I've decided I'm going to try learning guitar. . .again. I say "again" because I've tried a couple of different times in life, beginning back when I was a teenager. Then about 20 years ago I tried again. It seems each time I progress a little more, but I eventually stop. Now, I'm trying again and this time I'm determined to stay with it.

I'm not the fastest learner. I'm not musically inclined, but I have a decent ear for music. My question is, what advice would you give to me that will help me the most? A local music store offers a complimentary lesson, so I'm starting there and then will probably continue with lessons for a little while.

Another question, does it make sense to buy a nice guitar while I'm just learning? I could sell off some toys and get a nice guitar. But I would be embarrassed to buy something really nice and then just barely be able to strum it. I have a Big Baby Taylor (3/4 size guitar) right now. It is decent. But I have had my heart on a nice Taylor for years. I would like to buy a nice guitar. But wonder if doing so is foolish. What are your thoughts and advice?

Give the Yousician app a look. It may suit your learning pace. I too have always wanted a nice American made Taylor. I finally went for it cause the pandemic has radically altered my home life. ( I am an enabler, btw)

quote:

Originally posted by Oscars father:
Give the Yousician app a look. It may suit your learning pace. I too have always wanted a nice American made Taylor. I finally went for it cause the pandemic has radically altered my home life. ( I am an enabler, btw)

OK I'll check out Yousician! Thanks! I like enablers, btw! Which Taylor did you get?

The only reason not to buy the guitar you’re really craving is that you’re not convinced that you will stay with it. If you’re serious this time, buy it. If you’re not, stay with the baby Taylor. The Taylor you have should be plenty good to get started with. If it’s not pretty easy to finger, have it set up again

YouTube. Seriously, if it was around when I was learning guitar nearly 30 years ago, it would've made it much easier.

Consider a used Taylor so even if you end up giving up on guitar, you won't lose as much. A 300 series Taylor is a very nice guitar. I'm a Martin person myself but I haven't played a Taylor I didn't like.

There are a few reputable dealers. One is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. I've bought a couple guitars from them.

My advice, play every day, even if for just a few minutes.

As far as the guitar goes, there are so many nice mid range guitars out there it would be difficult to chose one. If you have your heart set on a Taylor it's hard to go wrong there. If a new guitar motivates you to play, all the better.

quote:

Originally posted by Rigby470:
Another question, does it make sense to buy a nice guitar while I'm just learning? I could sell off some toys and get a nice guitar. But I would be embarrassed to buy something really nice and then just barely be able to strum it. I have a Big Baby Taylor (3/4 size guitar) right now. It is decent. But I have had my heart on a nice Taylor for years. I would like to buy a nice guitar. But wonder if doing so is foolish. What are your thoughts and advice?

The BBT is a good guitar to learn on, properly set up.

I'll put it this way: A guitar that you're really attracted to and excited about will inspire you to play. You'll want to play it. Leave it out where you can see it and not just packed away in the case and it will call to you and you'll find yourself playing it often. Similarly, the guilt of having a fine guitar that you're attracted to and excited about languishing untouched, sitting in the case, will also motivate you to play it. It's easy to forget about and ignore a guitar that doesn't interest or excite you. We also only live once, and denying yourself something that could truly bring you joy because you're afraid you won't hold up your end of the bargain doesn't do you any favors.

If you can afford a nice Taylor, and want one, then buy one. If it sits in the case and you decide you're not the next Tommy Emmanuel, then you can sell it. Used Taylors in minty condition sell well.

quote:

Originally posted by P220 Smudge:

quote:

Originally posted by Rigby470:
Another question, does it make sense to buy a nice guitar while I'm just learning? I could sell off some toys and get a nice guitar. But I would be embarrassed to buy something really nice and then just barely be able to strum it. I have a Big Baby Taylor (3/4 size guitar) right now. It is decent. But I have had my heart on a nice Taylor for years. I would like to buy a nice guitar. But wonder if doing so is foolish. What are your thoughts and advice?

The BBT is a good guitar to learn on, properly set up.

I'll put it this way: A guitar that you're really attracted to and excited about will inspire you to play. You'll want to play it. Leave it out where you can see it and not just packed away in the case and it will call to you and you'll find yourself playing it often. Similarly, the guilt of having a fine guitar that you're attracted to and excited about languishing untouched, sitting in the case will also motivate you to play it. It's easy to forget about and ignore a guitar that doesn't interest or excite you. We also only live once, and denying yourself something that could truly bring you joy because you're afraid you won't hold up your end of the bargain doesn't do you any favors.

I love this forum so much!!

quote:

Leave it out where you can see it and not just packed away in the case and it will call to you and you'll find yourself playing it often.

This would be my #1 piece of advice. Having played for more than 50 years, I know that "out of sight, out of mind" means that other things always seem to find a way to become "more important." I currently have three guitars (and one ukulele) sitting within arm's reach of my living room sofa. I've been known to simply stop whatever it is I'm doing, reach over, and spend some quality time with an instrument.

What's your budget?

Can never go wrong buying quality instruments. Worst case is that you can sell them on the used market. Can't really do that with shitty guitars.

I'd say buy the best instrument you can afford, and then take it to the best tech you can find to get the best setup.

Guitars that are easy to play make learning so much easier. Tuning stability, wood stability, etc.

I wouldn't go out an buy a $5K Taylor (just yet). But you can get a lot of guitar for $1k these days.

justinguitar.com for free

Keep it out and at hand. Play every day.

If nothing else, I run pentatonic patterns on an unplugged electric while we watch tv at night.

The internet is full of tab sites like Ultimate Guitar. Pick some songs you like with easy chords and get to strumming. That's the best learning tool to me. Playing music you enjoy, even if simplified.

That Taylor is a nice guitar to learn on and play in general.

What level of playing are you at now? Do you know any chords? If so, can you switch between them without much effort? If not, stay with the baby Taylor and learn you're basic chords. You'll be able to make a much better choice when it comes time to buy another guitar if you can actually play some chords. It would be like buying a nice car before you get a license.

I got half way through the Mel Bay #1
Book.
Could do the chords ok
Just not in succession .

It was a tough go,at ten.
Much later in life it made sense,
When diagnosed with dyslexia .

Four other kids breezed right through,

quote:

Originally posted by fwbulldog:
I wouldn't go out an buy a $5K Taylor (just yet). But you can get a lot of guitar for $1k these days.

This is very true.

In a Taylor, the 300 series is a decent place to start if you're looking to upgrade from the BBT. You're into all solid woods, and for around a grand. A few hundred more, and you're into a spring or fall limited, and those are a stellar deal in terms of features for the money.

quote:

Originally posted by sigspecops:
What level of playing are you at now? Do you know any chords? If so, can you switch between them without much effort? If not, stay with the baby Taylor and learn you're basic chords. You'll be able to make a much better choice when it comes time to buy another guitar if you can actually play some chords. It would be like buying a nice car before you get a license.

Not a very apt comparison, imo.

Let's compare it to guns. Yes, you can learn the basic fundamentals of marksmanship with a Crickett .22, but if you wanted to drop about a grand and purchase a Colt AR, you might find yourself more motivated to head out to the range and practice, and I can hardly imagine anyone on this forum trying to discourage someone from doing so. It seems that the old rule of thumb about starting with a beginner guitar and mastering that before you move on to something nice just won't quit. It's almost akin to "spend the money on ammo and training instead."

For what it's worth, I've met more far more players who've quit playing because of lack of interest or frustration with the limits of their personal guitar (and usually don't even know it) than I have players that bought a good guitar and regretted it. I can't actually think of anyone I've ever met or talked to saying "I wish I had waited until I was a little better before buying that Gibson/Taylor/Martin/Whatever."

quote:

Originally posted by sigspecops:
What level of playing are you at now? Do you know any chords? If so, can you switch between them without much effort? If not, stay with the baby Taylor and learn you're basic chords. You'll be able to make a much better choice when it comes time to buy another guitar if you can actually play some chords. It would be like buying a nice car before you get a license.

I know several of the major chords and can switch between most of them with a slight amount of pause. I like the BBT for practice. But I have this lingering notion that if I get to where I want to be I will eventually want a full size guitar with electronics. So my thinking is, why not go ahead and get that now?

I’ve found the size difference between a 3/4 and full sized guitar was just enough to mess me up. I’d buy the size you really want to play.

The Baby Taylor is 3/4 scale and the Big Baby Taylor 15/16 scale. So, much closer to full scale length and the accompanying fret spacing and the muscle memory he’s programming in won’t be all messed up transitioning from a 3/4, which has much tighter fret spacing.

Others have given excellent advice. I too say that you should play every day if only for 10 minutes. You will be surprised how the 10 minutes turns into 20 minutes or more.

In addition to playing stuff that you like, get yourself a book of exercises like "The Guitar Finger Gym..... by Simon Pratt and Joseph Alexander and include that in your daily routine.

Also, I would suggest purchasing an electric guitar and amplifier. You can get a decent setup for three to five hundred dollars. Perhaps a Fender Squier Strat or Epiphone Les Paul along with a VOX Pathfinder amplifier.

Invest in a quality instrument. Guitar Center has 24 months no interest right now....

That said, plan on spending at least $1,200-1,500 on a solid wood guitar. I love Martins in that price range but the 300 series of Taylor's are great as well. You can even get into a Gibson at about $1,500 if you shop. The key is to play a lot of different shapes and woods to find what you like the best.

Spend $200 more for Tony's Acoustic Challenge membership.
Tonypolecastro.com
It is worth the investment

Play every day for at least 10 minutes and know what you are going to be working on ahead of time. Intentionality and discipline will result in success.

Most of all, have fun. It is cheaper than shooting, but not much...

Go to Guitar Center to check out the guitar that “fits”, feels, sounds and plays like you want. Then leave, and buy it somewhere else, I HATE GUITAR SATAN (guitar center)!, Go to Sweetwater find the model and contact Zach!! There are TONS of online programs out there! The main thing is have FUN!