WorshipCentral

I'm not a guitarist primarily, so I will not suggest a model or make, but since music is often so based on opinion I would suggest finding someone who does know about guitars to take with you to a reputable guitar shop...try everything in your price range (or get your guitarist friend to try them while you listen and go "oooohhh" and "aaahhhh") then let your friends knowledge guide your ears to choose what you like the sound of. (there's no point in a "good" guitar if YOU dont like it, but there's not point in a guitar you love if actually the trained ear know it'll never work in a band/on stage)

If there are guitarists in your church you trust then I garantee they would LOVE to go guitar shopping and helping you spend your money! (If anyone in the UK wants a new bass just send me the money and I'll happly go spend it for you!!!)

If you really dont have anyone you can take then just go and do the same thing on your own (asking sales advisers to maybe play stuff as well so you can hear the guitars played really well) and then make a note of what you like and use the infinite knowledge of the internet to see what reviews have been writen about it.

At the end of the day there are "budget" guitars that can sound great and "custom" guitar that cost thousands of €, which just aren't your taste, so follow your ears!

two other things,
1. make sure you know what "sort" of guitar you want. Electric/acoustic/electro acoustic...if you plan on playing in worship then you will most likely need some sort of pickup.

2. Hey lets get spiritual...dont forget to pray if your making a big financial investment (or even if your not making a big financial investment)

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Worsh-er,
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Thanks a lot for your commetn Worsh-er, it's really helpfull I think i know someone in our church that would want to go with me.

And pray i shall dol.. ;)

Gods bless

Just make sure you give the guitar a good play. If electro-acoust get it plugged in too and see what it sounds like. Check the action on the strings too, how high the strings are from the frets, some mass produced guitars are not set up properly and have a high action (so don't just go for the name). Also think about what type of guitar body you want, I'm sure you're church friend could help with suggestions depending what sort of sound you want. Play every string on every fret to check its all ok, I have a friend whose guitar played the same note on successive frets.

Hey Bert,
I've just started guitar-ing (:P) myself. I know liek barely anything about guitar models, but i know how to do really good set-ups and everything (after doing my year10 work experience in a guitar shop) so i learned a lot in there. Might be worth going into youlocal Waterstones/WHSmith and having a flick through (and maybe even buying, if you think it's worth it) 'GUITARS for Dummies'. I got it for my birthday (don't worry, no offence was taken lol) and i've been using it to teach myself and i find it really helpful. It has a whole section about different types of guitars and stuff in there, which might be the bit you really want to have a peek at. Just a suggestion.

Or, like Worsh-er said go into your local guitar sop and ask the retail assistant or take an experienced guitaring friend with you and try a few out. See what's what, learn a bit about them as well maybe. Find one with a body you like, good action, and a price that's reasonable for you.

Pray about it too, i'm sure some of us on here would be willing togive a quick shout-out to God about this for you, and ask for His guidance and help and support in this :)

God Bless
Nic
xxx

I really appreciate all your responses guys xD makes it a lot easier.

Gods bless!!

Little question to add: Should i take guitar lessons or is it possible to teach it to yourself (with a book or something)?

No problems :)

Personally, I have had no lessons. But i'm teaching myself basic chords and stuff from 'Guitars for Dummies'. But when i've learnt everything in there, i don't know where i can go... so i would suggest getting lessons would be good. But it's up to you.
I'm sure people who have had lessons would be able to give you more insight into that.
But it is possible to teach yourself from a book, up to a certain point. But also that way you pick up bad habits.
I guess it's personal choice really. Maybe have one or two lessons and see if that's what you need.
I would like a couple of lessons to be honest, but i've picked up several chords really easily.
Personal preference.

God Bless,
Nic
xxx

I thought if I can teach it myself from a book or something then I can practise whenever I want which makes at a lot easier for me (pretty busy schedule). But if it's no good then I'd rather wait till i got time to take lessons.

Tnx and Gods bless

If all you wanna go is play in church. Hammering our a few basic chords then you shouldnt need lessons, but thats not to say lessons are bad. I think the best thing to do would be to get with a friend who plays guitar and get them to help you a bit.

Hi,
For learning how to play, have a look at these short videos on Youtube, lots of people have found them helpful: http://uk.youtube.com/user/strummyone - you can start with number 1 and work through or just pick and mix :-)