Subj : Help! - guitar newbie
To   : Psyduk Freek
From : Jenn Cowfish
Date : Wed Jul 19 2000 06:38 pm

PL> Jenn Cowfish wrote in a message to All:

JC> I was just wondering if you more experienced guitarist could give
JC> me some advice here...

JC> I want an Ibanez 7-string which costs, as I was informed by a
JC> guitar magazine, close to 3 000$ . I really want that guitar, it's
JC> my dream instrument.  The only thing is the money. I was wondering
JC> if I should keep saving for the Ibanez guitar, which could take me
JC> several more years, or if I should just start shopping around for a

PL> I would highly recommend you find yourself a quality instrument
PL> at a more reasonable cost.  After 20+ years of playing, my dream
PL> instrument has changed more times than I care to contemplate.  Besides,
PL> think of how much more playing time you'll "waste" saving for the
PL> Ibanez...

JC> more affordable one now. If I'm going to get one now, basically the
JC> only thing I'm looking for is an electric guitar that produces
JC> sounds I like. My current budget for guitars right now would be
JC> around 500$, not including amps and other equiptment. I'm aware

PL> That will buy you a good quality guitar. Again, your style and
PL> likes will develop as you improve and your "holy grail" will change.
PL> I'd also recommend you take someone who knows guitars to help with the
PL> selection process.  They won't be able to tell you what  feels right in
PL> your hands but they will be able to evaluate the instrument for
PL> quality.  Picking a guitar is a very personal thing but as a beginner,
PL> you'll really not know what you'll like as you develop...
PL>

JC> Something else I'd like to know is how hard/easy it is to get
JC> started on the guitar.  I'm not asking to become Santana in a week,
JC> but I'm just wondering how long does it take to get the basics
JC> down. As a player of over half a dozen different instruments, I
JC> know that none of them are easy.  But what I mean is it easy to
JC> start up on, like will I need lessons, or will it take me years to
JC> learn off books etc.? Like I mentioned above, I've never played
JC> guitar before.  The only thing I have going for me is the fact that
JC> I have 10 working fingers.

PL> That's also very personal.  I've known folks who could read a
PL> book and learn everything and others who absolutely had to have an
PL> instructor to walk them through every step.  The only sure way to find
PL> out is to start!!  :)  I can guarantee very sore fingers at first and
PL> (as I'm sure you know playing that many instruments) moments of
PL> complete frustration.  But you'll also experience moments of unrivaled
PL> joy when you attain onness, you can do no wrong and your very soul
PL> becomes part of the instrument.  that's what has kept me playing
PL> through the years.  It's a hell of a ride, welcome to the party!  :)
PL> Paul
PL>
PL> -!- timEd 1.10.y2k
PL>  ! Origin: Paul's point, Salt Lake City, Utah. (1:218/704.16)



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