At Guitar Center: Laiho & Lynch, Gear and Tone
Legenday 6-string pyro-technician George Lynch and the Finnish metal powerhouse Alexi Laiho talk of music, tone and ESP at Guitar Center Hollywood.
Duration : 0:8:44
Guide To Buying A Guitar
Acoustic guitars are some of the most beautiful instruments and can produce tantalizing music when learned to play properly. Most people who purchase guitars buy them with the intention to learn how to play them, but very few go on to become masters of the instrument. If you’re serious about learning how to play one, you should first learn how to buy one. Serious musicians just don’t buy their instruments from any music store – they learn what the best brands are, evaluate the sound qualities of each, and try the instruments before making an investment.
When buying a guitar, take an experienced player with you if possible. This way, your “personal guide” can evaluate the selection of guitars available and help you pick one that’s appropriate for your level of music education (you can always upgrade later as your skills improve). Without your own personal guide, you can ask for help from the store clerk. Music store clerks are hired based upon their knowledge of musical instruments. If you get help from a clerk, explain your skill level and price range.
Having a wide selection to choose from, try out different guitars by strumming them with a pick and wearing strap. If you’re not sure how to use a pick or wear a strap, the store clerk can help you do both. While you strum and pick each string of the guitar, you want to listen for a good quality sound. If you hear buzzing or any sounds coming from the guitar that you did not intend to make, look for a different one. A good guitar sound is pure and hollow. And if you have your “personal guide” with you, he or she can help you gauge the sound quality of each.
In addition to buying a guitar, browse through the selection of beginning guitar lessons books if available. Most music stores offer lesson books or even classes for those who want to learn to play their new purchases.
Tamara Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/guide-to-buying-a-guitar-10017.html
What is the best guitar brand and which stores should i look in, instead of online???
i want to learn to play the guitar so i was looking for suggestions on which brand of acoustic guitar i should buy. i would also like to know where i can find them in stores ( i live in california).
thanx!
"Best" is a pretty relative term, and opinions would very considerably depending on who you asked. I’m not sure how much you’re planning to spend on your guitar, but most of the better brands–Gibson, Martin, and Taylor are all up there–aren’t cheap.
If you’re looking for a good starter, I would look for a Seagull. They’re handmade in Quebec (not made in a Chinese factory), and are excellent instruments. Great quality, great sound. I know that Guitar Center carries them, and I know that Music-Go-Round is big on Seagulls too. If you’re looking to get a better bang for your buck, I would recommend buying something used from a Music-Go-Round. Used acoustic guitars will sometimes sound better than new ones, because the more a guitar gets played, the more the wood ages and the better it sounds.
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Hope that helped! Good luck on finding your perfect guitar.
Can you try out amplifiers on your own guitar in music stores?
I’m looking to buy a new guitar amplifier, but this is my first time shopping for one. My first amp came with the guitar (starter pack). I’ve been told to never buy an amplifier or guitar without trying it out first. With that said, would the store owner/employee have a problem if I brought my own guitar in to jam on the amplifiers?
Don’t give it a second thought. It’s very normal to use your axe while shopping for an amp. Just be considerate. Consider that the dude at the music store has to listen to lots of noise. Some worse then others. While becoming familiar with the amp, keep the vol low.When your ready to test gain or volume, let the clerk know your going to ramp it up for a few. Give yourself plenty of time at the store, You may wait until there are no other customers to check volume.
Lastly, consider a tube amp. You will appreciate the tone.
Is it possible to find a new guitar that is less than $100 in music stores?
I’m 17 and I’d really like to own a guitar that is cheap and not too bad sounding. Please suggest some possible brands, if there are such cheap acoustic guitars in music stores.
anything under a hundred dollars and still sounding good is asking for alot. Over the internet wouldnt be so bad but in a music store you will not find anything that is good and cheap…
Guitar Lessons for a Christmas Gift
So, the guitarist in your life already has a guitar (or a few guitars) that they are happy with. You want to get them something special, but can not think of anything. They really seem to have everything they need already. Well, why not give them guitar lessons for a Christmas gift?
Great for Any Level
Guitar lessons are a great gift for the guitar player in your life because you can take them no matter which level you are at. There is so much to learn about the instrument, there will always be room for improvement. You purchase lessons for to help them graduate to the next level or to help them learn a new genre. For example, if the guitarist already knows rock guitar, they may want to learn jazz guitar. Or, they can take rock guitar lessons that will help get them to the next level of playing.
Finding a Teacher
There are a few places you can look to find a teacher. If there is a college in your area with a music program, there may be a guitar student who is looking for extra cash. The rates the students charge are usually less expensive. Check on the bulletin boards or in the college newspaper. If you cant find anything, consider posting your own sign stating that you are looking for a guitar teacher.
You can also check local music stores, the classifieds, and the boards at local clubs. You may want to ask around, too. Sometimes it is best to talk to people to get their recommendations and critiques of particular teachers. You also may want to ask the person who will receive your gift if they know of anyone. Maybe they want to take lessons with a particular person but cant afford it.
In general, you will want to find a teacher who will fit the needs of the guitarist. Do not just go with the least expensive teacher. They may not have the skills to teach certain players.
Pay up Front
Instead of giving the guitar player in your life cash to go towards the lessons, you can contact the teacher and pay for the lessons up front, or have them give you a gift certificate. The problem with giving cash is that they may find other reasons to spend it and forget about the lessons.
Guitar Lessons as a Gift
Guitar lessons make a great gift. They help encourage and give feedback that the guitarist is making progress. This is also a good gift to accompany a guitar pack or starter kit.
William McRea
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/guitar-lessons-for-a-christmas-gift-64387.html
Guitar Center Sessions: John Petrucci-Intro
John Petrucci as introduced by Sterling Ball.
Part 1 of 5.
Dream Theater guitarist, producer and lyricist John Petrucci shares his insight, experience, and techniques as well as talking about his signature Music Man guitars at Guitar Center Sessions from Manhattan, NY.
For more Guitar Center Sessions videos of John Petrucci and other great artists visit www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.
Duration : 0:5:19
what stores, other than guitar stores can i find picks?
i can’t go to a store where they actually sell guitars, amps, and picks because it’s too far from my house. is there any other store that might sell them?
I’ve noticed lately that Target has been selling beginner-level guitars and basses in their electronics department, along with accessories for the instruments. You might want to check there, if you have a Target near you.
Do guitar stores fix effect pedals?
My boss DD-3 Delay pedal isn’t working properly and I’m not sure who to take it to. Do those places normally fix things like that?
They don’t typically actually fix them, but send them out to electronics repair shops that do. Of course, this assumes that the pedal is even worth fixing, bench fees start at 80 an hour just to look at it.
Teach Yourself Acoustic Guitar Online With Ebooks
It used to be that the only way to learn how to play guitar was by private instruction or plucking away on your own for endless hours at a time. Thanks to the internet, that’s not the case anymore. Now you can actually download instructional materials – ebooks, videos, audio files, and more – and start learning acoustic guitar in just a few minutes. It’s totally possible to teach yourself acoustic guitar online these days.
Of course, the first thing you’ll need is a decent guitar. You can get by just fine with a used one or an inexpensive new one. Most discount stores sell them at decent prices, or you can find one at an online auction site or through Amazon.com.
The next thing you need is a good ebook or online course. There are many out there for learning to play guitar. Try to find one that has both written instruction and videos so you can see exactly what proper form looks like. You want visual guides because learning the right way is crucial so you don’t pick up bad habits you have to undo years down the road.
You’ll also need to set aside enough time to practice every day. At least 30 minutes – ideally an hour or more – should be dedicated every day to practicing guitar. The best way to learn a language is to use it every day and be immersed in it; the same is true for learning an instrument. The more time you can spend doing it, the faster you’ll pick it up.
If you really want to teach yourself acoustic guitar online, you can. Make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and be prepared to dedicate plenty of time to it. If it’s something you’re passionate about, this shouldn’t be a problem. That’s the final key: enjoyment. As long as you’re having fun, you won’t even think about how much work you have to put into it, because it won’t be work at all.
Shane
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/teach-yourself-acoustic-guitar-online-with-ebooks-1235544.html