I'm just diving into learning how to play the guitar. I picked up my friend's acoustic and he's been teaching me a few chords. It's been a goal of mine for a while. Anyway, in y'all's opinion, what is the best beginner's acoustic guitar/brand of guitar?

I went to guitar center and visited their site and they have several beginner's packs of guitar, stand, carry case, picks, dvd, and maybe instructional dvd. are the packs a good deal, quality for the price?

Size: dreadnought vs. auditorium?

thanks and gig'em, y'all.

I'd say stay under $500. You can get a decent guitar to start with for around $200. You probably don't need a cutaway unless you plan on playing some acoustic face-melters way up the neck.

I started on an electric (Fender Strat) but moved to an acoustic/electric (Yamaha APX5A) about five years later when I wanted a guitar I take with me sans amp. I've been playing it for nearly eight years now. I like it because the body is slimmer than your typical acoustic but it still produces a rich sound.

http://collegestation.craigslist.org/msg/

My fist guitar was a Takamine Jasmine. It played fairly well for a cheap guitar. In my opinion, the "kits" are junk.

yamaha makes really good guitars in the under 200 range

I started on a crappy Yamaha kit. Moved up to a better guitar a few years later. The primary reason for keeping the price low is that so many people decide they want to play and then end up deciding it isn't for them. If you're already playing and comfortable that you aren't going to quit in a month, then I'd say that should expand your price range a bit.

That said, I've heard the Takamine Jasmine line is pretty solid. I think Martin makes some just straight acoustic guitars for under $500 as well.

Good luck. It can be a bit trying at first but it's worth it to stick with it. I'm off to a crawfish boil/open mic at a bar where anybody that plays eats free and gets happy hour prices on beer.

If you are going to spend as much as 500, go with a Seagull. Best bang for your buck in my opinion!

My second best would be takamine

I got a Fender Squire Stratocaster in 1992 and still have it. I replaced the pickups and I don't feel like there's anything I can't play on it.


Well, anything that doesn't require me to hit the 24th fret on the high E string.

Buying a ultra cheap guitar to learn how to play on is a lot like buying a ultra cheap set of golf clubs to learn to play golf with.

Not saying you have to break the bank, but anything under $200 isn't going to be much of a guitar. Yamaha & Takamine make probably the best low price guitars, as previously mentioned.

I have 6 myself, from a $2,000 Martin to a old Yamaha dreadnaught I paid about $160 for in '82 that I keep for sentimental reasons.

If you are going to spend as much as 500, go with a Seagull. Best bang for your buck in my opinion!

My second best would be takamine

Wow that was a random double post!!

i'd say you're safe with anything between 100-200 dollars. i like my original yamaha guitar. get good enough to where you will appreciate a nice second guitar. my roommate has a really nice taylor i enjoy playing..prob make my next purchase one of those

I'd start with Taylor, which are the best quality "off-the-rack" acoustics on the market, IN MY OPINION. They also do custom work, but I generally don't compare them against custom luthiers. I own three Taylors, and am rather serious about my music. If you buy something really cheap, chances are that you won't play very long, and will be stuck with a good candidate for your next garage sale.

Taylor offers an entry-level Baby Taylor, probably for under $300. I've played them, they are easy to play, and sound sweet. If, after playing awhile, you decided this just isn't for you, they'll probably have a fairly good resale value.

I would strongly urge you to start out with a good teacher, just to get you going, avoid bad habits, do things the right way, etc. Believe me, just a few lessons could save you countless hours of struggle, and give you a major kick-start to your guitar playing.

An excellent site that I highly recommend is www.totallyguitars.com. They offer guitar lessons for all levels, from absolute beginner to accomplished player. They have free lessons, packages, pay-as-you-go, and monthly subscriptions. Also, they have very detailed lessons, plus music tablature, for a bunch of songs.

You just have to make a commitment to playing. Period. I know it looks easy, but it isn't. Play every day. Don't hurt yourself. Have fun. Learn all kinds of scales & chords. Concentrate on a few songs that you really like, starting with the easiest. That will keep you coming back to the guitar, and will become addictive.

Go to as many guitar shops as possible. Pick up guitars, regardless of price, and try to pick out a few notes on them. Talk to the cats behind the counter. Don't worry, they really do like to talk about guitars! You'll probably run into some guys trying out guitars, as well. Ask them questions. They'll be flattered. Also, they'll tell you about their experiences when they were just starting out. These are invaluable, and free, sources of information.

Good luck with your guitar journey! I played other instruments professionally for many years before I took up guitar. I'm still kicking myself that I didn't start sooner!

Froppe '76

seagull, as mentioned a few posts above.

stop your search there, and please disregard anyone that mentions martin, taylor or gibson as a beginners guitar. buy a high quality beginners seagull for about 350 bucks and you'll be blown away. they put tha takamines, epis, yamahas and fenders in that price range to absolute shame. takamines are close, though.

[This message has been edited by FtBendTxAg (edited 4/11/2011 12:10a).]

[This message has been edited by Seven Costanza (edited 4/11/2011 5:58a).]

Amen to the Seagull recs. I have been playing acoustic since 1965. I have played and owned numerous acoustics, and for the money, Seagull S6 is probably the best buy out there.

Seagull sounds so good, even if you get better in a year or two, you will not think it's a piece of junk and want to plop down 1-2k for a "serious guitar."

On local TV, about 3 weeks ago, I saw a local singer/songwriter using a Seagull.

Not to mention seagulls look awesome.

Some people arent a fan of the rosette around the soundhole on the cheaper models. Personally, I like them (or dont mind them at all) I have been told that they can be removed and replaced relatively easily as long as you are very careful. But youre a beginner so who gives a ****, right?

And that unique signature Seagull headstock is one of my favorites in the industry. Almost as identifiable as the classic Fender or Gibson carved headstock to those that know their guitars. That and they stay in tune really well. Saw a seagull at a pawn shop on westheimer for 200 bucks a few weeks ago when I was looking for a telecaster. Was surprised to see a seagull there. Look around, youll find one for a good price

quote:

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Yamaha makes really good guitars in the under 200 range

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Call me crazy but I freakin hate the Seagull's head. I think it looks just plain silly. Very feminine..

Not a particular fan either Btron. My least favorite though is when Fender puts the strat style headstock on their acoustics. It just looks weird.

I'm going to recommend the Takamine Jasmine as well. $75 on Amazon with a tuner(can't speak to the quality of that tuner but you'll need one).

Get it set up as the action is too high, but I think it performs as well as most guitars under a grand, although I do like the Martin X-series for about $500. I also like Guild guitars in that price range.

Another recommendation on websites to learn on is Justin Guitar

[This message has been edited by aggielax48 (edited 4/11/2011 11:27a).]

[This message has been edited by aggielax48 (edited 4/11/2011 11:28a).]

Get a nice classical for $150. The nylon strings will allow you to play 5 times longer before your fingers hurt.

I own three and still play my cheap classical 90% of the time.

Electric is the same way but if you want anyone to hear you, you have to be plugged in. The classical is loud enough to entertain and cheap enough to take out and not worry about it getting damaged....... plus, I don't change my strings but once a year at most.... on a acoustic, you will need to change them every time the e string breaks. Nylon's don't break.

Willie uses a classical for all his music.... take a look at his... and it sounds great.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegall/3696548223/


[This message has been edited by BBDP (edited 4/11/2011 12:42p).]

The problem with going that route is that your fingers hurt because you're building up callouses. It goes away after you play for a while. If you want to play a classical guitar, that's one thing, but I wouldn't choose to just so you're fingers don't hurt.

you will build calluses with a classical... however; not as much. I can probably play a classical 3-4 hours (maybe all day)... a regular acoustic... about an hour and I am hurting; however, I never do. I play my electric or classical 99% of the time.

I also like the size of a classical.... I just need a cut out and it would be perfect.



[This message has been edited by BBDP (edited 4/11/2011 12:33p).]

Seagull

Might I suggest a McPherson? You can pick up a cheap one for about $6,500!

Greutzmachers -- Goin' commando!

One caution - Most of the regular Seagull Guitars have pretty wide necks. Great if you want a wide neck. Seagull does have models that have a normal neck width. Just have to check it before you buy.

If you want a Seagull in normal neck width but can't find one, check out Simon and Patrick, made by the company that makes Seagull (LaSiDo/Godin out of Canada). They are comparable to Seagull, but may run a little higher, and come in normal neck width.

Godin also makes an even less expensive brand called Art & Lutherie. Great sounding guitars at an even lower price. Solid tops, laminate sides, and rosettes that are not inlayed help cut the costs.

These guitars are not the prettiest to look at, but they ARE the best sounding acoustics for the price, IMO. I have owned several Godins, and love their products.

Here's their web site and a link. Good luck!

http://www.godinguitars.com/

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/seagull-acoustic-electric-guitars-acoustic-guitars?N=100001+304276+202985