Most people take up an instrument when they're kids right? And I can safety assume there aren't any pesky 8 year olds pulling at their parent's coat sleeves to get them an electric guitar. So right now I'm aiming at those parents I just mentioned and for those of you looking to take up guitar but aren't too sure where to start. I'm speaking from experience here. I started guitar when I was 10 and I'm now 16. So I've passed through the beginner phase. Anywho, here we go.
First things first DO NOT BUY ANYTHING TOO EXPENSIVE. Regardless of how much money you have there is absolutely no need. For a simple first guitar you want to be looking at something at around £150-250 max. The crucial thing isn't so cheap that it's going to give up on you as soon as you've played it for a week but not so expensive that you're constantly worried you're going to drop it.
Often you will be looking at brands who don't make expensive guitars (I.E. don't expect to find a £150 Gibson just because you've heard of Gibson) so Encore, Gear4Music - big company in the UK for those of you across the pond. However, there are two specifically i'd be directing my eyes towards...
Squire and Epiphone. These are side branches of Fender and Gibson respectively but they don't have the big price tags attached.
Lets start with Squire. I own a cheap starter Squire strat and I rather love it. I have no idea exactly how much my parents paid for it but no more than £150. It came equipped with a small practice amp, lead, strap and a few pics - enough to make you feel like a rockstar when you're 10. Despite all but the guitar breaking within a few months it was a great bit of kit to start on. ALWAYS bear in mind that this is only a starter guitar, you can upgrade if you get a bit better.
Epiphone are like I said a branch of Gibson. In my opinion they are slightly (very slightly) more up market than Squire but not significantly. You're likely to pay a little more but for a higher quality. In fact some Epiphones have been said to have equal build quality to Gibsons. You also have the added bonus of a far wider range of guitar shapes (this is pretty important when you're starting out, you wanna look the part right?) - Les Paul, SG, ES style etc.
There are plenty to out there to get started on. However remember what i've said - don't buy expensive - there really is no point. Personally I think starter packages aren't a bad idea but I suppose you might have inherited an amp from somewhere. Oh and one more quick pointer. If you're thinking you're an acoustic player more than an electric definately don't buy really cheap (I.E £50). The bridges have a tendency to be awful and the thing just simply won't stay in tune.
All that considered, get ready for some pain in those finger tips, its a tough ride for the first few months. Happy playing newbies!
Peace, Linus
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