Leaderboard

As a beginner myself, I'd agree wholeheartedly with Dad, learning good technique at the beginning will eliminate many problems, especially sore fingers and strain on the fingers and hand. I don't know if I'm allowed to name specific stores , but I bought an Eastman Electro acoustic from Richards Guitars in Stratford upon Avon, . It was set up to my requirements and shipped to Ireland. They also sell lovely entry level EastmaN PCH electro acoustic. I played one of those when I visited the store last November, lovely sound and feel to it. Just an amateurs opinion, but it might be worth your while visiting the site, and talking with the guys there.. Hope this is helpful Yours sincerely. Mike Mike

Hello, I am also a newbie. I use Ernie Ball Mediums 13-56, and I find that they have a tone that I Like very much, hope this helps. Mike

I'd take the view that there are multiple answers to this question. One important (maybe the most important..?) factor in learning stuff, any stuff, at any age, is motivation, that's to say: wanting to. How many children were sat at a piano, or handed a recorder or violin, even having expensive lessons thrust upon them, but didn't take it on board, or even rejected the whole thing..? If the itch that needs scratching is for an electric guitar, then start off on an electric guitar. If the motivation is more towards classical music, a classical guitar would be the way to go. To get one's hand in by the (relatively..) easier route, an acoustic guitar can bring more rapid satisfaction (as long as the effort is put in, naturally...). For starting out, a decent acoustic guitar gives very rapid, almost instant, gratification, and will be held onto, even if other guitars are acquired over time. To get the best out of a classical guitar, there is, in my view, no substitute for a good classical guitar teacher, and will certainly involves reading music from the outset. The road is harder, but the rewards are commensurate. If it's a question of idolatry, and wanting to join in with the modern rock idiom, then an electric has its appeal, and can be enjoyed, at least for starting out, with only a practise amp, or even a jack-plug amp and headset. Complete beginner..? Find out why and what their interest is in the instrument, and get 'em started on that. Whatever the choice, a good tutor is a great asset, with the proviso that the pupil is willing to cooperate. If not, 'laisser faire' has produced legions of virtuoso players over the years, although the path is longer and more strewn with rocks. Better that, though, than being forced to learn in a way that doesn't fit the motivation. Have I answered the question..? Probably not; sorry.