Hey all, my son (16) is wanting to get into guitar playing. I know nothing about the playing… One of several regrets in my life is not pursuing some type of musical instrument. I was always fond of guitars.
Those of you that play, could you suggest the above stated? I’d like to know more myself since he is interested.
As always, appreciate your time and feedback.
Thank you!
I'm an acoustic guy and may be able to lend some decent starter advice.
Yamaha brand is known for it's quality, no need to setup, and ease right out of the gate for a beginner. I believe anything the FG or FS series would be a great no frills starting guitar. Brand new these days I believe they run $200-$275.
I bought a Yamaha FG700S off Facebook Marketplace 2 days ago for $120 to take with me and leave at my girlfriend's parent's house, which is out of the country. It is hard for them to get things like this over there and I wanted something acceptable but also something I wouldn't cry about if it shattered into a million pieces while traveling there lol.
The FS models are smaller than a normal size guitar (the FG models) but not so much that the FS is a mini guitar. The FS are also solid spruce tops (solid wood) instead of laminate so it makes for a better guitar construction generally.
The Yamaha JR models are 3/4 mini guitars that again will have the consistent quality for a starter and I saw those things all over Facebook Marketplace for $100 a pop with the carrying case it comes with. This would be great if you need a smaller guitar depending on the size of the kid. Added bonus is that it travels well and mini guitars do completely fine when out camping or on trips. They aren't going to blow anyone away with their sound but that is not their purpose, they are intended to allow someone to travel easily and still play guitar.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Guitar picks... I suggest you just go ahead and get these .73mm with grip texture and never look back and avoid fighting with holding a pick while trying to learn how to play:
Click Here for Guitar Pic on Amazon
- It is wise (basically mandatory) to have a case that fits the size of guitar you have. Amazon has them $27+ all day long and will allow you to store and carry the guitar keeping it safe.
- It is wise (also basically mandatory) to have a decent stand to put the thing in should you get up and go to the bathroom or want the guitar out of the case and ready to grab and play. I prefer small/short but sturdy ones that can fold and travel well or be put away easily.
I am trying this one and it should be in today if you would like me to report back on whether it is good to go or trash. I ordered this stand for the new guitar I purchased because a stand is mandatory in my book, because you cant just be laying a guitar around or laying it back in a case and hope you always have space to do so or hope nothing is going to happen to it if you lay it bare on some piece of furniture or lean it against something. It will fall and hit the floor if it is not in a stand or locked up in the case, I guarantee it!
If he takes to it,
or you take to it, then later on you will likely want to get a capo which raises the pitch of the guitar by pressing down all the strings across a whole fret, and also you will want to get a set of better strings than what it came with the guitar.
Conclusion
This is all for entry level guitar stuff, especially in the acoustic world. I spent about $245 total 2 days ago to buy a Yamaha FG700S ($120) beginner guitar, 2 sets of guitar strings, a capo, a guitar stand, and a waterproof'ish soft carrying case (all about $125 on
Amazon) so I can take an acceptable guitar to leave out of the country and be able to play when I visit. I already have guitar picks but they aren't going to break the bank either.
I mainly play my Epiphone Dove (made by Gibson) and love it. I picked up 5 years ago and it's a $500 guitar model. I wanted the majority of the build and performance of what I could get out of a Gibson Dove without paying the $3-4.5k price for a Gibson hahaha. It does all I want.
I also have a couple of other acoustic guitars that are not as good and keep them because of the sentimental circumstances that led to how I got them.
No matter whether you go acoustic or electric it is good to know what brand and models will be automatic pick up and play vs needing to replace of modify the plastic nut, plastic saddle, adjust neck tension, etc., etc. People starting out want to learn to play not learn how to modify a guitar so it plays well. Hence me just grabbing a Yamaha as my cheapo guitar.
More expensive guitars will have all this work done to them, but if someone doesn't even know how to play a guitar then getting the most expensive guitar is not a wise step to take. They don't know they will ever stick with it so don't break the bank on the 1st guitar :D
I hope this info helps!
