Old, cheap guitar

Hi I’m new to guitar tricks. I have an old, cheap guitar. Should I buy a new one? What type of guitar do you recommend? Price range? Should I wait until I become better at playing to get a new guitar?

Hi

there is nothing wrong with what you have if you can complete the lessons and play the songs you want to play. But there are some guitars that are easier to play than others. Electrics are easier to play than acoustics and nylon string guitars are also easier to play than acoustics because of the low tension on the nylon strings, which makes them easier on the finger tips.

So not sure what you have or what you like, but are you having problems with the guitar you currently own? I have been humbled many times when someone picks up a guitar I find hard to play and starts playing it with ease. There is no replacement for time in and practice on whatever instrument you own.

Bill

Do you think it’s necessary to change the strings? It hasn’t been changed in years.

also, if I change it, what kind of strings are good? 

Yes, that would make sense. They might be pretty smelly by now. I assume it’s an acoustic?

Starting out I would go as light as possible  

D’Addario makes a 9 gauge set for acoustic and I have one guitar set up with them and they sound great and are easy to play. I buy them from Amazon  

These are easier on your finger tips than heavier strings. If you can’t get these I would look for a 10 gauge set. 

 D’Addario is a good brand, but companies like Ernie Ball (slinky) or Elixer are also great. Gibson and Fender also sell strings and these are great as well. 

Do I need to go to a guitar store they they should put the strings on, or can I change the strings myself?

There are videos on YouTube on how to do it, but if you aren't comfortable, for sure take it to a store. If you go to a store, they may want to put 11s on, which is the most common gauge for acoustic, which will still be fine, but they are harder for newbie fingers to adapt to. That's why I keep a guitar strung with 9s for beginners who want to try guitar. 

It depends on a few things.

Is your current guitar playable at all?  If so, then get started learning on it right away.  If you find it is hard to play or difficult to tune, then you can take it to a local guitar store, have them change the strings & set it up (adjust it, lower the action, etc.) & while you are there try some of the guitars to see if you can find one that is easy to play and is in your budget.

If you want to try to change the strings yourself this tutorial shows how it's done.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/1974

If you decide to get a new guitar, then what kind depends on your goals.  What kind of music do you want to play?  What is your budget?  Do you want an acoustic?  An electric and an amp?

If you can get specific with those topics, then we can help you more!

Thanks, as ever, to William for the helpful replies!

If your current guitar is difficult to learn or doesn't keep the right pitch, you should invest in a new guitar priced around 2-4 million VND to inspire better practice.

Poor Bunny

Hi, My Name is Darren, I also am new to learning, after a bit of a break.  The information that William MG passed on to you was virtually word for word the advice given in the first section.  The advice that I would pass on is, don't be shy, and go into the largest music shop, close to where you are and firstly take your guitar with you and ask if it is worth setting up correctly, or would it be better for you as a beginner to purchase a new or reconditioned guitar, giving them the price range that you have to work with.  If you want to choose an electric guitar but are concerned about the cost of Amplifiers, there are miniscule amps e.g Blackstar Mini Amp which is about       6"x 5"x 4", it has a great sound and i use it for practice all day, but, if you are a Classical Guitar or Electric Guitar player, tell the assistant exactly what you are aiming for and they will give you great advice allowing you to feel and hold any guitar so that you can decide yourself, what feels right for you knowing that an expert is behind you to tell you all the pro's and con's of every one.  My name is Darren, and I live in England, please reply and tell me how you decided to go.  All the best luck in your progression.  A great song to learn musically and lyrically is Brandi Carlile, it knocks me down every time I play it 🙃.  Take Care.  DarrenJ