The Roland is a really nice little amp. I don't have one but I've played with one quite a bit. I would recommend getting one of these small amps with a couple of effects. That way you don't have to worry about buying pedals right away. I have the line 6 - it's pretty good I also have the fender mustang. I prefer to practice on the Mustang as the controls are more intuitive and you can hook it into your computer for both pre and post effects as well as amp modelling. For any of these I don't think you would spend much more than about 150. As for the guitar, I would strongly recommend spending a few extra bucks to get one you won't tire of too easily, as well as the better quality.
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electric guitar
- Thread starter wikeke
- Start date
The Roland is a really nice little amp. I don't have one but I've played with one quite a bit. I would recommend getting one of these small amps with a couple of effects. That way you don't have to worry about buying pedals right away. I have the line 6 - it's pretty good I also have the fender mustang. I prefer to practice on the Mustang as the controls are more intuitive and you can hook it into your computer for both pre and post effects as well as amp modelling. For any of these I don't think you would spend much more than about 150. As for the guitar, I would strongly recommend spending a few extra bucks to get one you won't tire of too easily, as well as the better quality.
This is just my opinion. Don't buy anything new. There are quality instruments to be had at a local pawn shop or kijiji.
Fitting a guitar is like fitting a suit. They don't all fit the same. Even if you don't know a single note, there are things like how your arms and hands feel. Take your time.
I got an old Peavy amp, Orange DS1 pedal for distortion and a middle of the road Fender Strat that looks beat up but, like an old pair of jeans, fits perfect. I just took my time and there are plenty of starving artist that need to pay the bills.
As for lessons, the simple stuff really is repetitive. Scales and chords, strumming, picking. You can learn a few songs with some simple chords that can help feed your motivation but, you really do need to make the time to practice. Lessons are a small step. It's the practice that makes the difference. I've seen plenty of instruments become household decorations for objects of discussion and dust collecting because folks lacked the discipline and or patience to follow through with the boring things like struming through some chord progressions. Returning for another lesson and get frustrated because it's too hard.
Think about learning a new language. You have to learn to read and spell and speak it. It's the same with learning to play a guitar.
Otherwise, if your happy playing smoke on the water, wish you where here, time of your life (good riddence) and ok with spending $400 for the opportunity, I say go for it!!!!
IMHO, I think there is more bang for your buck from a musical, learning and practical point of view by learning on an accoustic first. Your fingers and hands gain strength and practicing while watching TV or just hanging out somewhere. It just allows you more freedom to break out the guitar and practice and hear your progress.
But, what ever floats your boat and inspires you really. If you need to hear that electric sound to provide inspiration, pull the trigger on the electric and gear and follow your instincts. Doing what others tell you won't motivate if it gets boring.
Fitting a guitar is like fitting a suit. They don't all fit the same. Even if you don't know a single note, there are things like how your arms and hands feel. Take your time.
I got an old Peavy amp, Orange DS1 pedal for distortion and a middle of the road Fender Strat that looks beat up but, like an old pair of jeans, fits perfect. I just took my time and there are plenty of starving artist that need to pay the bills.
As for lessons, the simple stuff really is repetitive. Scales and chords, strumming, picking. You can learn a few songs with some simple chords that can help feed your motivation but, you really do need to make the time to practice. Lessons are a small step. It's the practice that makes the difference. I've seen plenty of instruments become household decorations for objects of discussion and dust collecting because folks lacked the discipline and or patience to follow through with the boring things like struming through some chord progressions. Returning for another lesson and get frustrated because it's too hard.
Think about learning a new language. You have to learn to read and spell and speak it. It's the same with learning to play a guitar.
Otherwise, if your happy playing smoke on the water, wish you where here, time of your life (good riddence) and ok with spending $400 for the opportunity, I say go for it!!!!
IMHO, I think there is more bang for your buck from a musical, learning and practical point of view by learning on an accoustic first. Your fingers and hands gain strength and practicing while watching TV or just hanging out somewhere. It just allows you more freedom to break out the guitar and practice and hear your progress.
But, what ever floats your boat and inspires you really. If you need to hear that electric sound to provide inspiration, pull the trigger on the electric and gear and follow your instincts. Doing what others tell you won't motivate if it gets boring.
Dresden
Well-known member
But in regards, to what type of music I'd like to play...Pink Floyd's Time definately comes to mind.
My initial plan was to get one of those combo packages ($200-250)....guitar, amp, tuner, dvd and whatever extras to get started.
But now I'm considering getting a "better" entry level guitar and amp separately.
Because I'm thinking that usually "combo starter kit packages" of anything aren't really that good.
From what I've researched so far... looks like Epiphone, Ibanez and Yamaha is what I'm considering now (because of lower price about $170-280)
along with an amp like the Fender Frontman ($100)...I'm thinking, spending a little more to get started this way would be better than getting a starter package.
what do you guys think?
Again, I know nothing about guitars... and I don't want to be spending too much, considering I might get frustrated learning and give up.
But I'm thinking, if I'm going to start off spending about $400 ($280 guitar + $100 amp)... I just want to know if you guys think it'd be worth it to spend $100-$175 more to get
a better guitar....for better sound?.. better quality?... something I won't grow out of (whatever that means!)
or to put it another way, considering this is a MC forum......
should i get the 125? or spend a little more and get a 250?...lol.............I'll consider the 600 SS if i really get into it
thanks again for all your advice/input.
BTW...Julz....very nice guitar!...you've convinced me...I'm definately liking the sunburst finishes too, I'll be looking for something that looks similar.
Regarding your Motorcycle cc analogy - look at it in terms of levels.
You buy a very cheap guitar a few things could happen:
1) you may hate the sound thinking its your playing .. when in actual fact, the poor sounding guitar is amplifying your lack of enjoyment.
2) You may outgrow it very quickly once you learn the basic chords and scales.
Think of it like getting your first bike ever and it runs and feels horrid. You may give up on riding before you even knew what it was.
Epiphone, Squier are very good starter guitars and will last you well into the stage where you are playing the music you want to play - perfectly. Then you will start to want to sound exactly like the record, or create your own unique sound... thats when "tone-age" becomes important and you can invest in better equipment.
FWIW - I had a Yamaha for my first, but I didn't like it at all. The fret markings were quite sharp and my fingers would get cut ALL the time. I still have it - but haven't touched it in years.
You don't always need to buy new as there are plenty available very cheap from Kijiji.
I have a small Fender Amp that is collecting dust. If you want to use it to get started, you are welcome to it on the condition that you buy a guitar first.
Good advice in this thread.
![cfdcb30d.jpg](http://[URL="http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/zzippy1/media/cfdcb30d.jpg.html"][IMG]http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb430/zzippy1/cfdcb30d.jpg)
funny you say that. that was the only song a friend of mine knew how to play.
eljay
Well-known member
first guitar/amp: pawn shops. Just for learning pick up a cheap acoustic. at a beginner level you don't do anything different on acoustic or electric.
the learning comes from google. learn power chords-super easy and make you feel like you are playing something and get your fingers used to the frets. now google "<name of song> <band name> tabs". now you learn to read tabs. pick a song that sounds easy, try Ramones songs if you know them, super simple. Most punk stuff is. I hammered away at Bad Religion and NOFX at the start. You'll get the general idea. Keep challenging yourself. Try old U2 songs or Deep Purple for example. Nirvana and Soundgarden songs aren't difficult either (just don't smash the thing). By then you'll hear a song on the radio and think you can probably guess how to play it. By the time you get there you'll have a good idea of what you are doing and your level of interest will carry you the rest of the way.
the learning comes from google. learn power chords-super easy and make you feel like you are playing something and get your fingers used to the frets. now google "<name of song> <band name> tabs". now you learn to read tabs. pick a song that sounds easy, try Ramones songs if you know them, super simple. Most punk stuff is. I hammered away at Bad Religion and NOFX at the start. You'll get the general idea. Keep challenging yourself. Try old U2 songs or Deep Purple for example. Nirvana and Soundgarden songs aren't difficult either (just don't smash the thing). By then you'll hear a song on the radio and think you can probably guess how to play it. By the time you get there you'll have a good idea of what you are doing and your level of interest will carry you the rest of the way.
I'd also suggest starting with an acoustic. An electric-acoustic can give you little of both worlds too. Used is the way to go for first guitar for sure. Unlike the SS riders, musicians do take care of their equipment =)
Regarding the CC situation, starting on a top guitar is not the same at all, but it's more like having a 458 as your first car at 16. It may be the coolest thing momentarily, but then what do you move to next ? What's left to dream/admire and look forward to ? I have a Highway 1 Strat since 19, and that was it for me ever since.
Another advantage of starting with an acoustic would be the understanding of the mechanics of the guitar. You'd hear how different strings/tensions can sound different, and get used to the fundamental, natural sound of the guitar better, and overall, your fingers would develop a cleaner tone and rhythm, IMO, or at least develop those quicker.
The way I look at it, as long as you have songs that you listen to everyday, and are curious to how to play them, you'd progress. And as others mentioned, the progress would depend on the amount of hours you dedicate. I wouldn't take lessons, unless going into music theory and trying to play classical music or something.
And yea, "Time" is not a bad target =) Mine was "Shine on you", and I enjoyed learning any other Gilmour song equivalently good =)
On that note, I'd like to leave with this
Regarding the CC situation, starting on a top guitar is not the same at all, but it's more like having a 458 as your first car at 16. It may be the coolest thing momentarily, but then what do you move to next ? What's left to dream/admire and look forward to ? I have a Highway 1 Strat since 19, and that was it for me ever since.
Another advantage of starting with an acoustic would be the understanding of the mechanics of the guitar. You'd hear how different strings/tensions can sound different, and get used to the fundamental, natural sound of the guitar better, and overall, your fingers would develop a cleaner tone and rhythm, IMO, or at least develop those quicker.
The way I look at it, as long as you have songs that you listen to everyday, and are curious to how to play them, you'd progress. And as others mentioned, the progress would depend on the amount of hours you dedicate. I wouldn't take lessons, unless going into music theory and trying to play classical music or something.
And yea, "Time" is not a bad target =) Mine was "Shine on you", and I enjoyed learning any other Gilmour song equivalently good =)
On that note, I'd like to leave with this
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knucklesound
Well-known member
Yah---i hear what you guys are saying for sure...my reply should have had some more detail...
I've found a lot of people end up getting a guitar thinking it will be more exciting at the beginning than it really is...and the guitars end up sitting in the corner of their room collecting dust....practicing fingering/picking techniques and learning scales by yourself can feel like a chore if you aren't prepared to work at it, and practice very regularly.
If you get the fairly quick satisfaction of learning to play songs you know-playing in a video game setting you are likely familiar with, you might be more likely to continue the pursuit further.
Wikeke sounds like he is prepared to put in the work, so he might not need the quick satisfaction.
Taking lessons (having someone correct any bad technique before it becomes ingrained- i used to use my arm more than my wrist for the thrash metal picking) and practicing/watching videos are also totally cool of course (along with a ton of other good advice given in this thread- especially the pawn shop suggestions). If you have a nice sound system/computer, and don't plan on jamming with other musicians for a while- i'd consider maybe looking for a cheap used Line6 Pod amp simulator or similar. Maybe even a Korg Pandora Mini? I used to have a battery powered Boss drum machine and a cheap git that i would take everywhere with me- leave it in the car and write beats and practice guitar whenever i could.
As other have mentioned- the better the guitar quality- the nicer it is to play...so you'll be more likely to keep playing if you spend a bit more $$$ and get something that stays in tune and sounds nice...(that said- i've heard many great guitar players make a ****** git sound great- and vice verse). Acoustic gits purchased by guys looking to play hard rock tend to end up as decor.
I've probably got a spare tuner or two laying around if you want one Wikeke- but you'll have to come grab it---getting VERY busy at work these days.
Theres an app for that lol and it actually works.
rmemedic
Well-known member
My tuner can't tune my dobro very well because of all the resonance, but the tuner app on my iPhone does a great job of it, and I always have a tuner. Also have a tab app which comes in handy for playing songs at request.
thanks again to everyone for all your advice....very helpful in how to research/proceed.
@ rmemedic - me likes that video too... especially how she flashes a smile every now and then while playing.
also, thanks to Dresden and knucklesound for your offers...
I haven't decided yet what I'll be getting, so I probably won't need to take you up on the offers...
but nonetheless, it's very kind of you guys, and I really appreciate your generosity...thank you very much!
@ PDC - forgot to respond to you about the Pacifica previously, but as I've mentioned,
I'm undecided on what to get, but I'll let you know if I decide on your guitar...thanks for the offer.
btw, very nice collections you got there SeaBreez and Crnac.
Cheers!
@ rmemedic - me likes that video too... especially how she flashes a smile every now and then while playing.
also, thanks to Dresden and knucklesound for your offers...
I haven't decided yet what I'll be getting, so I probably won't need to take you up on the offers...
but nonetheless, it's very kind of you guys, and I really appreciate your generosity...thank you very much!
@ PDC - forgot to respond to you about the Pacifica previously, but as I've mentioned,
I'm undecided on what to get, but I'll let you know if I decide on your guitar...thanks for the offer.
btw, very nice collections you got there SeaBreez and Crnac.
Cheers!
Dresden
Well-known member
I would recommend buyin a $20 book and using online tools to learn.
it will teach you the chords to start. then to keep it fun, move onto learning songs from whichever bands you like.
again, you can refer to youtube, online tabs, books etc...
using books along with youtube videos gives you an idea of what to do. but pretty much keep playing so your fingers/muscles will improve and things will gradually become easier.
as for guitars. those who mentioned thinkin about what you want to play are correct.
if you like metal, basic ibanez will give you a good start. rock a beginner fender will do.
and mixture of the two an epiphone SG replica (however these in my experience tend to be heavy).
I myself started on a Gibson SG, years later added a Gibson V (sold the V), moved onto a Dean Razorback and my most recent purchase is PRS studio. just to show the progression.
Definitely look on kijiji and local stores for USED guitars, because you can find some great ones for reasonable prices. honestly, a higher end guitar (even second hand) is MUCH better than replicas.
for an Amp. the Roland Cube is very versatile, you cna use a battery if you want, and sounds great. i have one and it is a great amp for a reasonable price.
once you get rolling then start looking into pedals 1 or 2 years down the road to add some more flavor and possiblities to your sound.
All the best. stick with it adn you won't regret it. just think with practice 1 years donw the road you'll be rockin Zepplin, GNR and any band/song you like.
it will teach you the chords to start. then to keep it fun, move onto learning songs from whichever bands you like.
again, you can refer to youtube, online tabs, books etc...
using books along with youtube videos gives you an idea of what to do. but pretty much keep playing so your fingers/muscles will improve and things will gradually become easier.
as for guitars. those who mentioned thinkin about what you want to play are correct.
if you like metal, basic ibanez will give you a good start. rock a beginner fender will do.
and mixture of the two an epiphone SG replica (however these in my experience tend to be heavy).
I myself started on a Gibson SG, years later added a Gibson V (sold the V), moved onto a Dean Razorback and my most recent purchase is PRS studio. just to show the progression.
Definitely look on kijiji and local stores for USED guitars, because you can find some great ones for reasonable prices. honestly, a higher end guitar (even second hand) is MUCH better than replicas.
for an Amp. the Roland Cube is very versatile, you cna use a battery if you want, and sounds great. i have one and it is a great amp for a reasonable price.
once you get rolling then start looking into pedals 1 or 2 years down the road to add some more flavor and possiblities to your sound.
All the best. stick with it adn you won't regret it. just think with practice 1 years donw the road you'll be rockin Zepplin, GNR and any band/song you like.
Hey Wikeke,
Perhaps his thread should be called "Help me find the Ninja 250 of guitars". But then again you went straight to a ZX-6R ;-)
I agree with a lot of what has been previously advised.
My first electric guitar was a Sears $99 special, but I was 12 and ANYTHING sounded amazing then. After that I got a really nice Profile Les Paul copy but it got stolen. Then an Ibanez acoustic, but it was stolen as well. In my early 20s I finally laid down the cash and bought a beautiful sunburst American Telecaster, my dream guitar, and then I got busy and stopped playing :-( Then my daughter started lessons a few years ago so I picked up a Simon & Patrick acoustic with an internal pickup and tuner. Nice Canadian made guitar for the money!
What you should do depends on what you want to accomplish and how much time you want to invest. If you just want to hack around and pick up a few standards to impress your friends, Youtube and online guitar tabs will likely get you there. If you want to really learn to play though, and you don't have any previous musical training (i.e. piano) I would recommend lessons and some theory.
But the most important advice I would heed is to buy something of decent quality. It is really painful to learn to play when your instrument won't hold tuning for more than 10 minutes.
Good luck, and PM me if you want more help or want to road test either of my guitars.
Perhaps his thread should be called "Help me find the Ninja 250 of guitars". But then again you went straight to a ZX-6R ;-)
I agree with a lot of what has been previously advised.
My first electric guitar was a Sears $99 special, but I was 12 and ANYTHING sounded amazing then. After that I got a really nice Profile Les Paul copy but it got stolen. Then an Ibanez acoustic, but it was stolen as well. In my early 20s I finally laid down the cash and bought a beautiful sunburst American Telecaster, my dream guitar, and then I got busy and stopped playing :-( Then my daughter started lessons a few years ago so I picked up a Simon & Patrick acoustic with an internal pickup and tuner. Nice Canadian made guitar for the money!
What you should do depends on what you want to accomplish and how much time you want to invest. If you just want to hack around and pick up a few standards to impress your friends, Youtube and online guitar tabs will likely get you there. If you want to really learn to play though, and you don't have any previous musical training (i.e. piano) I would recommend lessons and some theory.
But the most important advice I would heed is to buy something of decent quality. It is really painful to learn to play when your instrument won't hold tuning for more than 10 minutes.
Good luck, and PM me if you want more help or want to road test either of my guitars.
rmemedic
Well-known member
My collection is a bit more country. Takamine acoustic/electric, a Dobro Hound Dog, my Epiphone Les Paul (black with cream white trim and guard) and a camo Washburn Rover that a shop sold for cost to my step dad to send to me while I was overseas and I took it nearly everywhere... That guitar has some stories!I'll show off too
And any guitar is painful on the fingers at first. I used to play until the fingers were ready to bleed when I first started.
Makes a very good point. +1
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