Is it hard to teach yourself how to play the guitar?

Is it hard to teach yourself how to play the guitar?

I taught myself (pretty much; I did learn some from a friend, and I also took a beginner’s course at the local community college, although the class was really below my level at the time, so it didn’t do alot of good other than to force me to practice). It’s pretty hard, but the more you learn, the easier it is to learn how to do more and more stuff. Anyway, the book that helped me the most as a total beginner was Guitar For Dummies. I’m not kidding. It really helped alot. I’d say lessons aren’t really a necessity, although I’m sure you will learn faster if you get them.

As for “good” guitars, it depends what you’re looking for. Acoustic? Electric? How much do you want to spend? In general, good brands for acoustics would be Martin and Taylor, although they’re generally quite expensive. Good electrics would be Fender and Gibson. But there are lots of cheaper guitars that are great too. I’d recommend Blueridge for a cheap, yet good, acoustic, if you can find a shop that deals them. I have a BR 63 and it’s nice. It was about $450. You could also try a Martin X series (Google them; they’re cheaper than a normal Martin, but sound great. I have one).

For a beginner electric, try a MIM (made in Mexico) Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster. A Squier (made by Fender) is also a good choice, and cheaper, although I’d recommend getting one of their “standard” series rather than an Affinity series.

The best advice is to take someone to the shop with you who already plays.

ETA: Oh yeah, and whatever you buy…GET THE SHOP TO DO A SETUP, especially if you’re buying a cheapo guitar! Many places will do it for free if you buy the guitar there. Otherwise, it might cost $25-$40. But it’s worth it, because the guitar will be easier to play.

Guitar Lesson – The Basics – Beginner Guitar Book Chords

Fender Presents: Getting Started on Electric Guitar — A Guide for Beginners $14.21 Over 3 hours long with 50 interactive guitar lessons on DVD. Covers tuning, essential chords and scales, music reference, practice tips, rhythm techniques, play-along tracks with a band, 3-D fretboard graphics, instrument care, and more. Includes 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and German. Hosted by Keith Wyatt of the Musicians Institute….

Fender Presents: Getting Started on Acoustic Guitar — A Guide for Beginners $15.93 Over 3 hours long with 50 interactive lessons. Covers tuning, essential chords and scales, music reference, practice tips, rhythm techniques, play-along tracks with a band, 3-D fretboard graphics, instrument care, and more. Includes 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and German. Hosted by Keith Wyatt of the Musicians Institute….

The Acoustic Guitar Method $26.08 These carefully graded starter lessons for the acoustic guitar are based on David Hamburger’s best-selling books, issued by the publishers of Acoustic Guitar magazine. Beginner guitarists will learn how to use a pick and form all the most important chords, while those with some guitar experience will learn fingerpicking styles and other essential playing techniques. More than two-dozen classic son…