from the same place that you purchase a toaster, milk or an oil change. Chances are you would end up with something that looks like a guitar but has zero playability and poor sound quality. Not to mention the lack of customer service that you usually find with these types of retailers. There now exists a number of reputable online dealers that offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with the guitar. But these instruments are usually not adjusted to your ability and environment before they are shipped which entails taking the guitar to a tech to have it "set-up" at an additional cost. I would recommend that you purchase your first guitar from a store where you can sit down and actually feel the neck of the instrument and hear how it sounds before you buy it. Ask the sales associate to play a few chords (they love that). Ask them if your purchase would include a general setup of the instrument. Customer Service is still important with musical instruments. Most of these types of stores also offer private lessons which are a good way of having your guitar checked for adjustments on a weekly basis to keep your instruments playability high.

• How much should I expect to spend for a good quality guitar?

  The thought to keep in mind when selecting a first guitar is 99% of the time you get what you pay for. You could purchase an old neglected beginner instrument for $30 at a yard sale. But after you spend additional money on new strings, accessories, and having the instrument set up for a beginner (if possible), chances are you could have purchased a better quality new guitar with a warranty for the same amount or less. There are a number of manufacturers that offer beginner guitars at discounted prices. The single most important factor is how the instrument plays. The easier it is to properly fret (press against the fret board) a note will greatly speed up the learning process and inspire the beginner to practice and become a better guitarist.

• My child plays an instrument in the school band. Will this help him/her learn guitar faster or easier?

  Although a basic knowledge of music theory is helpful and can be applied to any musical instrument, the notes, patterns, and fingerings on the guitar are unique to other instruments.

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