Any self taught guitarists?

This might sound dumb, but does the type of guitar make a huge difference when learning?

We have some acoustic guitars which were sitting in the garage and I dug them out to learn, but I actually want to play an electric guitar. Would it have any major impact if I learnt the basics on acoustic and moved on to an electric, or should I just go for an electric from the get go?
 
Smeghead said:
This might sound dumb, but does the type of guitar make a huge difference when learning?

We have some acoustic guitars which were sitting in the garage and I dug them out to learn, but I actually want to play an electric guitar. Would it have any major impact if I learnt the basics on acoustic and moved on to an electric, or should I just go for an electric from the get go?
Click to expand...

What you need is a nice low action ( the distance of the strings from the fret board)

To high...And it becomes hard to press, fingers bleed and people give up.

Most acoustics have a higher action and heavier gauge strings than an electric making it harder to play.

I taught myself on an old Hohner Start copy electric.
 
Smeghead said:
This might sound dumb, but does the type of guitar make a huge difference when learning?

We have some acoustic guitars which were sitting in the garage and I dug them out to learn, but I actually want to play an electric guitar. Would it have any major impact if I learnt the basics on acoustic and moved on to an electric, or should I just go for an electric from the get go?
Click to expand...

What Easyrider says but you'll find most of the 'Guitar Greats' did start on the crappiest guitars ever made and just carried on suffering and it made them who they are.
I personally learned on an old Hohner back in 1970 and by the time my Dad treated me to a Telecaster in 1972 my fingers had gone through hell and every guitar was easy after that.
 
Dimple said:
What Easyrider says but you'll find most of the 'Guitar Greats' did start on the crappiest guitars ever made and just carried on suffering and it made them who they are.
I personally learned on an old Hohner back in 1970 and by the time my Dad treated me to a Telecaster in 1972 my fingers had gone through hell and every guitar was easy after that.
Click to expand...

That's probably largely due to the fact that back in the 50's 60's, before CNC machines were invented/used, cheap guitars were piece of crap and lack consistency in quality control. So when they started out, unless they can afford the Gibson or Fenders (which were supposed to bring the price down with the bolt on neck), they end up having to learn on something really crap. Even Brian May made his own out of bits of wood from the fire place because he couldn't afford to buy a guitar.

But now days even a cheap one can be pretty decent.
 
Dimple said:
Absolutely and that's why you need to go and buy a piece of crap so you can appreciate your collection more :D
Click to expand...

I actually have a £49 telecaster kit from Thomann's that I have been meaning to put together :p

But tonight I've been going between my collection, leaving my amp settings the same and it's amazing how much different they all sound. I have to admit learning on a PRS is pretty sweet :D
 
Last edited:
Raymond Lin said:
I actually have a £49 telecaster kit from Thomann's that I have been meaning to put together :p
Click to expand...

Make sure there's a good inch between the strings and the 12th fret then you'll have a good idea what a learnt on.

Raymond Lin said:
But tonight I've been going between my collection, leaving my amp settings the same and it's amazing how much different they all sound. I have to admit learning on a PRS is pretty sweet :D
Click to expand...

Bah, just get a Tyler JTV guitar.

Last night I was practising with my 3rd band and I was using Gibsons, Strats, Tele's, Martin 12 strings, Martin 12 string tuned to F# and a banjo for a Johnny Cash tune and Dobro for The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.
I really can't be stuffed with using multi guitars now.
 
Dimple said:
Make sure there's a good inch between the strings and the 12th fret then you'll have a good idea what a learnt on.



Bah, just get a Tyler JTV guitar.

Last night I was practising with my 3rd band and I was using Gibsons, Strats, Tele's, Martin 12 strings, Martin 12 string tuned to F# and a banjo for a Johnny Cash tune and Dobro for The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.
I really can't be stuffed with using multi guitars now.
Click to expand...

Yes, but you are with a band, i am in my front room enjoying the guitars because I actually enjoy the variety :)

Just been playing the intro to Smoke on the water with a LP into a fuzz pedal into a clean 6L6 amp (probably not the way they did it, but it's late at night)...i have to say...the tone is pretty damn close !!! lol Even I am shocked !
 
Last edited:
Smeghead said:
This might sound dumb, but does the type of guitar make a huge difference when learning?

We have some acoustic guitars which were sitting in the garage and I dug them out to learn, but I actually want to play an electric guitar. Would it have any major impact if I learnt the basics on acoustic and moved on to an electric, or should I just go for an electric from the get go?
Click to expand...

It has to have a decent action and easy to tune and stay in tune.

After that it depends what music you like. I learned on an acoustic, but always preferred electric. Haven't played in years.
 
Nix said:
When you're comfortable with that, start to learn how to barre chords and learn:

B, F, etc
Click to expand...

Good advice personally I would learn to avoid the use of barre as much as possible, there is often a better way to play that not only saves strain on your wrist (made easier by playing standing up) but also strengthens your grip as well as giving you other options around that note, not to mention the most obvious, speed. Barre chords are a slow way to play IMO (although there are occasions you have to use them).

I am self taught but unless you are very determined and disciplined you may find yourself in a rut. Personally I took 3 years of lessons with a great jazz guitarist and he really helped me not only with better finger positions but also the smaller bad habits I'd fallen into.

Of course you can get to an excellent level on your own but no harm gleaning tips from someone who has been there and made the mistakes.

Just seen last post - good point and definitely worth making sure the action (distance between fretboard and strings) isn't too high as it makes it much more difficult to play. I had my main acoustic (Yamaha LA8) setup last week for the first time in years and it really made such a difference, in fact so much so that my hand was hurting from trying to force out clear notes when I didn't actually have to any more.
 
oulton said:
I was being snarky, sounds good, I'm just trying to get my head round the whole improv style of things.
Click to expand...

Yeah...

Don't ask me to play that improv again the same...It just wouldn't happen.

A few licks would remain...Old faithful's but depending on mood it would come out totally different.

:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom