Swanny17 Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 Hi folks, I’m thinking of learning to play guitar and I’m in the market for a decent beginners acoustic guitar and I’m not sure where to start. I have quite small hands, and a skin graft of my left hand so it’d need to be quite soft strings and thinner neck I guess. Yamaha seems to crop up a lot but it’d be good to get some advice before purchasing. Happy to spend £200-£300 pound for one. Any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 Learn an electric instead. They tend to have slightly slimmer necks and strings are a thinner gauge so a lot easier on the hands and fingers. Acoustics tend to be strung with thicker strings, though some prefer thicker strings on an electric too depending on what sound they go for. You could also drop the tuning down half a note/step (for every string) to Eb (E flat), that way each string tension is that little bit loser. Buy a chromatic tuner though. Quite a lot of rock bands and guitarists drop down to Eb (see https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1096278). When I learnt the guitar I just wanted to start learning songs. Didn't bother about what each note or chord actually was at first. Then once I learnt enough songs, the chords started to stand out more, and the theory made sense. Plenty stuff on YouTube covering basic chords but I'd go for a tutorial that teaches you a song instead and doesn't focus on each particular piece of notation. Make it fun, learning a song right away is more of an achievement than knowing from the beginning what C, D and G are. You'll learn that anyway the more you play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swanny17 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 46 minutes ago, kila said: Learn an electric instead. They tend to have slightly slimmer necks and strings are a thinner gauge so a lot easier on the hands and fingers. Acoustics tend to be strung with thicker strings, though some prefer thicker strings on an electric too depending on what sound they go for. You could also drop the tuning down half a note/step (for every string) to Eb (E flat), that way each string tension is that little bit loser. Buy a chromatic tuner though. Quite a lot of rock bands and guitarists drop down to Eb (see https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1096278). When I learnt the guitar I just wanted to start learning songs. Didn't bother about what each note or chord actually was at first. Then once I learnt enough songs, the chords started to stand out more, and the theory made sense. Plenty stuff on YouTube covering basic chords but I'd go for a tutorial that teaches you a song instead and doesn't focus on each particular piece of notation. Make it fun, learning a song right away is more of an achievement than knowing from the beginning what C, D and G are. You'll learn that anyway the more you play. Thanks bud! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) I agree, don't get an acoustic unless you really really want one and prefer the sound. The strings will cut through you like butter (bit of an exaggeration). These seem to be getting high praise for the price of them...and at £99 quid you won't feel as bad if you lose interest! https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/180802330692008--eastcoast-gt100-black-mn You'd probably be better with a full package including amp etc mind you. Squires are a bit more reliable £249 https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/180629329159008--squier-pack-affinity-series-strat-hss-candy-apple-red Fender play is still doing 3 months free to help with learning. https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200409_PlayThrough_1M&utm_term=fender&src=email15DT040920pt&smtrctid=a4d9b7d9-0b65-4d43-9f11-e59cf76395e4&c3ch=email&c3nid=20200409_PlayThrough_1M Edited April 10, 2020 by Space Pirate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
been here before Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) Aye Id agree with kila go for electic although in my opinion accoustics are nicer to play and toughen up your fingers much better- you could always use nylon strings. Anyhow electrics... no point in an axe without an amp etc. Squier used to do a beginners starter pack which included the Strat, decent 10 or 15w amp, cables, tuner, couple of plecs for about 150 all in which is all youll need to get going at home. Theres some here.... https://www.gear4music.com/Fender/Squier-Guitar-Packs?page=1 Id disagree about learning chords though. Learn an A, D, C, E and youll be flying in no time. Its crazy how many great tunes are only those chords. There is masses on line- just find something that suits your own pace. Start with something simple- even just a nursery rhyme and the minute you play something you recognise and sounds like what your trying to play you'll fly! Good luck. 🤘 Edited April 10, 2020 by been here before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) Think of getting a cheap electric starter kit to start with. The sound of the guitar is less of an issue until you can reliably hit the sweet spot on each string and are able to start getting a bit more tone or fatness. A beginner will make even the most high end guitar sound awful, and a capable player make a cheap guitar sound good. For £113, you can get this copy of a Fender Stratocaster with amplifier, stand and tuner: https://www.amazon.co.uk/RockJam-Electric-Guitar-Superkit-Strings/dp/B01MRI3920 Oh and don't forget a bunch of plectrums too. Buy a mixed set of thickness, as that plays a key role in the overall tone and sound once you get good enough. Brian May used to play with a sixpence, which helped make his/Queen's sound so unique. Edited April 10, 2020 by kila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 On 10/04/2020 at 12:48, Space Pirate said: I agree, don't get an acoustic unless you really really want one and prefer the sound. The strings will cut through you like butter (bit of an exaggeration). These seem to be getting high praise for the price of them...and at £99 quid you won't feel as bad if you lose interest! https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/180802330692008--eastcoast-gt100-black-mn You'd probably be better with a full package including amp etc mind you. Squires are a bit more reliable £249 https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/180629329159008--squier-pack-affinity-series-strat-hss-candy-apple-red Fender play is still doing 3 months free to help with learning. https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200409_PlayThrough_1M&utm_term=fender&src=email15DT040920pt&smtrctid=a4d9b7d9-0b65-4d43-9f11-e59cf76395e4&c3ch=email&c3nid=20200409_PlayThrough_1M Cheers for the heads up re that guitar. Been after a cheap telecaster for pissing about on, ordered it. Should come Tuesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 27 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Cheers for the heads up re that guitar. Been after a cheap telecaster for pissing about on, ordered it. Should come Tuesday. Nice one, let me know what you think of it. Might get one myself at that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 Where are the Les Paul fans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 16 minutes ago, kila said: Where are the Les Paul fans? Here. Sold my last one for over a grand. Can't afford another one. Ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 (edited) Can't decide between an acoustic or an electric? Edited April 11, 2020 by Space Pirate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Space Pirate said: Nice one, let me know what you think of it. Might get one myself at that price. Will do. Not much of a 6 string player so probably can't give much in the way of a review. I'm sure it'll more than good enough for blasting out a few tunes in the house though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 Also signed up to Fender Play, looks pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 5 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Will do. Not much of a 6 string player so probably can't give much in the way of a review. I'm sure it'll more than good enough for blasting out a few tunes in the house though. If it stays in tune and the intonation isn't out, Magic. I'll be getting one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 1 minute ago, Space Pirate said: If it stays in tune and the intonation isn't out, Magic. I'll be getting one. That I can let you know 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 (edited) As some of you already know, over the last 2-3 weeks I've been looking to find the best electric guitar i can get for as little money as possible. I'd narrowed it down to about 4 but this was the one that did it for me early doors, purely down to how it sounded in youtube videos and the type of music i was looking to play. Anyway, i'm rambling. This is the guitar i'm going for, and yes, it's a 3 quarter scale guitar for bairns! 😂 £136 https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/jackson-js1x-rr-minion-amaranth-fb-satin-black Here it us up against a full scale £2500 guitar for pros! Edited April 14, 2020 by Space Pirate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 Here it is again without any editing going on. 4:10 in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboj Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 Got an Ibanez PC18 acoustic arriving tomorrow, £160 from guitarguitar. My first guitar, though I play bass a bit. Really looking forward to it, as Bhb said above, I'll be learning a small number of chords and playing songs, cant be bothered with theory. Bar chords and a capo will be my friends, i think. Been playing bass for 3 years and honestly I couldn't tell you much theory at all. I dont know where each note is on each string. But I can play (reasonably well) 5 pixies songs, 5 credence songs and another 10 -15 others, including heard it through the grapevine which I found pretty tough. Lack of theory hasn't hindered the fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 1 hour ago, jamboj said: Got an Ibanez PC18 acoustic arriving tomorrow, £160 from guitarguitar. My first guitar, though I play bass a bit. Really looking forward to it, as Bhb said above, I'll be learning a small number of chords and playing songs, cant be bothered with theory. Bar chords and a capo will be my friends, i think. Been playing bass for 3 years and honestly I couldn't tell you much theory at all. I dont know where each note is on each string. But I can play (reasonably well) 5 pixies songs, 5 credence songs and another 10 -15 others, including heard it through the grapevine which I found pretty tough. Lack of theory hasn't hindered the fun! Brilliant. There's nothing better than knowing that there's a new guitar on it's way to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 @jamboj What do you mean by theory? I can read tabs but that's about it. People hum and ho at metal players but they all know the feckin theory! All the guys that look like they're mental as **** , long hair etc. They're all geeks. haha. I think you need to learn all the scales to be a great player and that's something i haven't done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 On 11/04/2020 at 20:12, hmfc_liam06 said: That I can let you know 👍 Has it arrived yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takis4king Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 I have been trying to teach myself for a while and get a lot of satisfaction out of learning a 4 chord song, nothing complicated. The one thing I could do with help on is strumming patterns, anyone have any good methods or point me somewhere that could help me improve that aspect? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 40 minutes ago, Takis4king said: I have been trying to teach myself for a while and get a lot of satisfaction out of learning a 4 chord song, nothing complicated. The one thing I could do with help on is strumming patterns, anyone have any good methods or point me somewhere that could help me improve that aspect? Cheers Hmm, tap your knuckles on a desk. make a beat, rap rap da rap. speed it up. Switch it up, rap rap, dar rapp rapp, come up with loads of beats and then make them as strums on a guitar. Rap rap da rap rap, down up down up down. That probably made no sense. 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takis4king Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Thank you for the help guys, much appreciated. Both very helpful. Being honest, the guitar has been a god send during this time, can lose myself for hours in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 12 hours ago, Space Pirate said: Has it arrived yet? Has it ****!!!! DPD were meant to be deliver it yesterday, and going by their updates it's not reached the Edinburgh depot yet. Guitar Guitar have been decent, refunded my next day delivery fee straight away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 12 hours ago, Takis4king said: I have been trying to teach myself for a while and get a lot of satisfaction out of learning a 4 chord song, nothing complicated. The one thing I could do with help on is strumming patterns, anyone have any good methods or point me somewhere that could help me improve that aspect? Cheers Have a look at Fender Play, 3 months free. They go into strumming patterns on the couple of videos I watched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Has it ****!!!! DPD were meant to be deliver it yesterday, and going by their updates it's not reached the Edinburgh depot yet. Guitar Guitar have been decent, refunded my next day delivery fee straight away. That's shit. Pretty sure it's free next day delivery with orders over 99 quid. Should have bought some plectrums or something. Not that it matters now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Just now, Space Pirate said: That's shit. Pretty sure it's free next day delivery with orders over 99 quid. Should have bought some plectrums or something. Not that it matters now. They must have pulled that offer, I bought a tuner and cable taking it over 99 but there was no free delivery. Didn't mind paying the extra few quid but here we are... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, hmfc_liam06 said: They must have pulled that offer, I bought a tuner and cable taking it over 99 but there was no free delivery. Didn't mind paying the extra few quid but here we are... Ah right. I've got a feeling I'll be waiting a while for mine. I ordered it from PMT down south because they had the cheapest price. I've been on their Facebook page and there's a lot of people moaning about not receiving their stuff, some of them have been waiting a month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Just checked guitar guitar, they've changed it to orders over £199 for free delivery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 2 hours ago, Space Pirate said: Ah right. I've got a feeling I'll be waiting a while for mine. I ordered it from PMT down south because they had the cheapest price. I've been on their Facebook page and there's a lot of people moaning about not receiving their stuff, some of them have been waiting a month! Looks like it's on its way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackal Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 3 months free if there are still codes. No card details needed. Hope it helps someone. https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?banner=PLAY_20200323.PlayThrough2020.Pencil.Shop I have been trying to learn for ages and have bought both electric and acoustic. The electric is easier to play and I put light strings on it as well but I like the acoustic as well as it stretches your finger span just a little bit more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Looks like it's on its way! Christ, even I'm starting to get excited 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 10 minutes ago, Space Pirate said: Christ, even I'm starting to get excited 😂 I've never been so excited for a pishy 99 quid guitar 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 32 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: I've never been so excited for a pishy 99 quid guitar 😂 Haha, Christmas has came early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 On 11/04/2020 at 20:11, Space Pirate said: If it stays in tune and the intonation isn't out, Magic. I'll be getting one. Intonation seems spot on mate. Staying in tune...I'll let you know but all signs are good so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 minute ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Intonation seems spot on mate. Staying in tune...I'll let you know but all signs are good so far. Happy days. Aye, let me know how you get on with it. Run your hand up and down the neck, any sharp edges from the frets? Check the volume nobs, do you hear crackling when you turn them? Did you get the black one with the black scratch plate? They've stopped doing that one now Definitely the nicest looking one imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 3 minutes ago, Space Pirate said: Happy days. Aye, let me know how you get on with it. Run your hand up and down the neck, any sharp edges from the frets? Check the volume nobs, do you hear crackling when you turn them? Did you get the black one with the black scratch plate? They've stopped doing that one now Definitely the nicest looking one imo. Frets aren't the smoothest. No crackling. Yeah black on black. Was that or the smashed avocado. Glad I went black now that I see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 2 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Frets aren't the smoothest. No crackling. Yeah black on black. Was that or the smashed avocado. Glad I went black now that I see it. Sounds like you've got a rammer for the money. You can always smooth off the edges yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 3 minutes ago, Space Pirate said: Sounds like you've got a rammer for the money. You can always smooth off the edges yourself. No complaints for the money, definitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 5 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: No complaints for the money, definitely. Upload a photo of it if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Yes we need some guitar porn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Only negative I've discovered so far is the low E rattles a tiny bit on the 1st fret. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 (edited) 3 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Only negative I've discovered so far is the low E rattles a tiny bit on the 1st fret. Oaaft, that brings back memories. You have to deal with that sort of thing with budget guitars. Can't say i know how to fix that one. Bit of graphite pencil in the nut slot? Raise the action slightly on that string? Edited April 15, 2020 by Space Pirate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmfc_liam06 Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 minute ago, Space Pirate said: Oaaft, that brings back memories. You have to deal with that sort of thing with budget guitars. Can't say i know how to fix that one. Bit of graphite pencil in the nut slot? It's nothing major tbh, I've only noticed it since turning the amp off as the wee one has gone to bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 (edited) 2 minutes ago, hmfc_liam06 said: It's nothing major tbh, I've only noticed it since turning the amp off as the wee one has gone to bed. It does look very nice. Love a maple neck these days. Edited April 15, 2020 by Space Pirate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Great song to learn on the guitar. Reasonably easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry Haggis Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, hmfc_liam06 said: Looking good mate. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greedy Jambo Posted April 15, 2020 Share Posted April 15, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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