So you’ve chosen to take up the guitar. Good for you! Now comes the hard part: which guitar is the best to start playing on? Well, the answer to that question depends on many things. It depends on what kind of music you enjoy listening to, what kind of music you are looking to play, and what kind of level you wish to reach–amateur or professional.
Before we go over each topic, let us first discuss the differences between Electric and Acoustic guitars.
The main difference between an Electric and Acoustic guitar is the fact that the Electric must be plugged into an amplifier in order to be heard loudly, while the Acoustic can be played and heard without the use of an amp. This is because Acoustic guitars have sound holes, which produce the sound. Electric guitars, on the other hand, don’t have a sound hole and are thus known as Hollow-body’s. Electric hollow-body’s can be heard by the people playing them, but are inaudible to others without the use of an amp. Additionally, there are Electric guitars with the ability to be played both acoustically and electrically because they have little sound holes. These are known as semi-hollow bodies and are very versatile because they can sound one way unplugged and another way on an amp. Finally, there are some Acoustic guitars, known as Acoustic-Electric’s, that can be played acoustically or on an amp. However, these are very different from semi-hollow bodies, because they sound pretty much the same unplugged or plugged–the only difference being that the Acoustic-Electric when plugged into the amp.
OK, now that we’ve briefly gone over the different types of Acoustic and Electric guitars, we can now move on to the criteria for choosing a guitar.
The Music You Enjoy Helps You Decide What Guitar to Buy: Let’s start off with the first topic. Obviously, those who enjoy listening to a certain kind of music are most likely going to want to play it on guitar. That is why you must take this into consideration when looking for a guitar. Choosing the wrong type of guitar could lead to frustration and giving up the instrument all together. Do you enjoy rock music–metal, modern, alternative and otherwise? Then chances are a hollow-body electric guitar is a wise choice. If that is the case, you will also want to purchase an amp. But what if you like rock music that makes use of both acoustic and electric guitar? Then perhaps a semi-hollow body guitar is the best choice. Or maybe you don’t like rock and instead enjoy country or mellow music. Acoustic or Acoustic-Electric guitar is then your best bet.
What Kind of Music Do You Want to Play?: Maybe you’re a big rock fan, but would rather learn to play mellow, acoustic-based songs. That’s perfectly fine, and if that’s the genre you wish to play, you definitely want to pick up an Acoustic or Acoustic-Electric guitar. It’s also possible that you’re a big fan of acoustic-pop but want to start playing rock & roll. Do yourself a favor and pick up a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar.
What Level Do You Wish to Achieve?: Are you just taking up the guitar for recreational purposes and not looking to form a band or master the instrument? The Electric guitar is probably a good choice. This is because Electric guitars are much easier to start playing on than Acoustics are. Electrics have thinner strings (which are easier to start playing on) and, when plugged into an amp, allow room for error. Beginner mistakes can be easily covered up with Electric guitars. However, you cannot expect to make mistakes and be a pro. Acoustic guitars do not cover up your mistakes at all–if anything, they highlight them. You are forced to play songs correctly and master techniques the right way. The learning curve of an Acoustic is steeper, but you will reap the rewards if you master it. A transition from Acoustic to Electric guitar will be incredibly easy, whereas a transition from Electric to Acoustic guitar will be a bit harder. Thinking about what you want to accomplish on the guitar is a big factor in your decision.
Well, there you have it. After you think deeply about the above topics, you should be able to decide what type of guitar to get. Once you’ve made that decision, you’ll probably want to check out our articles on “Choosing the right Acoustic guitar” and “Choosing the right Electric guitar”.
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for GuitarsLand.com Once you’ve decided on which guitar you want to get, you’ll probably want to check out our acoustic guitar buying guide [http://www.guitarsland.com/howtobuyelectric/] and our electric guitar buying guide [http://www.guitarsland.com/howtobuyacoustic/].
Thank you for reading, British Gas Energy Smart
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{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
How about that shot of Sarah Palin at about 3:11 and 7:44? Didn’t know she was into bassoon.
Only had it for a month. It sounds just great! I can’t believe the improvement in my system and I had a good amp before. I think it must be the computerized equalization that does it. However, it is very much like a computer in that it just stopped working and after goofing with it for a couple of hours I unplugged it and restarted and everything worked fine. Reboot anyone? Turning it on and off wouldn’t do it. Had to be unplugged and restarted to make it work. The only other thing is that it runs very hot. Puts out a ton of heat. So if I don’t have to reboot the thing all the time I’ll be very happy with it. Sounds great and has lots of program choices. Rating: 3 / 5
Vintage electric acoustic guitars are selling in eBay. Find the guitar you are looking for. Get it here.
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Similar but different.
The NCIS theme song was written and performed by "Numeriklab".
Well, plugging a guitar in, you have access to limitless effects, but ideally with most acoustic-electrics you won't use most of them. Ideally you're trying to get the natural sound of the acoustic box.
Most acoustics sound the same as acoustic electrics when not plugged in, however, there are some smaller boxes: ie f-hole casinos that won't sound as full when not plugged in, so even though they are acoustic electric, they aren't designed for being played without being run through an amp. Hope I answered your question clearly. I'm kinda tired.
Best of luck!
Photo: DONT MISS OUT!!!!!!!!!! P.U.S.H. ENT. UNPLUGGED!!!!!
Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars 6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pro…
RT when girls say freaky shit it sound differentShe said put it in all my holes I said it ain't gonna fit in your nose and ears
high price usually means that it is better quality.
or a brand name guitar.
yes,
different guitars suit different people because the sound they make.
thats like, different make-up colors suit different people.
this is awesome. thank you so much!
Can someone give me the skinny on that beautiful “period horn”? I’m assuming it’s a VERY early trumpet, but I want an accurate description. Thanks.
Please could you post Eleanor Rigby from this album – heard it on Radio 2 a few months ago but can’t find it anywhere on youtube!.
This is similar to a question regarding "standard" f-holes. My answer for that one is inserted below. Tacoma is one brand that has experimented with soundhole shape and placement:
There are not size regulations for the f-holes in a guitar.
Check out Buffalo Brothers Guitars' site. They have pictures of loads of high-end guitars, and you can readily see the f-holes vary quite a bit. btw – They're called f-holes because they look like the script letter f. This shape is common with older stringed instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, (most) mandolin, etc.
There are also several guitar makers who do away with the holes entirely to eliminate on-stage feedback. This means the instrument would rely on the electronics. As an alternative, you could utilize this no-hole concept and do an inlay or other finish to create the look you want.
Many acoustic flat-top makers experiment with varying shapes and placement of the soundhole as well. Their main concern is the creation and projection of sound.
So, you should be OK with any shape you want to try. Best wishes.
Going with friends is a fine idea, but they usually do play slow songs. They usually do whats the latest like pop, rap, (Lady gaga, Britney spears, Flo Rida, etc). I would say about every 5 songs (roughly) there will be a slow song. If it is awkward for you, just step outside for "fresh air".
Good luck!
NRJ Music Tour 2010 … J-5 … James Blunt et son nouveau le clip Stay The Night
excuse me, Can you please help to prompt: what is the cymbals with holes sound and name?
forget brother, nobody can do it like richie..hi is just amazing
楽しみー!!! RT 【NEWS@番組】 ザ少年倶楽部 PREMIUM SHOWでNEWSが披露するのは『Forever(Unplugged Ver.) 』と『Fighting Man』
Umm…wow. Okay, a rainstick works by having a "tube" as you put it, with a series of dividers throughout with holes punched through at random places. Then tiny beads, seeds or dried peas are put in the top. The sound comes from where they hit the dividers and gradually have to find their way through the holes down to the bottom. Thats why the sound lasts for so long. So in short…er…yes, it needs holes.
hehe, put in one of those nature/jungle cd's and see how he feels!! He may be caught swinging from vine to vine
New & Used Left Handed Acoustic Electric Guitars for Sale in our eBay store. Get it now.
http://www.musicansfriend.com
A classical guitar is a kind of accoustic guitar (accoustic just means not electric). I think you mean to compare a steel string accoustic with a nylon string accoustic (classical and flamenco guitars). As others have already said, normally all guitars are tuned the same so scales, chords etc. are the same.
Esteban Juega Rock Band Unplugged
Everlong*
Let’s be honest.. after the intro the song falls flat and it sucks
The Dean Playmate is the best beginners guitar you'll get. It's a cool guitar for only 70 bucks.
Here's some reviews for the Playmate and other good entry-level guitars.
http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/cheap-acoustic-guitars.html
堆堆堆!!!!地鐵那個我看了好感動!
Go-Go Dancers and Type O that’s perfection!
Q: lol awesome u play electric or acoustic o… A: Acoustic.
My Amp Went Out.: http://yearbook.com/ask/ittybittyandi/w9ng1
It’s not a beginner lesson bro. This is advanced shit.
78 personas gays
I like it, too!
I've never studied the history of music, but believe it was much "simpler" than ours. Have a look here:
Here's a much more detailed piece on the evolution of medieval music:
It's complicated, but I think I understand!
How to make solid-body, hollow-body and semi-acoustic electric guitars and bass guitars PDF-format
You should threw a glow stick down there instead
Выставка NAMM 2011 закончилась. Ее итоги еще будут подводить еще долго, но некоторые, особо быстрые, уже составили свои рейтинги лучшего оборудования, которое было представлено на выставке. Британский портал Musicradar.com как всегда оперативно составил свой хит парах новинок:
1. Zildjian Gen16 AE Acoustic Electric Cymbal. Действительно, пожалуй самая революционная разработка этого года.
I have a fender and my friend has an epiphone. We've both had a go on each others and I def prefer the fender and he prefers the epiphone! I think the best thing to do is try them out in a store and you'll know which one you personally prefer.
I've always though Fender was teh best guitar brand though myself.
kid friendly pop songs like Kids Bop
Dsiney did a version of rock songs
some like calming–some like up beat
basically–anything PG rated-that would be heard on popular radio stations-no obscene lyrics or songs endorsing violence, sex, drugs–
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