General / Off-Topic Question for guitar players.

[EUS]

1. For an electric guitar, anything below 350-400 EUR is a waste of money. You can get decent amps for around 100 EUR though. Todays, they include headphones and USB for recording your stuff. Check out a local gear store and let them show you some options.

2. About 99% of rock and 100% metal guitar players use a pick. Picks are really dead cheap, buy some and find out yourself.

3. All practice amps have that option todays. But it's not the same. Electric guitar is a loud animal by design.

O7,

My first bass cost $20 from an auction, yeah it sucked, but it worked, and was perfectly fine to learn on.
these days amps are replaceable by tiny headphone stuff like these: https://www.wikiaudio.org/best-guitar-headphone-amp/ again no point dropping a bunch of money just to find out you don't get into it, and resale is worse than an auto.
There's even smartphone adapters/apps -> earbuds for guitars.

 

[Knot2clever]

If you get a cheapish practice amp, many have inputs so you can play along your chosen music & a headphone jack for playing on the quiet.

Some fantastic advice so far. I also have used Justin guitar but prefer www.martymusic.com check out his YouTube channel

Marty Music

Marty Music is the premier destination for guitar instruction on YouTube. Host Marty Schwartz is a modern classic who combines his love and knowledge of musi...

www.youtube.com

Good luck, you are embarking on a very rewarding adventure.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

1. For an electric guitar, anything below 350-400 EUR is likely a waste of money. You can get decent small amps for around 100 EUR though. Todays, they include headphones and USB for recording your stuff. Check out a local gear store and let them show you some options.

2. About 99% of rock and 100% metal guitar players use a pick. Picks are really dead cheap, buy some and find out yourself.

3. All practice amps have that option todays. But it's not the same. Electric guitar is a loud animal by design.

O7,

Would you suggest that I learn to use a pick from the start?

 

[The Lawful]

Would you suggest that I learn to use a pick from the start?

Yes, if you want to play metal or rock. A pick sounds cleaner and lets you play much faster, but fingerstyle is more expressive. It all depends on the kind of music you want to play. For loud, fast and speed stuff like Kirk Hammet, Satriani or Steve Vai, picks are it.

O7,

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Yes, if you want to play metal or rock. A pick sounds cleaner and lets you play much faster, but fingerstyle is more expressive. It all depends on the kind of music you want to play. For loud, fast and speed stuff like Kirk Hammet, Satriani or Steve Vai, picks are it.

O7,

Metal is absolutely what I'm interested in. It's all I listen to because other genres just don't hold my interest. It's a genre that helps me deal with my depression and PTSD, and I think it's time to pick up the gauntlet and get involved. Like I say, music is a lot more constructive than playing video games. And the science proves it's healthier, too.

That is only a good thing for me, as my lifestyle right now is anything but healthy.

Thanks, I'll remember this.

 

[The Lawful]

these days amps are replaceable by tiny headphone stuff

LOL no. You definitely can use headphones for practicing, but the best you can get out of that is cyber sex. Better than no sex at all ofc, but definitely not the real thing. It simply doesn't feel the same. And now lets see what the FD purifier leaves of that statement

O7,

 

[EUS]

LOL no. You definitely can use headphones for practicing, but the best you can get out of that is cyber sex. Better than no sex ofc, but definitely not the real thing. And now lets see what the FD purifier leaves of that statement

O7,

I'm just offering a different solution to amp/cab setup, since the OP is starting out, I believe that what he'll be doing a lot of is practicing, the small footprint headphone setup is a great way to do that without having his roommates wanting to slaughter him.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

I'm just offering a different solution to amp/cab setup, since the OP is starting out, I believe that what he'll be doing a lot of is practicing, the small footprint headphone setup is a great way to do that without having his roommates wanting to slaughter him.

Not roommates.

Were I so lucky...

Worse.

An old lady for a neighbour.

 

[Shir]

I wouldn't agree on anything cheaper than 200 euros/$ being a waste of money. With 200 you can get great budget instruments, specially if bought from a store that sells used guitars. 100 Euros for a small amp is fair, they sound good and work with PC, phones, etc.

If you start lessons to a music store, they can help you with gear selection. Just don't overpay, shop around a bit first, try some stuff, bring a friend along that already plays, ask your teacher or a family friends that knows guitars. Today cheap gear is completely passable and problem free.

 

[The Lawful]

I'm just offering a different solution to amp/cab setup, since the OP is starting out, I believe that what he'll be doing a lot of is practicing, the small footprint headphone setup is a great way to do that without having his roommates wanting to slaughter him.

Well, when it comes to music, any beginner is always at the brink of being slaughtered. In fact, the electric guitar has the advantage of being playable over a headphone amp at all, and that's great. My wife plays a 3.5k Kawai EP just because of the neighbours and she says it's decent. Not all of the instruments available feature that luxury, though

O7,

 

[Cmdr Nemo]

Hi guys. As some of you know, I'm a huge fan of metal.

Now I think it won't come across as odd at all, to hear that as a big music fan, one cannot help but occasionally think what it would be like to actually be the one playing the music.

Now I'm already making big changes in my life. My diet is going well, and my weight has at least stabilized. I'm going out a lot more, thanks to my close circle of IRL friends.

But I'm still spending most days not doing a lot.

So perhaps, I think to myself, I should start chasing my dreams. I have had a lot of rubbish to deal with growing up, and to say it's stifled my life is, with all due respect, an understatement.

I am not looking for sympathy here; just stating facts.

According to society, stating inside playing video games all day is a waste. I'm actually inclined to agree but I don't know what else to do with my time.

But for some reason, and I say this with a hint of humorous sarcasm, it's downright commendable to stay inside and learn an instrument.

Well, maybe it's time to do that so I can shut up some naysayers.

So going back to the titular question.

Guitarists of the FD community. I love metal. Metal means electric guitars in my case.

What I'm about to say is coming from someone who has next to no practice with any instrument.

Do I start with an electric guitar or should I begin with an acoustic? (To be frank I'm not entirely sure this is the correct terminology)

Listening is great, but I can never help but think, wouldn't it be awesome to be on the other side of the strings?

I'm aware that it would be a long road. But I need to cut down on my screen-time. Thinking logically, an instrument might be the perfect thing for me to learn as I can still stay in the safety of my own home. Indeed, I don't even need to talk to too many people, which is good because I hate situations where people might decide to punch me in the face for existing.

(Based of real experience that last bit)

So, what do you think I should do? Should I continue to mindlessly push buttons for twelve hours a day in video games, or should I try to make something better of myself?

Many thanks in advance.

Though the sound is considerably different between an acoustic and an electric, with the exception of electric necks being some what longer, the more notes are available; The configuration of the neck and the various notes are the same. Thus one can play by ear and some really really good one do. Most will need to learn how to read sheet music first.
Assuming you know how to read sheet music, it all depends on the sound you prefer and as you've already stated, that's electric.

 

[Knot2clever]

I made an error with the acoustic when I bought it 30 years ago (taken me awhile to actually start) there are several sizes of acoustic guitar, 3/4 is obviously smaller where as a full size is referred to as 4/4 or full size. Unbeknown to me they then start again, 4/4 (full size) is also a "0" you then get a "00" called a concert or parlor guitar, then the "000" the jumbo guitar. I bought a "00" but only recently found this out, it would explain why I've always found it difficult. I have however overcome that issue (not knowing it existed probably helped) & things are going very well. Plus the sound is better compared to a 4/4. Really research your choice, don't get something not right for you (thought it eventually came good for me).

When my fingers get to painful I switch to the electric as it is easier on the fingers & I get to practice longer, you can still hear yourself playing cords even without an amp, didn't buy an amp for several months, honestly, when your making such an awful noise at the beginning you don't want to hear it to loud.

I eventually chose an Epiphone Les Paul standard pro as my electric, as this is best suited for the music I like to play.

You will need to decide what type of electric would suit your purpose, I would imagine a stratocaster style would be more suitable for yourself, but there are plenty of YouTube vids explaing the differences.

Enjoy your new adventure, keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

Though the sound is considerably different between an acoustic and an electric, with the exception of electric necks being some what longer, the more notes are available; The configuration of the neck and the various notes are the same. Thus one can play by ear and some really really good one do. Most will need to learn how to read sheet music first.
Assuming you know how to read sheet music, it all depends on the sound you prefer and as you've already stated, that's electric.

Now I just need to break the news to my mum. She nags. LOL

A confession: I have tried once before. By tried I mean a friend was selling her guitar and I got it. But I was unable at the time to find anywhere to learn. So it fell flat on its face. Ended up selling the thing back to my friend. I no longer have any contact with this individual. She turned a bit weird, even by my standards.

But I think things are different now, as my best friends today are a great bunch. Actually they're not just friends in my book, but family, and are incredibly supportive. I'm just worried that my mum will think I'm not taking it seriously. The problem though the first time was I had absolutely no support back then. My present situation however, has the potential to be very different. Like I say, one of said friends is actively learning an instrument herself.

 

[Knot2clever]

No shame in trying previously, I tried umpteen times before I eventually got hooked.

With YouTube you will find loads of very useful information, both general and instructional. I would say that when I first started I hopped from one video to another, however in doing so I felt that there was no structure to my learning although it was coming along.

I decided to purchase the acoustic bigginer course from Marty Music, this was very helpful as it gave me objectives to aim for & the needed structure I felt was missing. I'm sure there are other tubers out there just as good, but Marty is my first choice for acoustic. I know you're probably going electric, but structure to your learning is still just as valid. I use Justin for electric instruction, but have not purchased any of his stuff as my acoustic stuff transfers over.

 

[Caramel Clown]

I have an idea - rent an instrument and an amp. I'm sure your local music stores have rentals. I'm in Canada, but it can't be that different in the UK. So I look at my local store rentals. If you want to rent like an entry level guitar and an amp they will cost LESS than 20 canadian bucks each for a whole month. Which would be like what, 12 pounds in the UK? You might check your local rates. All you'd need to do is to buy a cable and some picks on the spot. Now you have 0 commitment cheap option on how to try playing.

 

[Gully Foyle]

good on you Uni!

Personally I'd recommend starting with a semi-acoustic that way you can practice anytime anywhere and add an amp later and still build up your finger calluses.

Some people also swear by using an acoustic as like a medicine ball and then going to electric.

 

[Gully Foyle]

Metal uses alot or tritone partial chord shapes, which 3 strings fretted and not the full chord pattern.

Google online for a metal chord shape poster and it has all the scales and all the modified metal chords on it
I have one but I forgot where I got it

 

[Deleted member 110222]

I have an idea - rent an instrument and an amp. I'm sure your local music stores have rentals. I'm in Canada, but it can't be that different in the UK. So I look at my local store rentals. If you want to rent like an entry level guitar and an amp they will cost LESS than 20 canadian bucks each for a whole month. Which would be like what, 12 pounds in the UK? You might check your local rates. All you'd need to do is to buy a cable and some picks on the spot. Now you have 0 commitment cheap option on how to try playing.

I hadn't any idea that shops themselves might offer rentals. Thanks, I will most certainly look into that.

 

[Deleted member 110222]

I wanted to share the catalyst that popped up in the last few days that really made me think, "Well if he can do it, there's nothing stopping me, surely?"

I was speechless when I saw this on my FB feed a few days ago, after a friend shared it.

Beautiful.

There were no other words to describe it.

Well, it made me look at myself and I thought, "What the frell am I doing with my life?"

Seeing this piece of art from Kodi Lee is a big reason why I'm now so interested in taking up the challenge of learning to play myself.

Of course I'm looking at an entirely different instrument, but really, if this young man who is blind can play the piano like a musical god, what's stopping a physically healthy (weight aside) guy like me from learning the guitar? There isn't anything, is there?

If his goal was to inspire, it worked. Because look at what I want to begin now.

 

[Knot2clever]

I saw that, quite incredible, I've also seen videos of people with no arms playing guitar with their feet. I have no excuse for not succeeding.