Thread: How do I decide which type of guitar to get?

Ok, I want to get started learning how to play the guitar, but I'm basically clueless on how to start.
First off, What type do I want. I know I want an acoustic Guitar ,but whats up with the Dearthnought (sp?) guitar? And I guess theres more types. I want to play in front of audiences eventually. So can anyone tell me what kind of guitar to get or maybe a good website to help me get started?

Some websites:

http://guitar.about.com/ (lessons and beginner advice, etc)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ (you can read a lot of reviews of guitars, pricing info, etc)

http://ultimate-guitar.com/ (easily the best site for tabs, and there is a large forum, a lot of people aren't so nice with beginners there though)

A dreadnought guitar is just the standard shaped acoustic guitar. A classical guitar differs from it in shape. If you're just looking for the 'normal' dreadnought acoustic a steel string is probably best for you.

Plan to spend at least $250 for a good guitar to start out.

You should go to the guitar store and try to play as many guitars in your price range that you can find. Choose the one that sounds and feels the best. If you know someone who plays then see if you can get them to come along to help. You don't have to spend a lot of money but don't buy the cheapest thing that you can find just because of the price. That is the best advice I could give.

Go online and find a bunch in your price range and write down or print out the make and model numbers. (The store prices will be higher usually) You can use the paper to take notes about what you played and whether you liked it or not.

Some sites are musiciansfriend.com and samash.com

It's best to get it from a store since you can play the guitar and take it right home and know it is good. Tell the salesperson that you want the exact guitar you played and not one from the back. The one in back may be a dud and plus if they expect you to buy one that you haven't played yet you can go online and get it cheaper. Tell them that if they give you a hard time.

Guitar for Dummies is a good book for teaching yourself.

Wholenote.com is a good web site with all kinds of guitar lessons and articles. There are free lessons on youtube also.

Here are some online lesson sites:

http://www.guitar.about.com/
http://www.freebasicguitar.com/
http://www.abclearnhowtoplayguitar.com/
http://www.youtube.com/

Good luck

I'd start out on an acoustic if I were you, and a "classical" style guitar with nylon strings. They're a little cheaper, a little smaller, and a little easier on the fingers. Steel strings will teach you if you want to play really quick, due to finger pain. If you are willing to spend a little money, get an electric and a decent amp. I really didn't like guitar until I played with an electric.

By decent, I mean a 30 watt solid-state with a 10-12 inch speaker. You'll be able to get a richer sound out of it without breaking the bank.
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