what guitar to buy

hey guys i have some questions.i want to learn how to play punk/alternative on the guitar, like blink 182,breaking benjamin.i see that tom delounge used a Gibson ES-333 and there is a cheaper version...or something that is not too much money that will give me the sound that im looking for.i just dont want to spend thousands on a good one untill i see how i like it...also what should i do about learning how to play

I like to play Metal,Rock stuff so i chose an Ibanez GIO it has the sound i like with it hmmmm it depends i suggest getting a starter pak like i did it comes with an amp,GUitar,picks everything so you don't have to spend extra money if you want to play punk,alternative you don't really need a certain guitar brand to play a certain genre

This is of course just my 2 cents worth but I would have to agree with SlapGuitarist12 about not needing a certain guitar to play a certain genre of music. What should have, or so I am told, is a guitar that is comfortable for you to play. Learning to play anything on a guitar that feels uncomfortable( too big, too small, too heavy, poorly set up, etc etc) makes learning less fun and more like work.

I was advised a few years ago, to pick a price range, then go play with everything in that price range and look at things such as

• body style
  


• weight
  


• neck thickness
  


• string action
  


• bridge and trem type
  

If there is anything in the list you don't like...note it and try another. Make sure you talk to the guys at the shop as well, they will be able to...or should be able to explain to you what things like neck thickness and string action mean and how they affect the instrument and player.

Through a process of elimination you should be able to find the most comfortable unit in your price range.

again just my two cents there.

As for how to go about learning to play...As a fellow student, I say start here at GT with the Beginner Fundamentals 1 and 2. Even if you play a little already they are a good refresher. I haven't had a chance to check out all the other instructors yet but Lisa McCormick has some amazing finger picking lessons that will also be helpful for hand exercises.

If you are wondering about the Full access membership...don't wonder, just get it...it'll be one of the best investments you'll make.

with that I'll shut up and let ya get on with learning to play.

All the best, and remember, Play hard and play safe!

G

The vast majority of people on this site will give the answer to this question in a very well worn, constantly repeated cliche, but, that is because it is the best piece of advice you could ever have for buying a new guitar!!
Forget all about brands and what you see your favourite guitar heros playing (they are usually endorsed and playing those axes for money) and just try out as many possible guitars as you can until you find one that feels like an extension of your body and really sings to you, you'll know it when you find it!!
I think I read someone hear say on a similar topic "Close your eyes and open your ears" (Lordathestrings maybe??). Nuff said.
Good luck.

head_creeps

Not surprisingly enough, I disagree with the "find one that fits you and get it" approach. A beginner doesn't even know what a good fit is. Its just unreasonable to ask him to do that.

Here is my recommendation...

There are plenty of companies making ES333 type copies... get one of those. You should be able to find one under $500 that will be a great starter guitar. Now don't forget the sound isn't just the guitar, its also the amp and any effects in that chain. So make sure you have money left over for an amp. =-)

Originally Posted by: tminus3 A beginner doesn't even know what a good fit is. Its just unreasonable to ask him to do that.

I believe most people have an in-built sense of wether an object feels comfortable to them or not, beginners or otherwise. It would be a shame for OP to just go out and buy a guitar for the way it looks instead of trying a bunch out and seeing what feels more comfortable, which will in turn enhance their playing experience.
Just my humble O, however :)

head_creeps

Hello. i've had an Estaban guitar now for a few years and enjoy it. But I've gotten to like the sound of blues and jazz and holding down at the 12th & 14 fret on my acoustic just doesn't cut it. So since I am looking for that clear sound at the 14 and up frets (as well as the lower notes), I thought maybe a nice acoustic/electric will do the trick. Sweetwater has them for minimum $199 and I've read on the wood how maple sides and back and spruce for the top are common good priced guitars and it doesn't matter much about which wood for the neck, but maple and spruce is about the $199 range I want to spend so am headed for that type . My question is can someone help me decide on the model or give me more specs to look for? I found a nice one at my local shop where I take lessons, looks like maple, with a nice small pre-amp is it called (has a bass, treble (4 or 5 different levels) built into the top area .. I assume I will need an amp. How much am I looking at and where can I go for a nice $199 guitar plus a few more $$ for an amp? EBay? Thanks. Doug