OK, so I am going to attempt to take up the guitar at the ripe age of 35. I know there are some guitarists here, so I am looking for some tips and advice. First of all, I am a lefty. Everyone I know that plays is a righty. Is it any more difficult to teach a lefty? Anything else I need to be aware of? I have never even picked up a guitar (ok, maybe once for a picture or something). My plan is to start on an acoustic (I may not ever make it to electric), learn the basic chords, and then take some lessons. Is this a good plan? Anything missing? I know the brands of guitars, and I have been instructed that I cannot go wrong with several brand types (Washburn, Fender, Ibanez, and some others). For a beginner, what's a good acoustic to buy? Other than guitar, picks, tuner....what other junk do I need to buy? I am basically taking up the guitar because 1. I've always wanted to and 2. I am a high school small group leader and I go to retreats, camping, other trips with students and leaders, and it would be fun to play by the fire at night, etc. OK, I think that's it. Lemme have it.
Oh, and I am not planning on spending more that $250-300 on a guitar and accessories.....so maybe your recommendations should fit under that amount.
Left handed guitars are more expensive than righties. The cheapest one I've seen on Musicians Friend is $280 for a left-handed acoustic-electric with a cutaway. If the acoustic is perfectly symmetrical, I don't think it'll make a difference then. You would just flip the guitar, I think.
Oh and if you're going to be playing mostly acoustic Christian-type music, a capo is a definite must. That's another $10-20 at minimum.
I've noticed that. I might go used. But I did find a Washburn lefty for about $269 with a case. Supposedly it's a really good beginner's guitar, good construction, etc. But what do I know?
I'm curious to see where this thread goes...my brother-in-law left my kids (2, 6) his guitar before he passed away and I thought it would be cool to learn to play it for them...but have no inkling as where to start. I've seen that there are Dummies books for learning to play the guitar...but not sure if that is effective.
Just get a Yamaha F-310 starter pack. It is a good deal for the price and lasts about 5-7 year before it starts going downhill. It will definitely be great to bang around on while learning, then if you want to step up... you'll know for sure.
I've looked for lefty starter kits like this, and cannot find them. Frankly, something about playing a righty guitar by flipping the strings doesn't sit well with me (unless it's perfectly symmetrical). I guess I have issues.
Jimi Hendrex & Curt Kobain both played right-handed guitars flipped upside down. yeah..I know...those were electric...just a thought though. Brock Stapper??? where are you...your thoughts?
No left-handed info, but great responses when I started a similar thread before Christmas: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=137886
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My first attempt at playing guitar came at age 7 when I was inspired by the movie La Bamba. I started lessons but then I broke my left arm and had to stop. The arm healed and I picked up the guitar again. But I broke my arm for a 2nd time. So I put the guitar away for awhile. I picked it back up when I was 17. I taught myself with a Mel Bay "Learn to Play Country Guitar" book. I don't remember it being too terribly hard to learn basic chords. And really, that's all you need to play Kumbaya. One problem for you is that a lot of guitar music books have a fretboard diagram below the chord symbol. These are always written from the perspective of a right handed guitarist. As far as taking lessons, I think it may be easier because you can sit across from the teacher and just mirror them.
I found an Ibanez SGT120LNT Lefty Sage guitar for $169.99 on eBay, new. Looks like a decent instrument. Thanks for the other tips too.
So here are my tips for what they're worth.... 1. I know that you don't want to spend that much on a guitar, but getting an electric/acoustic would be something that would serve you well I think. You say you are a youth group leader, if you ever do something in a gym or at church, having an amp or being able to plug into the church's sound system would be nice. It's kinda bothersome having to put a mic in front of your guitar....I know...I've done it... 2. You need to also get a strap....those are REALLY handy. 3. I would go with soft picks for your guitar, or you will really scratch up your guitar right underneath the strings where you play. I actually just grow out my index and thumb nails and play with those...you feel the strings better and I think the sound is better. It's a warmer sound imo. 4. Consider learning right handed. My wife is a lefty and she learned it just fine right handed. One of the advantages of this would be if you wanted to play someone's guitar, you would be able to with no problem at all. 5. When you are learning the chords, know the big 3 major chords and 2 minor chord in each key is you'll be pretty good as far as playing Christian songs. They are: (If they are capitalized, it's a major chord, if it's not, it's a minor chord. Also, I'm just going to put down the keys that most Christian songs are written in.) C: C, F, G, e, a D: D, G, A, f#, b E: E, A, B7, g#, c# G: G, C, D, b, e It's kinda a pain in the butt to learn the theory, but it'll help you out a lot. Hope this helps a bit.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-?sku=516865 I bought this 2 years ago, and I love it. Great price for solid wood. The sound is great for the price. A friend I play with has a takamine that he payed $800 for. His takamine sounds a little better, but not much. The only drawback is the workmanship. I had to reglue the nut after about 6 months. Nothing big, but not something you expect to do after 6 months. Also, the peg the straps hooks onto on the body of the guitar came loose and needed re-glued. Again, not a big deal. Well worth the cost.
go electric much more fun and faster to progress. if you are left handed, teach yourself to play right handed. that'll save you a lot money, especially if you become one of us gear whores.
oh and never, ever, become a shredder...I hate those guys. just because you play loud, fast, with a lot of distorion doesn't mean your good.
Good point on the acoustic-electric. The only issue I see with that is my longterm desire. I am gung ho about it now....but what if I lose interest, or just can't or don't stick with it? So spending that extra money may not be worth it. And if I do keep it up, I won't have an issue buying another guitar down the road. Diversity is good. I do plan on getting a strap, and some other basic stuff. I was told to start with soft picks too, until I become more advanced. Another good point. As for learning right-handed....not sure I want to tackle that. I play a mean air guitar now as a lefty.....so I am halfway there already. No, actually, I use my right hand for most other duties, such as shooting a basketball, playing tennis, etc. (I am sure there are a thousand jokes percolating in someone's mind as they read this). So it may not be a bad idea to try. Not sure on that just yet.
You know...now that I think about it.... You can actually get a little gadget that fits in the hole of the guitar and plug in with that. (More jokes percolating?) Something like this: http://www.deanmarkley.com/Pickups/ProMagPlus.shtml That just made me lol... And about the right handed playing...you're going to be slow at changing chords with either hand at first, so you might as well join the rest of us righties and be a part of the collective.... "C'mon....everyone else is doing it..."
