Might Buy Electric Guitar

[AncientwisdomParticipant 6089]

Im an avid music lover. I tried my hand at guitar when I was a teenager. I definately dont have a natural talent for playing, but I do have a gift of ability to know songs/ music that are choice.

Anyway, Im thinking about taking a second shot at playing the guitar. I wasnt serious enough the first time anyway.

I dont want to break the bank for a part time hobby, so anyone with any guitar experience please give advice. Below is one I found on Amazon. Id like a descent axe to grind that comes with an amp and doesnt break the bank especially as a beginer. Any input is appreciated.

Les Paul Standard

Resident cynic.

[VeniversumParticipant 492]

I like Line 6 amplification. For the guitar, you can actually get some really nice ones for a decent price now, and customize them yourself. The one I bought was a “Blue Rock”, and I put fret stickers on it. It looks awesome. Sounds great. A combo amp is good enough no matter what, and you can often find one loud enough to play through even with a live drummer. Some people consider music to be a competition, which is a ridiculous philosophy. The truth is, that the only thing that matters is how the song makes the listener feel. If you can come up with something simple, but catchy and original, You will be pleased with yourself, and as a result your audience will be as well. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to hit me up.

[Breakerone9Participant 14]

I got a new electric from Monoprice for 69 bucks left handed crafted for me. it is great quality. http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=620100 for you

I have effects called Guitar rig 4 with the Rig Kontrol 3 pedal which was not cheap.

You could buy one of those usb to 1/4 jacks to plug guitar into computer and then use free guitar rig 5 to play around with if u are in windows, or tons of free stuff if you run linux.

oh shipping on my guitar was like 12 bucks.

[ShinyParticipant 2307]

Make your own, dude! I did 🙂

[Tiga KParticipant 1693]

If you need any advice, I can help you there. What kind of music do you enjoy?

[AncientwisdomParticipant 6089]

Thanks for all of the replies guys. Is the Epiphone LP-100 Les Paul Electric a decent guitair? Its on Amazon for $280. Theres a similair guitar for $180 but it didnt receive as good of reviews.

I would have no problem spending more than this, but Im not sure how much Ill enjoy playing because I havent had a guitar for 20 years. I just f~~~ed around last time with a few lessons. This time Id like to learn much more, probably with just videos at home though.

Im assuming I can pick up a decent amp for ~$80-100. I live in an apartment so I cant be blasting it anyway, unless I use ear phones.

Resident cynic.

[Tiga KParticipant 1693]

Ancientwisdom wrote:

Thanks for all of the replies guys. Is the Epiphone LP-100 Les Paul Electric a decent guitair? Its on Amazon for $280. Theres a similair guitar for $180 but it didnt receive as good of reviews.

I would have no problem spending more than this, but Im not sure how much Ill enjoy playing because I havent had a guitar for 20 years. I just f~~~ed around last time with a few lessons. This time Id like to learn much more, probably with just videos at home though.

Im assuming I can pick up a decent amp for ~$80-100. I live in an apartment so I cant be blasting it anyway, unless I use ear phones.

The important thing is to just get started. As your abilities grow and your taste become more defined, you’ll be ready for a different guitar that fits your needs. It really is a personal thing so it is hard to tell you which guitar is best for you. The guitar seems fine and the amp depends on your needs. If you are playing by yourself, you can start with just about anything. If you plan on playing wiith a band any time in the near future, consider getting an amp with something like 100 watts of power or more. (That would cost more than you originally wanted)

So yeah, don’t worry too much about the equipment would be my advice. Your money would be best spent on an experienced guitar instructor. A knowledgeable instructor will help you learn to play with proper technique so you don’t end up developing issues later and he can also help guide you better with equipment decision than us because he’ll know your playing.

If you really want to go the video route. Please find ones on technique. I can’t emphasize the importance of proper technique enough. It affects the quality of your sound, the range of your abilities, and most importantly the health of your hands. I mostly only play classical anymore but the idea behind it is the same. You should be relaxed, feeling no strain, as you play the guitar. Pumping Nylon is a great introductory book for classical guitar, but many of the ideas in it will help all guitarist. If you’d like a book, that would be a great one. I wish I could recommend a video, but I’ve always had a teacher, so I’m not familiar with them.

[ShinyParticipant 2307]

I’ve never played an Epiphane but they are common enough, and have been around long enough, to have not been so sucky they went out of business. Obviously an ‘Epiphane Les Paul’ is a knock off of a Gibson, but then a Gibson is way more expensive. I’d suggest it’s a sensible choice if getting back into guitaring, you can always get the real deal later if you feel it’s worth it. I’d also suggest a couple of cheap pedals or effects box to have some fun.

[нσтησσвParticipant 830]

i’m personally a fan of Yamaha; i have an acoustic that plays beautifully, even still after i think 8 years now.
also got a Yamaha clarinet and piano.

although, from my experience their instruments are a bit weird, but i think that’s because they don’t really make beginner grade instruments.

the clarinet i had took some getting used to and took a fair amount of skill to play compared to whatever beginner ones everyone else was using at the time ( in highschool band )

also had the same issue with the piano and guitar, definitely harder to play, but great sound 🙂

i’m not too sure about the yamaha’s electric, but you need to get something a little pricey or used, to really get into it; i tried with a s~~~ty ass electric guitar once, and i just couldn’t get into it because the sound was so damn awful.

Also, remember with electric guitars, the amp is just as important as the guitar.

If i were you, i would start off with an acoustic guitar, it has a much less steep learning curve and you can make awesome sounding music almost right away. The song i first started with was, johnny cache’s cover of hurt. very easy to play.

My Goal: To Leave Society.

[Troy TrellmanParticipant 0]

Lots of decent ones can be had for a little, but try not to go too cheap because a POS that won’t stay in tune will frustrate you. A good inexpensive one, if you can find it, is the Squier ’51. Good sound, stays in tune. Even retail you should be able to get them for well under $200. I have had some success with low line brands like Xaviere and Agile as well, but those often need a little work to get just right. The Squier 51s I have were fine right out of the box after tuning.

[AncientwisdomParticipant 6089]

Thanks for the input dudes. Im thinking Ill get me one for Christmas and Ill let you guys know the results.

The comment about “technique” and not going for video instructions made sense. But Im not convinced if Ill be into playing enough to justify live lessons… Im a cheap skate lately. But you made a great argument about creating bad habits and being “up-tight” when playing. In fact, I wonder if thats why I never fully enjoyed it the first time around.

This time around I want to take it up as a cheap hobby and a means to express myself. Might even be healthy in that respect. But your point hits home- because it might be counter productive lol.

Ill give it a shot, I think. Evaluate and judge for future reference. Cant hurt.

Resident cynic.

[AncientwisdomParticipant 6089]

Tiga, my reply was mostly to you becausecof your advice

So yeah, don’t worry too much about the equipment would be my advice. Your money would be best spent on an experienced guitar instructor. A knowledgeable instructor will help you learn to play with proper technique so you don’t end up developing issues later and he can also help guide you better with equipment decision than us because he’ll know your playing.

That sounds spot on. But do you think that technique can be taught on videos?

Im not looking to become the next Keith Richards. Im looking for a healthy outlet to express myself and pick up a new interest.

But I believe youre spot on about technique. And I recall being so frustrated when I was in my teens, and in love with music but felt so limited to how I could express myself through an instrument. I attribute this to my own lack of dedication to learning the guitar at the time though. But I dont want to repeat that experience, hence the lack of investment.

This time Id like to learn the chords and not just play power chords for punk music.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Resident cynic.

[Tiga KParticipant 1693]

Ancientwisdom wrote:

Tiga, my reply was mostly to you becausecof your advice

So yeah, don’t worry too much about the equipment would be my advice. Your money would be best spent on an experienced guitar instructor. A knowledgeable instructor will help you learn to play with proper technique so you don’t end up developing issues later and he can also help guide you better with equipment decision than us because he’ll know your playing.

That sounds spot on. But do you think that technique can be taught on videos?

Im not looking to become the next Keith Richards. Im looking for a healthy outlet to express myself and pick up a new interest.

But I believe youre spot on about technique. And I recall being so frustrated when I was in my teens, and in love with music but felt so limited to how I could express myself through an instrument. I attribute this to my own lack of dedication to learning the guitar at the time though. But I dont want to repeat that experience, hence the lack of investment.

This time Id like to learn the chords and not just play power chords for punk music.

Any thoughts appreciated.

The key to healthy technique is to be aware of what you’re body is doing. While you play, think to yourself “Am I relaxed?” At first you’ll probably notice that you aren’t. Since you don’t want to pay for a teacher, which I completely understand, you’ll just have to be extra diligent. Recording yourself on video might be a good idea. Look for common signs of strain like clenching your teeth, excessive and unnecessary finger movement, and hunching over the guitar.

Before you begin each practice session, it is a good idea to set yourself up in a comfortable position with your guitar. Sit upright and confident so that you can breath deeply and regularly. Let your right forearm rest on the guitar body and your fingers should curl as if you are going to play a chord on the piano. Watch for any excessive extension of the left arm/shoulder. The key is to be relaxed. This is your default position as you play guitar. Once you’re ready, play a chord and then try to return to the relaxed position. As you apply pressure to the fingerboard, use the minimal amount of force and finger movement necessary. Watch to make sure any fingers arn’t sticking up like a boner with strain when playing a chord (it’s a common issue with new and returning guitarist) When playing a chord, let gravity work for you (the weight of your arm) and try to use as little pressure as possible while retaining optimal tone quality.

Obviously, this will take time and you won’t remember every single suggestion above, but the main thing to take away from this is to pay attention and keep your body relaxed. I taught myself how to do barbell training using nothing but the internet, so I’m sure you’ll have success doing the same with guitar. Try to find videos that discuss what I have and you’ll do fine.

[Tiga KParticipant 1693]

@ Ancient wisdom

So, have you started playing yet? I just remembered this thread the other day and thought I would ask.

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