The Instrument Recommendation thread

DreamingOfAlbion · 03-09-2011, 04:37 PM

About a year and a half ago I got a guitar and have been learning a bit here or there since but never really made a whole lot of progress with it because I kept taking like month long breaks and had to re-learn it all later. But anyway, does anyone have tips for me to progress a bit faster? Or maybe some website recommendations that might help me out? I pretty much know the basic chords and a couple barre chords. Yeah, I know, just keep practicing everyday and don't take long breaks. But besides that, any tips?

Also, I really have no idea if the guitar I have is any good or not. I did some research before I got it and saw pretty much good reviews, but it was cheap so it might not be good quality. It's an acoustic Fender Squier. Doesn't really matter if it's bad quality or not because I can't afford to get another but I was just curious.

GuitarBizarre · 03-12-2011, 11:01 AM

Fender squier acoustics are OK, not fantastic but workable.

As for progression, I'm afraid there are no shortcuts,but one thing you can do to help yourself get used to where the strings are, is to go out and buy the thinnest plectrum you can find. I used a .36mm nylon plectrum for this.

Then learn Street spirit by radiohead. Its really simple to play, but the fact you're using a super thin pick will force you to really work on your picking, because if you hit even remotely too hard, you'll strum 2 or even 3 strings at once rather than one. Practice until you can play it cleanly with your super thin plectrum, and your hands muscle memory of where each string is will improve immensely, allowing you to tackle lots more stuff easily. (Once you've gone back to a thick pick of course, god forbid you stick with the .36mm, thats just crazy thin.

DreamingOfAlbion · 03-12-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

Fender squier acoustics are OK, not fantastic but workable.

As for progression, I'm afraid there are no shortcuts,but one thing you can do to help yourself get used to where the strings are, is to go out and buy the thinnest plectrum you can find. I used a .36mm nylon plectrum for this.

Then learn Street spirit by radiohead. Its really simple to play, but the fact you're using a super thin pick will force you to really work on your picking, because if you hit even remotely too hard, you'll strum 2 or even 3 strings at once rather than one. Practice until you can play it cleanly with your super thin plectrum, and your hands muscle memory of where each string is will improve immensely, allowing you to tackle lots more stuff easily. (Once you've gone back to a thick pick of course, god forbid you stick with the .36mm, thats just crazy thin.

Ok, thanks! I will definitely try doing that. I'm glad to hear my guitar isn't a total piece of junk.

SGR · 06-20-2011, 09:02 AM

What do you guys think is a good electric guitar for a noobie? I've fooled around with my uncles Fender strat, and I like it, but I'm reallly looking for a good priced guitar (under 150) with good quality. Don't really care if its gibson, fender, etc.

Would I be able to use the fender amp cords and the fender amp for whatever electric guitar I get? Or will I have to get new ones?

Are the Dean guitars any good? I would like to get one of them because they look so cool, but I dunno if they're good.

Howard the Duck · 06-20-2011, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoundgardenRocks

What do you guys think is a good electric guitar for a noobie? I've fooled around with my uncles Fender strat, and I like it, but I'm reallly looking for a good priced guitar (under 150) with good quality. Don't really care if its gibson, fender, etc.

Would I be able to use the fender amp cords and the fender amp for whatever electric guitar I get? Or will I have to get new ones?

Are the Dean guitars any good? I would like to get one of them because they look so cool, but I dunno if they're good.

i started with an Epiphone Strat-copy but i've heard they don't make them anymore

that was an excellent beginner guitar and cheap as well

SGR · 06-20-2011, 12:55 PM

So these are the starter packs I'm considering

Amazon.com: Fender Starcaster Strat Pack - 3-Tone Sunburst: Musical Instruments

Amazon.com: Starcaster by Fender 1 Humbucker Strat Electric Guitar Starter Pack, Black: Musical Instruments

Amazon.com: Dean Electric Guitar Starter Pack with Vendetta XMT Metalic Red, 10 Watt Amp, Gig Bag, Cord, Strap, Picks: Musical Instruments

I'm leaning towards the Dean, but what do you guys think?

Dr_Rez · 03-15-2011, 05:55 PM

Honestly if the guitar has a straight neck and the action can be someone low or set to how you like any guitar can be a pretty decent players guitar. Iv tuned up to outa shape squire strats from those combo kits and they sound/play prey damn well all things considered.

alicedee07 · 03-24-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamingOfAlbion

About a year and a half ago I got a guitar and have been learning a bit here or there since but never really made a whole lot of progress with it because I kept taking like month long breaks and had to re-learn it all later. But anyway, does anyone have tips for me to progress a bit faster? Or maybe some website recommendations that might help me out? I pretty much know the basic chords and a couple barre chords. Yeah, I know, just keep practicing everyday and don't take long breaks. But besides that, any tips?

Also, I really have no idea if the guitar I have is any good or not. I did some research before I got it and saw pretty much good reviews, but it was cheap so it might not be good quality. It's an acoustic Fender Squier. Doesn't really matter if it's bad quality or not because I can't afford to get another but I was just curious.

Listen to and learn lots of Beatles and Bob Dylan songs. Great great songs for beginners.

Howard the Duck · 03-28-2011, 07:07 AM

i worked hard on keeping time and having the proper rhythm at first

don't try to just learn solos from the get-go, unless you want to sound like Trixter (obscure hair-metal band)

DGH · 03-26-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Need recommendations for what instrument to buy? Ask for them here.

He's been taking lessons 3 months on a full size. I want something with resale value in case he drops it in 6 months but don't want to break the bank! Suggestions?

03-09-2011, 04:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
DreamingOfAlbion Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 59	Recommendations for Beginner Guitar About a year and a half ago I got a guitar and have been learning a bit here or there since but never really made a whole lot of progress with it because I kept taking like month long breaks and had to re-learn it all later. But anyway, does anyone have tips for me to progress a bit faster? Or maybe some website recommendations that might help me out? I pretty much know the basic chords and a couple barre chords. Yeah, I know, just keep practicing everyday and don't take long breaks. But besides that, any tips? Also, I really have no idea if the guitar I have is any good or not. I did some research before I got it and saw pretty much good reviews, but it was cheap so it might not be good quality. It's an acoustic Fender Squier. Doesn't really matter if it's bad quality or not because I can't afford to get another but I was just curious.

03-15-2011, 05:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dr_Rez Registered Jimmy Rustler Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 5,370	Honestly if the guitar has a straight neck and the action can be someone low or set to how you like any guitar can be a pretty decent players guitar. Iv tuned up to outa shape squire strats from those combo kits and they sound/play prey damn well all things considered. __________________ Best chance of losing virginity is in prison crew Always Checks Credentials Crew nba > nfl crew Shave one of my legs to pretend its a girl in my bed crew

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06-20-2011, 09:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,327	What do you guys think is a good electric guitar for a noobie? I've fooled around with my uncles Fender strat, and I like it, but I'm reallly looking for a good priced guitar (under 150) with good quality. Don't really care if its gibson, fender, etc. Would I be able to use the fender amp cords and the fender amp for whatever electric guitar I get? Or will I have to get new ones? Are the Dean guitars any good? I would like to get one of them because they look so cool, but I dunno if they're good.

06-20-2011, 12:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,327	So these are the starter packs I'm considering Amazon.com: Fender Starcaster Strat Pack - 3-Tone Sunburst: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Starcaster by Fender 1 Humbucker Strat Electric Guitar Starter Pack, Black: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Dean Electric Guitar Starter Pack with Vendetta XMT Metalic Red, 10 Watt Amp, Gig Bag, Cord, Strap, Picks: Musical Instruments I'm leaning towards the Dean, but what do you guys think?

03-28-2011, 07:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
Howard the Duck Live by the Sword Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 9,075	i worked hard on keeping time and having the proper rhythm at first don't try to just learn solos from the get-go, unless you want to sound like Trixter (obscure hair-metal band)