Would like to learn how to play acoustic guitar - any advice for a beginner?

[GimmeIrnBru]

Just that, really. I'd like to learn to play the acoustic guitar but don't know where to start! What kind of guitar can I buy that isn't too expensive for a beginner? Best music sheets/books to buy for beginners?

TIA

[HogInABog]

Just buy a cheap acoustic to see how you get on. I am learning and love my Beatles 6 chord song book as I can play actual songs with very little talent which makes me feel very clever and spurs me on to practice!

[ReallyTired]

I suggest you get a guitar off ebay with nylon strings. Metal strings are very harsh on a beginners fingers. Youtube has some fanastic tutorials.

[GimmeIrnBru]

Thanks! Will go to a shop though and get a feel for the guitar before I buy it. Will definitely try the tutorials on Youtube though! :)

[prettywhiteguitar]

I'm learning with the justinguitar.com beginners course, you can do it for free on the website or buy his book and songbook.

It is by far the best and easiest way to learn songs, I just can't fault it. I have played beginner guitar very badly for years and I have improved no end ! He also talks about guitars in the book and website. Don't buy the cheapest, buy one secondhand and youll get a better guitar, try gumtree or adverts in the guitar shop. A cheap guitar will be hard to play and won't sound great

[prettywhiteguitar]

Oh he has tutorials on YouTube too !

[Collaborate]

I learned from a teach yourself guitar book - can't recall the author. It came in 4 books though, and I went through all of them then got lessons.

I agree to go for nylon strings.

I have an electric too. Plugged in to my iMac with garage band and the sound is awesome (ahem...apart from my playing that is). Electric guitars have a much lower action (strings much closer to the fret board) so easier to press the strings down.

[AgathaFusty]

prettywhiteguitar thanks for that recommendation. I'm learning at the moment too, but lots of stuff on youtube seems a bit beyond me.

[charlesvald]

If you have an iphone/ipad there are some great little guitar tuner apps.

I was going to recommend the books I bought for my own son but alas they are nursery rhymes which might put you off and they start off with single notes rather than chords. Can you already read music?

And your fingers alas will hurt to start with.

There are also on amazon some play guitar songs with 4 chords. It depends on the style you like, obviously playing music you prefer is the easiest way.

[prettywhiteguitar]

Yeah decide the style of music you would like to play and then decide according to that for eg
Rock - electric
Classical - nylon classical guitar
Folk / acoustic rock - steel string guitar
Honestly your fingers do get used to steel strings

[BrigitBigKnickers]

No- don't get a nylon string one- the neck is much wider on a classical guitar and playing chords is quite a bit harder. I don't think they are any easier on the fingers than steel strings either.

Try Gear4music Some great starter packages at good prices.

[BrigitBigKnickers]

Oh and This is a good series of tutor books.

Music room are really good for sheet music and books- lots of choice for all styles.

Oh aned when you have a few chords under your belt Ultimate guitar is a huge archive of songs for guitar (chords and Tabs.)