How to Choose a Guitar and Equipment for the Beginner

So you want to learn the guitar...that's great! Everyone should learn an instrument in their lifetime...now comes the question, which one is best? Also, what other equipment or "gear" is necessary to maintain your new investment?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• acoustic/electric guitar
• tuner
• small practice amp
• string winder
• guitar cable
• guitar stand
• guitar case
• small wire cutters
• guitar polish
• guitar strap

1. The Strat...most copied guitar today. SELECTION...Depending on what style of music you will be playing, you have two choices: acoustic or electric. I used to own a music store. I always told my customers to buy an instrument that is somewhat economical and then go from there. I know...you want that hot Fender Strat or that smoking Gibson Les Paul...both of which are high dollar axes (slang for guitar). Don't be misled into buying a high dollar instrument...you can find several in the $125 to $300 range. And you know what? Most of the cheaper guitars are made by manufacturers who make the name brand instruments...Most of today's guitars are now made in China, Korea, Mexico, Indonesia. Don't try to skimp and get the $39.99 special either...you'll get frustrated with poor quality.
2. Protect Your Investment from Scratches and Dings THE CASE...Very important to have one of these...either a hard shell, fiberboard, or gig bag. When the guitar is not in use, put it in a case! You'll save yourself and the guitar countless dings, scrapes and scratches. Plus you look rather silly carrying your guitar to the studio unprotected and "naked". Here again, go for economical, not cheap...not expensive. Somewhere around $20 to $50 should suffice.
3. Meet your guitar's best friend...BUY A STAND!!! THE STAND...If you don't get anything else from this article, please remember this step. Invest in a guitar stand! I wish I had a nickel for every repair that came into my store due to a guitar crashing over and snapping off the neck. A guitar stand is your BEST friend. Never, ever prop a guitar against a wall, in the corner, on top of an amp, etc. It WILL fall over...guaranteed! Find one that has neoprene on the parts that come in contact with the guitar. There should also be a small rubber strap that secures it to the stand. Cost around $20 to $30. BUY THE STAND!!!
4. You'll love this gadget! THE TUNER...Learning to play the guitar is fun when you have all the cool gadgets. Next on the list is a tuner. This really helps when you replace strings. You will use this quite often, so invest in a decent one. I recommend QuikTune tuner...around $20.
5. The Practice Amp...nothing fancy, just practical THE AMP...If you have taken the path to being a rock star, chances are you are playing an electric guitar. Once again, don't go overboard here. Amps range anywhere from $30 to ????. For starters, I recommend a small practice amp...such as the Kustom amp. And guess what? It has a jack for headphones! Now your future rocker can wail away like Eddie V. and you can keep your sanity. Actually, these amps have a pretty good growl to them...loud distortion. Remember, keep this gear at a manageable cost. $50 to $150 is a good range.
6. Invest in a nice cable, OK? THE CABLE...This is an item I would recommend investing some money in. Cheap cables do not last...and they tend to short out quickly. A bad cable can kill a performance. Oh yeah...do not waste your money on the spiral, looks like a telephone cable, type. Instead, ask for a heavy duty cable with good connectors on the end. Length should be around 15 to 20 feet. Your music store should be able to help you with this. A decent cable should set you back around $20 to $30. Find one with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE. You'll thank me later.
7. The Lesson Book - Make sure it has a DVD INSTRUCTIONAL BOOK/DVD...My favorite system that I sold was the Bert Casey guitar instruction book with DVD...an excellent tool. Very professionally laid out and easy to learn. (You're welcome Bert!)
8. A Real Time Saver...the String Winder MISC. EQUIPMENT...Ok, we're almost done. You need a string winder...very economical (under a buck). Sometimes a music store will give you one free...take it! Also, go to Wal-Mart and buy a small, cheap set of wire cutters. You don't want long, dangley guitar strings waving around while you play...snip them off!

Tips & Warnings

• Invest some money in Lessons...maybe 4 or 5 lessons for starters.
• Remember, anything worth doing takes practice, practice, practice.
• Be Patient with your progress...don't give up
• BUY A GUITAR STAND!!!
• Be sure to snip off loose strings at top of neck...those suckers are like needles!