Thinking of learning guitar

The techniques of Funtwo weren't as obvious due to the poor quality vidography... The simultaneous mutings, multiple string pickings, strummings AND Harmonics were much more technically challenging than the percussive school of Guitar playing...
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Techinically...as in equipment handling. Still impressive but equipment none the less. Take that guitar turn th gain down and only let the fingers make the sound and it wouldn't be as impressive . I remember a Fripp instruction tap that talked about learning to use he says as he points too a huge rack of electronics,"This embarrassing array of electronic warfare".
Some people appreciate the complex sounds mad with complex equipment. I however prefer complex sound from simple equipment.


I prefer Joe Pass to Satriani and Malmsteen.

To dismiss the techniques on the acoustic as less than the electric, I say lets see the video of the electric guy on the acoustic. Without amplification if your fingering isn't dead on you aren't going to get the sustain you get with the old gain knob.

Both are extremely talented. Its really a coin toss who is truly more talented. But one guy is definitely reinforcing his sound more than the other. I leave for everyone to decide who is doing that.;)

Paul
 
Not being a guitarist myself, you've got no argument from me: I meant in no way to minimalize the accoustic artist's talents, nor to say the electronic guitarists' work is better (even tho on rereading what I wrote it kinda sounded that way!)... Just different... Being a collector, and while nobody's watching, a banger on both the accoustic and the electric, I'm aware of the different efforts it takes to get a good sound out of each... And yes, while the one is electric and the other is accoustic, both artists in the two utube vids are sooooo waaaaayyyy better than I could ever hope to be even if I tried that I couldn't really tell you why each is good or bad... But I listen to what other actual artists say, and they've also said both are good in their respective techniques...

As to Joe Pass vs. Satriani... Again, two different styles and each, to me anyway, seem to be virtuosos in their own rights... Now, let's hear some Dick Dale!!! :D Or that guy that sits in on the insurance commercial and plays the flamenco... can't ever remember his name... :confused:

Anyway, I think we actually agree... they're all good; it's just a matter of what style of play floats yer boat... And for me, anyone that can actually play the dang things can make me sit down and listen with rapt attention until their fingers fall off! :D

(Sorry to the Kampfjaeger for a wee bit of thread drift! :cool: )
 
You could alway's check ebay.If you find a good seller you may be able to get more for your money.Buying a used instrument can save you alot of money.Just do your homework on the model,price,and of course on the seller.
 
I would like to add the following learning resources for a newbie interested in Blues/Rock based music:

Richard Daniel's Books, specifically The Art of Playing Rock Guitar - every thing a beginner needs to start riffing. Richard's books are less dry and more entertaining than most other method books out there.
 
MarkCid84 said:
DX1R A fabricated, (not hand-made) guitar. Shop around, I got mine for $400 several years ago. Since I got my Taylor 414-CE, the Martin has become my "Beater" one I carry when I go out of town, camping. Elixir strings, & brass locking tone pins & you will have a great acoustic package.
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Pray tell me what model Martin do you consider a beater to a Taylor? I agree that a Taylor is a pretty fair guitar but it can never hold a candle to my Martin HD-28.

Nolan
 
This thread has kind of provoked a resurgence in my interest in buying a guitar (and eventually trying to learn how to play it;)), and I have a couple questions for you guys, and I thought I would just add them on here, instead of trying to start a whole new thread (I've already created a list of most of the brands mentioned here to look into).

My guitar playing to this point has just been messing around in my room in the middle of the night with tabs I can find online, so I have very little knowledge as to what I would want, although I do have a decent background in music (I've played violin for over a dozen years, now).

What are all of your opinions on steel string vs nylon? Is there any difference, other than sound? What makes one more suited for a given person's playing than the other (and what are the things that each is more suited for? Is there any difference as far as playing with a pick vs just the fingers is concerned between the two? I already plan to go and just try out as many different guitars as I can (including many of the brands mentioned in this thread), but I'd like a bit of background on which to base my evaluations.

Is there anything else I should know to look for, other than finding one I like the sound of (which I presume should be the primary factor)? Any obvious benefits or drawbacks to certain features or options that I should look for?

I do have a good friend who plays, so I may well ask her opinion on a given guitar before making a purchase, but I want to give it a go by myself and at least narrow it down a bit and get a grasp on what I like and don't like.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me!
 
Well, I'm just a beginner, but I figured I'd add my two cents worth. If you're just starting out, I'd actually look more for a guitar that plays well, than sounds good. At least for me, I have enough trouble learning/practicing, without my guitar resisting me.

As for steel/nylon: as far as I know, nylon is exclusively the range of "classical" guitars, used to play classical music.
 
Okay,well just forget nylon string guitars.I'll save you some time and money since your a beginner.You can go to the music shops,pay for the "name" get good quality for way to much money,or just go to this site where real working musicians buy high quality made in the USA equipment for factory direct prices.No dealers.There are alot of famous guitarists that use Carvin brand.It is the best guitar I've ever had the chance to play.Take sometime looking through the site below.I also recommend getting an electric guitar.Far more versitile and fun,and easier for a beginner than an acoustic.

http://www.carvin.com/
 
Here' s a picture of some nice Carvin goodness.How do you like that quilted maple?

NewGreen.jpg
 
Hope it's not too late to chime in here. Get the Washburn D10S, you won't be disappointed, they have excellent tone and playability characteristics for such an affordable guitar. I've had mine for over 5 years and it's still as good as new. Sure, it isn't as sweet as my vintage Gibson J-45 Deluxe, but then I can take the Washburn and go places with it and not have to worry about it too much.
 
Nylon-string (some folks still call 'em "gut-string" guitars) instruments are hardly just for classical players.
Look at Willie...

Actually, lots of fingerstyle players find the wider necks and string spacing amenable; quite a few fingerstyle jazz guys like nylon strings. There are a few guitars available that are sort of "in-between"; set up with nylon strings, relatively narrow, cutaway bodies, and internal electronics. You can even get a seven-string model or two.

They are a sort of special-purpose item; you can't flatpick (well, Willie does, but he has a big hole in the front of his guitar), and they are not nearly as versatile as your typical steel-string.
 
I started playing guitar one year ago. Started on a cheap $200 electric guitar + amp package. I then bought a Washburn D10SCE because I didn't have an acoustic and I couldn't be happier. I did a heap of research on it and it's a very popular model and I have yet to read negative comments about it. Sure it isn't top of the range but for the price it's awesome.

My advice is, go out, play hundreds of them. See which you like, take down the model numbers and prices, come back and everyone can guide you. Go here for guitar reviews. http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar#man If you have any questions, ask here or at their forums.
 
I just ended up with a used (but in like new condition, as far as I could tell) Martin DX1 from the guitar center ($430, which the sales lady knocked down to $400 after I said I wanted a hard case and stand as well), and I absolutely love the sound of it.
 
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