This blog contains information Such as how to play guitar, how to play guitar online, on guitar, guitar effects, applications, and many more the which are. This blog contains information about the world of guitar. This blog is also equipped with tips, how to, just a touch of guitar, whether it info guitar, chords, tips and tricks, and other products.
Kamis, 08 Desember 2011
Senin, 03 Oktober 2011
How To Buy Electric Guitars For Sale Online
First thing that you need to consider is the kind of guitar that you would want.
You must have a sort of stimulus for wanting a certain guitar. For example, you saw a specific guitar on TV or you have seen the guitar of your friend. You should keep that in mind because it could actually help you find an electric guitar that would be perfect for you. After you have determined what guitar you would want, you should think about how much you would spend for it. After you have an idea of the guitar that you want and your budget, it would be a perfect time to look online for it. This article would help you find the electric guitar that would be perfect for you.
Of course, you won't want to have the exact same electric guitar but you would probably want one that would look better compared to what you have seen. You might want to think about the pricing after you have decided on what guitar you would want to have. You should consider what you have allotted for the electric guitar. There would be choices for you if you think that you can never afford the level of guitar that you are looking at.
Either you can wait until you have the right amount for the guitar or you could possibly go for cheaper alternatives. There are actually cheaper guitars available out there that are not necessarily cheap imitations. Besides, the look is just secondary for a guitar. You should be more concerned about the sound it would produce. Nevertheless, the best place to find cheap guitars would be on the internet. There would be a lot of choices in the internet compared to what the local stores can offer. This would mean that you don't have to pick between expensive and really cheap guitars; you would be able to find middle-ranged guitars that are not as available offline.
Finding electric guitars for sale online would take some time. But the good thing is that the more time that you would spend in front of a PC, the more choice that you would have. You would be able to save some cash if you find electric guitars for sale online. You could compare prices from different sites and just choose one which is closest to your budget. You could also check the reviews for the particular guitar so that you would be safe. If you are diligent enough, you could even find a guitar online that you thought would be out of your budget.
Selasa, 20 September 2011
Finding Good Cheap Guitars
Replace Tuner Heads and Pickups
You will be amazed at how much better a guitar can sound by replacing cheap pickups with ones that have strong name recognition. There are several to choose from. Find pickups that fit your style. Also the tuner heads on cheap guitars often do not stay in tune very well. Again there are several quality heads that will be fine replacements. Simply doing these two things will narrow your search in finding good cheap guitars and boost your guitars performance quite a bit. They are easy to do using simple tools.
General Considerations
One of the most important things to keep in mind is, how does the guitar feel when you hold it, as well as the quality of sound it produces. With a few exceptions the guitar will be made from quality wood such as walnut, hickory or rosewood. Avoid guitars made out of composite materials. They just do not resonate sound like wood does. (There are a few exceptions to this rule.)
The shape is important as well. How it fits your body while your sitting down or the feel of balance if you are standing up. Pick a shape that makes it feel like it is a extension of your body. Visit a local music store and have an employee or a friend play several guitars and listen for a sound that is the most pleasing to your ears.
Note:( When you decide to purchase, do so on-line. You WILL pay less there.)
Check Out Reviews and Ratings
Finally, spend some time on the Internet researching and learning.You will need to educate yourself on the vast array of options available to you. There is a huge amount of selection out there. Many guitar manufacturers are battling for your dollars. That being the case, competition is fierce, and companies are producing fine guitars at a fair price. The most difficult thing in finding good cheap guitars is deciding between all the options you have.
Be Willing to Spend $100 or More
In your pursuit of finding good cheap guitars the most important thing to keep in mind is maintaining that passion to practice. Especially for beginners it is essential that you own a guitar that you just can not wait to play when you get home. If you own something that is really cheap, you will not be enthusiastic about playing it. From my experience plan on spending at least $100 or you will end up with a dust collector.
Senin, 12 September 2011
Tips For Learning Play Electric Guitar
The electric guitar is an instrument of power or finesse, of speed or subtlety, but definitely, it is an instrument of musical glory. For those people who would want to learn how to play the electric guitar, here are some noteworthy tips:
1. Use a nylon guitar first
If one is thinking about learning how to play a guitar by using an electric guitar, he should think about it twice. If one is just learning how to play the guitar, he shouldn't do it with an electric guitar. Electric guitars use steel strings which can be very uncomfortable for beginners. Besides, learning the basics from an acoustic guitar teaches one to use a holistic guitar playing approach rather than relying on the effects and features of an electric guitar. Electric guitar playing should come subsequently after learning how to play using an acoustic guitar.
2. Know your electric guitar
If one already knows how to play a guitar and is thinking of buying an electric guitar, he should know the different features and qualities of the electric guitar. The same thing goes for people who are using an old electric guitar. Playing with the knobs and controls of the electric guitar will give one an idea of how to mix everything properly to be able to get an optimal sound. Electric guitars are not plug-and-play instruments, they require a lot of sensitivity in terms of mixing sounds and tones together.
3. Buy a decent amp
An expensive electric guitar will sound crappy on low quality amps on any given day. When getting an electric guitar amp, make sure to test the amp at the store. If possible, turn all the knobs to the highest value and listen to the sound that the amp will produce. There are also amps out there that have a built-in distortion option which can be switched on and off. This feature is especially useful for people who have no money to buy an effects box since a distortion feature is the most essential for any electric guitar.
4. Buy a decent effects box
An effects box is a great tool to have when playing an electric guitar. One can make all sorts of sounds using an effects box. The basic tones that one should look for in an effects box are: good distortion sounds, chorus, reverb, amp simulator and easy adjustments modules.
5. Get durable cables
Cables are also an integral part of the whole electric guitar system. Cheap and low quality cables are not worth investing into because they will wear out soon.
6. Listen to electric guitar tracks
A great way to holistically grasp the basics of electric guitar playing is to listen to great electric guitar classics. Many lessons are learned just by listening to different riffs and tunes that are produced from electric guitars.
Minggu, 28 Agustus 2011
Basic - Guitar Accessories
Those are only some of the guitar accessories you need, at least if you are using an acoustic type.The basic type of gadget you need is the distortion and the other one would depend on what type of riff you are planning to practice or create. To save money and enjoy more comfort then you might want to get a multi-effects pedal, it is a single gadget that includes two or more types of effects. However, if you got the electric type then you need some more accessories to get started. An amplifier would be enough for you to practice playing the guitar; however, if you want to have or create an original riff then you need to have some effects pedal at least two of them.
You can easily find these guitar accessories at your local store or you can even shop online for more comfort. For acoustic guitar players who do live performances, you also need to have a microphone if your guitar doesn't come with pickups.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5915032
Senin, 22 Agustus 2011
Guitar Tips To Help Improve Your Playing
Sabtu, 13 Agustus 2011
Learning to Play Acoustic Guitar
Learn How to Tune Your Guitar
Kamis, 28 Juli 2011
Jazz Guitar Tips
Jazz Guitar Tips
At the top of the list of the important jazz guitar tips is knowing your scales and modes. Internalizing jazz guitar scales is considered to be one of the most challenging part of learning to play jazz because of the many scales to be learned and mastered. These scales provide the basis for the improvisational sound of jazz music.
And of course, you cannot play jazz guitar better if your guitar itself is not in a good condition. Before starting to play, check first if it needs some tweaking. You will know if it needs a tune-up when it begins to feel tiring to play.
In adjusting the intonation, do it in small increments and consider your ear's accuracy in deciding the pitch between two notes. For more accurate results, use a highly accurate tuner with analog-style needle display.To sum it up, you should be familiar with the important components of learning jazz guitar which include effective scale usage, harmonization, rhythm, melody and jazz chord improvisation.
Other helpful jazz guitar tips that will bring your performance to the highest level are ensuring the proper location of your guitar and your hands. The strap of your guitar should lift the instrument up to about midway on your chest. It will feel tighter but will give your left hand more mobility. Your right hand should not also exert much effort in picking out the notes.
Senin, 25 Juli 2011
Tips Playing Electric Acoustic Guitar
Which guitar is best? The answer will depend entirely on your
application. To help you get started here is a couple of general
observations.
(a) The bulk acoustic rhythm guitar that we hear on the radio is
played on a six string, steel strung guitar played with a pick.
(b) Nylon guitars are becoming more popular in pop music due to
their capability to produce harmonic content in a frequency range
that will not affect the lead vocal. In this situation the nylon
strung guitar is generally played with a pick, instead of being
played with the fingers as it would be played in classical music.
(c) The 12-string guitar works most effectively by itself or with
little accompaniment for it takes up a lot of the frequency and
musical range.
Tips for playing acoustic electric guitar: tip 3
What size acoustic guitar will you need? Do you need a Jumbo,
Dreadnought, 7/8 or folk size?
Keeping in mind we want to get the best acoustic sound from the
guitar. Essentially the top of a guitar is similar to the sound
board of a piano, you should avoid guitars with volume/tone
controls etc, mounted on the guitar top. Ideally, we want the
guitar top to vibrate freely, even the wrong type of bridge pins
can significantly effect the tone and projection of your guitar.
A guitar that has brass bridge pins will have far less volume
than a guitar with rosewood bridge pins. Make certain you have a
close look at all these details. It's just common sense, but a
lot of great instruments are over-looked and all they need is a
slight adjustment.
In this situation the added weight of the brass bridge pins would
restrict the vibrations of the guitar top, reducing the volume
and projection of the instrument. Simply by replacing the brass
bridge pins with wood bridge pins would give the guitar a
completely different and improved sound.
In theory a Jumbo size acoustic guitar should give us the best
acoustic sound. In some cases this in not practical because of
the sheer size of the instrument and the size of the person
playing the guitar.
The most popular size is the dreadnaught size acoustic guitar.
However, some players find the sound of the dreadnaught guitar
too "boxy" and prefer the 7/8 of folk size guitars.
Lead guitarists tend to favor smaller body guitars because they
tend to have a more balanced sound to them and are easier to cut
through the band when playing with other musicians.
Tips for playing acoustic electric guitar: tip 4
Do you need a cut-a-way acoustic? This is an important question,
the majority of acoustic electric guitars available in most music
stores are cut-a-ways. Working on our "best acoustic guitar
sound" theory it makes sense that the standard acoustic (non cut-
a-way) guitar will have a fuller, richer sound as the guitar top
is left intact.
If you are playing acoustic rhythm and don't need to play lead
parts up on the 15th,17th frets you don't need a cut-a-way.
Tips for playing acoustic electric guitar: tip 5
Public enemy number one of the acoustic guitar is feedback.
So you go out to the average music gig and hold your beautiful
acoustic guitar up to the average little dynamic microphone. All
is going well until, they turn on the amplification and ... there
it is feedback!
How do we overcome this howling, annoying sound? A simple way to
overcome the feedback issue is to:
(a) use a "feedback buster" this is little rubber plug that fits
in the sound hole of your acoustic guitar, essentially it reduces
the feedback problem be making the top of the guitar similar to
that of a solid body acoustic guitar, whilst it greatly reduces
the acoustic qualities of the guitar, the feedback buster can be
quickly removed without having to loosen the strings.
(b) try and move away from the amplifier/ speakers and definitely
don't face your acoustic guitar into the speakers.
We've now covered some of the basic tips for playing acoustic
electric guitar, take your time a get the best acoustic guitar.
Senin, 18 Juli 2011
Easier Simple Guitar Chords
Take the D major chord for instance. A lot of chord books that I have seen recommend fingering the chord the following way. Index finger, 3rd string, fret 2. 3rd finger, 2nd string, fret 3, and 2nd finger, 1st string, fret 2. Whats wrong with that? you might ask.
Nothing I would reply, so long as the next chord in the song is not a D7. If this is the case, then it isn't just a case of moving your fingers to form the chord. It involves a change of hand position. You now need to get your 2nd finger on to the 2nd string fret 1. Try doing this without moving your hand at all.
Can't be done. I would suggest another fingering of the D chord which I think would be more beneficial to you in the long run.
Try using 2nd finger, 3rd string, fret 2, 3rd finger, 1st string, fret 2 and your pinky, or little finger, at fret 3 on the B string. I know you may not be all that comfortable with using your little finger at the moment. Believe me it is well worth persevering. Now the chords of both D7 and D minor involve ONLY a finger movement, no hand movement, when changing to them from the D major chord. Try it, I am sure that you will find it easier. To get from the D major chord to the D7 chord using my fingering suggestion is just a matter of lifting off your pinky from fret 3 of the B string, and replacing it with your 1st finger, on fret 1, of the B string. How easy is that? no hand movement at all. Just the fingers.
To form the D minor chord following a D major chord. Lift your 3rd finger from the top E string fret 2, and replace it with your first finger on the E string fret 1.
I think you'll agree that if the progression involves a move from a D major to a D7, that the fingering I am suggesting is much better to use.
There are lots of other chord fingerings that v
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2028635
Jumat, 15 Juli 2011
MARTIN GUITAR EXPANDS SP STRINGS PRODUCT
Additionally, starting at Summer NAMM, Martin Guitar will kick off two strings promotions:
- “The Great Martin String Challenge” will take place at the Martin Summer NAMM booth (#1200) and select retailer locations this year. After being handed identical Martin guitars – one with SP LIFESPAN strings and one without – contestants who correctly determine which was equipped with the SP LIFESPAN strings will win a free set along with additional prizes.
- “The Great Martin String Swap” will take place at select retailers this summer and fall, during which anyone bringing in their old strings will be provided with a complimentary set of new Martin SP LIFESPAN strings (while supplies last).
This year’s new string products include:
- SP Lifespan Extra Light Gauge 10-47 Bronze (41MSP6000) and SP Lifespan Extra Light Gauge 10-47 Phosphor Bronze (41MSP7000) – Popular for smaller body guitars and cutaways, a new extra light gauge will be available in phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze.
- SP Lifespan Extra Light 12 String 10-47 Phosphor Bronze (41MSP7600) – Since both plain and wound strings are treated with Cleartone technology, the new Martin SP Lifespan 12 string set will deliver a balanced sound that is sure to please.
- SP Lifespan Baritone 14-17 Phosphor Bronze (41MSP7700) – With the recent and upcoming launch of several new C. F. Martin baritone guitars, Martin has designed these strings to be comfortable in both the traditional B tuning and modern C tuning, delivering a new standard in tone. Gauging is 14/20/30/42/54/70.
Also at Summer NAMM, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the sixth generation Martin to lead this iconic family business at “Meet Chris Martin Day” – Saturday, July 23 – in Martin Guitar’s booth.
Minggu, 10 Juli 2011
Whatever Guitar You Wan
Minggu, 22 Mei 2011
Misa Digital Guitar

Hobbies play guitar? but there are always problems such as torn or broken nail, or finger scratched because guitar strings. For the guitarists things like this happen very often, but not a problem for them because so his hobby of music with guitar. Well, this post Info Tech will provide an alternative for the guitarists to be free from the problems I mentioned above that is the Mass Digital Guitar.
A company based in Sydney, Australia has recently announced an interesting product they are specifically designed for the guitarist who often have problems that I mentioned above. This product was named Misa Digital Guitar.
A non-stringed guitar can be played and produce sounds like electric guitar with sound effects. With the aim of replacing the function of the strings, Mass. Digital Guitar using a touch screen control. Enough with our fingers to work the guitar as usual and choose the combination lock on grip tone, the soft sound like electric guitars and sound effects can be produced by Mass Digital Guitar this.
Of course, adaptation is needed in using this digital guitar. But it can be, Mass. Digital Guitar has become an alternative that will be favored, especially by present and future generations, especially the already familiar with the name game Guitar Hero. The more steady dah today's gadgets.
Sabtu, 14 Mei 2011
Guitar Hero(R): Warriors of Rock Unleashes 10 Explosive New Tracks from Marilyn Manson, Children of Bodom, Black Label Society and More for the Guitar
Experience Children of Bodom's "Was it Worth It" - The First Single Off The Band's Soon-to-be Released New Album, Relentless Reckless Forever - Exclusively in Guitar Hero®
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Love is in the air, but rock is definitely in the living room this February with news of a shredtastic new ten song mega pack for the Guitar Hero® music library care of Guitar Hero®: Warriors of Rock, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced. Available now and featuring hits from metal legends Black Label Society and rock icon Marilyn Manson, a track from Children Of Bodom's soon-to-be released studio album, Relentless Reckless Forever, the Guitar Hero debut of international sensation Firewind, and more, this month's track pack is poised to strike the right chord with Guitar Hero aficionados around the globe.
In anticipation of the upcoming March 8 release of Relentless Reckless Forever, Finnish heavy metal gods Children of Bodom will rock fans with three tracks for the Guitar Hero Music Library this month, including early, exclusive access to "Was It Worth It," the first single off their forthcoming album.
Rounding out the February Mega Pack's offerings from Children of Bodom are "Living Dead Beat," from their fifth studio album, Are You Dead Yet?, and "Blooddrunk," off their similarly titled 2008 album, Blooddrunk.
Returning to the Guitar Hero music library for a second encore with three tracks in the February Mega Pack is industrial metal band and multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee Marilyn Manson. Known for their uniquely theatrical performances, the pack contains "Get Your Gunn," the first official single off the band's debut album, Portrait of an American Family, "Tourniquet" from their second full length studio record, Antichrist Superstar and "Coma White," off their 1998 disc, Mechanical Animals.
For the first time since their on-disc appearance in Guitar Hero® World Tour, legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde's band Black Label Society make their triumphant return to the Guitar Hero music library in the February Mega Pack with a trio of new downloadable songs. Players can now shred along to "Black Sunday," "Crazy Horse," and "Parade Of The Dead," three tracks from their eighth studio album Order of the Black.
Last but not least, international power metal sensations, Firewind, make their Guitar Hero debut with the inclusion of "World On Fire" from their Days of Defiance album exclusively in the February Mega Pack.
The February Mega Pack is available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 1440 Microsoft Points, on the PlayStation®Store for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system for $17.99 and for Wii™ for 1800 Wii Points™. All songs in the February Mega Pack are also available as downloadable singles for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 160 Microsoft Points, PlayStation 3 system for $1.99 and Wii for 200 Wii Points each. In addition to the in-game music store and Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360, Xbox 360 owners can expand their Guitar Hero music library using the Guitar Hero VIP Pass Music Store, available exclusively on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network.
For more information about Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and the entire line-up of downloadable songs and disc imports, please visit www.guitarhero.com, www.facebook.com/guitarhero and www.twitter.com/guitarhero.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
Guitar Hero and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All rights reserved.
Minggu, 08 Mei 2011
Rabu, 02 Februari 2011
Minggu, 09 Januari 2011
Easy Way to Read Guitar Tabs
E----------------------------------||(Thinnest string)
B----------------------------------||
G----------------------------------||
D----------------------------------||
A----------------------------------||
E----------------------------------||(Thickest string)
Have you had trouble learning how to read guitar tabs? Learning how to read guitar tabs is really quite easy. With this simple tutorial you will know how to read guitar tabs in no time
First let me explain to you what the numbers on guitar tabs represent. This is the key
to basic understanding of guitar tabs!
One of the basic guitar tabs you'll see might look something like this:
Intro: (Play 12 times) - (The Intro To "Enter Sandman")
======
1|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
2|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
3|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
4|------------5---------------------------------------------------------------------|
5|--------7---------------------7---------------------------------------------------|
6|----0-------------6-----5--------------------------------------------------------|
#1 represents your high E string, the thinnest string on the guitar and the highest pitched. This is the string closest to your input jack.
#2 represents your B string, which is one lower than the High E.
#3 represents your G string, which is one lower than the B string.
#4 represents your D string (one lower than the B)
#5 represents your A string (one lower than the D)
#6 represents your low E string, or the string with the lowest pitch. This is the string furthest from your input jack.
Example 1
E---------------3-0--------------------||
B-------------------3-0----------------||
G---7-7-7---------------2-0------------||
D-2-7-7-7-7-7-7------------------------||
A-2-5-5-5-7-7-7------------------------||
E-0-------5-5-5------------------------||
You play the notes/chords in order from left to right, so first you would play a power chord in E (Middle finger/Finger 2 on the second fret on the A string, ring finger/Finger 3 on the second fret on the D string, and no finger on the low E string) strumming those first 3 strings (E,A,D) once.
The next chord you would play would be a power chord on the fifth fret of A three times. So you would play with your index finger on the fifth fret of A, your middle finger on the seventh fret of D, and your ring finger on the seventh fret of G. That is how you read chords on frets now for the single notes.
After the first 3 chords we have on the example, you would play the single notes, any finger on the third fret of the high E string, pluck once, then the open high E string, and so on.
Example 2
In the example below, you'd play only the strings in parenthesis.
First you would play:
E-------------3-0-----------------||
B----------------3-0--------------||
G-----777-----------2-0-----------||
D-(2)-777--777--------------------||
A-(2)-555--777--------------------||
E-(0)------555--------------------||
Then you would play:
E-------------3-0-----------------||
B----------------3-0--------------||
G----(7)77----------2-0-----------||
D-2--(7)77--777-------------------||
A-2--(5)55--777-------------------||
E-0---------555-------------------||
And then:
E---------------3-0---------------||
B------------------3-0------------||
G----7(7)7------------2-0---------||
D-2--7(7)7--777-------------------||
A-2--5(5)5--777-------------------||
E-0---------555-------------------||
The above is not any song that I know of. It is simply a random presentation of the notations.
By combining the knowledge of reading music with reading guitar tabs, you can virtually learn any song. All you need is an idea of how the song should sound, a decent guitar, a little initiative and some practice. In no time at all, you will be amazing your friends with the ability to play songs they have heard on the radio.
Teaching yourself how to read guitar tabs is fun and easy. Once you learn this skill, you will be unstoppable... a virtual musical juggernaut.
Go ahead. Get started. Time's wasting.
Rabu, 05 Januari 2011
Acoustic Guitar
right one is easy, once you know how. For a novice player, the
most important thing about choosing the right acoustic guitar is
to find an instrument with which they are comfortable. Acoustic
guitars come in three standard sizes, usually defined as parlor,
standard, and jumbo. Today, the six-string, steel string acoustic guitar is
the most popular for beginners. Steel strung acoustic guitars are
featured on almost every pop recording as they provide a clean,
high frequency to help make the recording "sizzle". The recent
MTV "unplugged" series featuring well known established artists
such as, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Sting brought a
revitalized interest in the acoustic guitar.
In the hands of a master, the acoustic guitar is a living
breathing soul, with individuals in the audience enraptured by
the complex qualities of its six strings. An acoustic guitar is
generally used by learners because it produces a cleaner sound.
and is more portable, making it ideal to transport to private
lessons and parties.
Buying a first guitar is an important step for the beginner
guitarist. That's why I encourage you to bring along someone you
know whose been playing the guitar for a while. Start with a
realistic budget, read the following information then make a trip
to your local guitar store to get an idea about the price ranges.
1. Make sure your guitar is set-up for you
A good acoustic guitar is a work of art and needs to be made with
precision.A low action acoustic guitar is advisable as it would
be easier on the hands. Of course, there is no doubt about the
fact that an acoustic guitar is a little harder to play than an
electric guitar.However with a good set-up, (commonly referred to
as the Guitar's action adjustment) from a competent repair person
will get you off to a good start.
2. Check the frets for rough edges
Frets are the metallic bars which when pressed upon with the
strings generates a particular note. Check out for rough edges on
the frets as they are likely to leave bruised fingers with you.
3. Full body acoustic guitar or cutaway?
Unless you are going to do a lot of high note lead playing go for
the standard full body guitar, remember the top of the guitar
functions in a similar way to that of the soundboard of a piano.
The greater the total size of the guitar the richer more natural
sound of the acoustic guitar.
4. Solid top or laminate?
All other factors being equal, it is my opinion that a well made
"solid wood" acoustic guitar is almost always more tonally
appealing than a well made laminate guitar. A "solid wood" guitar
will melody as it matures with age whereas a laminate top
guitar's tone will remain the same.
5. Nylon or steel string guitar?
This is a question of application and the style of music you want
to play. A nine year old would benefit from a 7/8 size nylon
string guitar whereas a steel string acoustic guitar is more
generally suited to music heard on the radio. The nylon sting
guitar has a wider neck which makes many of the chord shapes
difficult to reach for the beginner.
Before you front up to the salesman make sure that you are clear
on the style of music you want to play on the guitar. I would
encourage you to listen to some recordings by Andres Segovia for
a fine example of nylon string classical guitar tone. Segovia is
widely regarded as the finest exponent of this style of guitar
playing.
In contrast to the nylon string acoustic guitar sound, I would
recommend listening to a great album called "Tone Poems" this is
an entirely acoustic album featuring the sounds of vintage
acoustic guitar and mandolin. Tony Rice on acoustic steel string
guitar and David Grisman on mandolin.
6. Strings
Acoustic guitar strings come in various grades, such as heavy,
medium, light, and extra-light. I recommend string gauge
1st-.011, 2-.015, 3rd-.022, 4th-.032, 5th-.042, 6th-.052 for
acoustic steel strung guitars. The lower action and light gauge
strings on the guitar are easier for beginners to learn to play.
7. Price
Although the price may be slightly above what some might be
willing to pay for a first guitar, it should be considered an
investment.
Ultimately it comes down choosing what sounds good and is in your
price range. Try as many guitars as you want to, even if they
are outside your budget (so you get an idea of what to look for
in your price range). In other words tell the salesman (show me
your best solid top acoustic guitar) and give him/her your price
range. You can find a fine beginner acoustic guitar for under
$500.