Need a guitar? Need help choosing one? Here is a short general guide on how to start a thread about choosing a new guitar:
1. In the thread title, state whether you are looking for an electric or acoustic guitar. This is so those who are most knowledgable in either area can quickly see to your thread. (Or if you're looking for a specific type of guitar, put it in the title [Looking for a Strat])
2. List these essential pieces of information in your post:
-Experience (I have been playing _ days/weeks/months/years/millenia/etc.)
-Guitar # (This will be my [first/second/third/fiftieth/etc.] guitar), or other guitars you have.
-Why you want a new guitar, if this is not your first (I want a new guitar because _ guitar can't do _)
-Price range (I have $_ to get a [guitar/guitar and amp])
-Guitars you've looked at (I tried [insert guitar], and I thought it was really cool! -or- I tried [insert guitar] and I didn't like it at all.)
-Amps you've looked at
-Musical style (I want to sound like [insert artist])
-If you're willing to buy used gear
-Where you plan to buy (guitar shop/local sellers/eBay/online store/etc.)
-Situations you play in (I [play/will play] guitar at [church/garage band/home/etc.])
-Any timelines (I need a guitar by _)
-Any other information that is relevant.
3. Subscribe to your thread and check on it often.
4. Answer people's questions to the best of your ability. This is to better understand your need.
Here are some general guitar buying tips for first-timers:
If you can, try buying used. It'll save you a lot of money, and gives you more guitar. Try finding your city on a
http://www.craigslist.org classifieds page, look in your local newspaper for musical instrument ads, and even ask around. There is almost always a great deal out there.
Never underestimate your amp's importance. On an electric guitar setup, the amplifier is half the instrument. To get a good sound, you need a good amp. Plan to spend at least $150 for home practice, and $300 for performing. You my end up spending more on the amp than the guitar, especially cheaper guitars.
Always ask a lot of questions. If you're not sure about anything, just ask. The combined knowledge of the CGR community is a vast bank of information. We want to help you make an informed decision, so if you need to know something, just ask.
Do your homework! There's a lot of info in the "NEW TO THE FORUM" thread stickied right here. It's reccomended to read through "Beginner's Tips" and "The Worst Advice". CGR Members can also direct you to a large amount of resources as well.
Find a guitarist you know. They may also become invaluble as you buy a guitar. Having someone in person to try out guitars and amps with you who has at least a few years' experience will help. It's possible to go without one, but it's highly reccomended to seek one's help if you can.
Don't confuse a guitar with any particular style of music. Truth is, any guitar is good for any style of music, it's almost always the amp that makes the difference.
Good luck on finding that guitar!
-Jon
*additional tips/etc. to be incorporated into this post can be posted below*
*unneccessary posts will be annihilated*