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Guitar Guys (1 Viewer)

fruity pebbles

fruity pebbles

Footballguy
So im 42 and have decided to try and learn how to play guitar. My wife thinks im an idiot but thats par for the course anyways. I bought Rocksmith 2014 for my ps3, im assuming that will atleast get me started and maybe i can take some lessons later. Question is what kind of guitar? A friend of mine has a 60s Gibson ES-330 that is amazing but im not dumb enough to shell out 3 grand before i can even play a note. Im thinking maybe a used Japanese Fender Strat for $3-400. Am i on the right track or better suggestions.

 
Go to a pawn shop and spend < $200 on an acoustic, steel string guitar.

If you are still trying to learn in 6 months then reward yourself with an American made Strat.

 
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.

 
bigbottom said:
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.
Click to expand...
I'm of two minds on it myself. It's certainly easier on the fingers to learn on an electric.

 
fruity pebbles said:
So im 42 and have decided to try and learn how to play guitar. My wife thinks im an idiot but thats par for the course anyways. I bought Rocksmith 2014 for my ps3, im assuming that will atleast get me started and maybe i can take some lessons later. Question is what kind of guitar? A friend of mine has a 60s Gibson ES-330 that is amazing but im not dumb enough to shell out 3 grand before i can even play a note. Im thinking maybe a used Japanese Fender Strat for $3-400. Am i on the right track or better suggestions.
Click to expand...
You can land a used Mexican-made (MIM) Strat on CL for anywhere from $200-300. That's what I'd recommend.

 
First, it is not stupid to try to learn anything at any age. You only live once. Do what makes you happy.

I started taking guitar lessons when I was 43. I have been playing off and on for many years but wanted to really learn and taking lessons keeps me on track.

Buy the guitar that feels best for you. Do not overspend or buy a guitar just because someone else has one or loves theirs. You have to buy what feels right for you.

 
Apple Jack said:
bigbottom said:
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.
Click to expand...
I'm of two minds on it myself. It's certainly easier on the fingers to learn on an electric.
Click to expand...
But your immediate response was to tell him to buy an acoustic rather than the electric he was considering.

 
fruity pebbles said:
Parrothead said:
fruity pebbles said:
I can't hook an acoustic up to the game though, right? Unless its a newer one with a plug for an amp?
Click to expand...
look for one with a pickup.. Takamine has a lot of entry level in your price range
Click to expand...
Cool, gotcha. So why do you recommend an acoustic over an electric to learn on?
Click to expand...
1. It's harder to play in the way that swinging a bat with a donut on it is harder then without. Learn on an acoustic and when you switch to electric it will seem a lot easier. You will build finger strength, coordination, and calluses quicker on an acoustic.

2. You can play it without amplification. "Hey honey, I can play Sweet Home Alabama. Check this out!" Acoustic allows you to share your progress easily.

3. More importantly, it's really easy to cover up mistakes with an electric guitar. Acoustic guitars mean you will hear when you don't have the chord fingered properly or you're on top of the fret or you're striking the strings in a grating way. You'll become more familiar with the sounds you can produce from the instrument. Later, some of those sounds will become tools in your tool chest but for now you need to learn how to not sound like a dying cat.

 
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Abraham said:
fruity pebbles said:
Parrothead said:
fruity pebbles said:
I can't hook an acoustic up to the game though, right? Unless its a newer one with a plug for an amp?
Click to expand...
look for one with a pickup.. Takamine has a lot of entry level in your price range
Click to expand...
Cool, gotcha. So why do you recommend an acoustic over an electric to learn on?
Click to expand...
1. It's harder to play in the way that swinging a bat with a donut on it is harder then without. Learn on an acoustic and when you switch to electric it will seem a lot easier. You will build finger strength, coordination, and calluses quicker on an acoustic.

2. You can play it without amplification. "Hey honey, I can play Sweet Home Alabama. Check this out!" Acoustic allows you to share your progress easily.

3. More importantly, it's really easy to cover up mistakes with an electric guitar. Acoustic guitars mean you will hear when you don't have the chord fingered properly or you're on top of the fret or you're striking the strings in a grating way. You'll become more familiar with the sounds you can produce from the instrument. Later, some of those sounds will become tools in your tool chest but for now you need to learn how to not sound like a dying cat.
Click to expand...
These are all very good reasons to start with an acoustic. And 1 & 3 are reasons why the vast majority of people quit while they are trying to learn. I learned on an acoustic, and used to be in the camp that said that was the proper way to learn to play guitar. Over the years, however, I've recognized the merits of starting with an easier instrument that can yield results more quickly, and then graduating to the more difficult instrument (particularly for kids that will have trouble fretting an acoustic). Starting right off the bat on a steel-string acoustic with challenging action (more than likely) is a tall order for a beginner.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.

 
bigbottom said:
Apple Jack said:
bigbottom said:
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.
Click to expand...
I'm of two minds on it myself. It's certainly easier on the fingers to learn on an electric.
Click to expand...
But your immediate response was to tell him to buy an acoustic rather than the electric he was considering.
Click to expand...
It's not all that much harder and I think it leads to better dexterity. Plus I just prefer acoustic to electric and I think it goes farther as a lone instrument.

 
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.

Example 1

 
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bigbottom said:
Abraham said:
fruity pebbles said:
Parrothead said:
fruity pebbles said:
I can't hook an acoustic up to the game though, right? Unless its a newer one with a plug for an amp?
Click to expand...
look for one with a pickup.. Takamine has a lot of entry level in your price range
Click to expand...
Cool, gotcha. So why do you recommend an acoustic over an electric to learn on?
Click to expand...
1. It's harder to play in the way that swinging a bat with a donut on it is harder then without. Learn on an acoustic and when you switch to electric it will seem a lot easier. You will build finger strength, coordination, and calluses quicker on an acoustic.

2. You can play it without amplification. "Hey honey, I can play Sweet Home Alabama. Check this out!" Acoustic allows you to share your progress easily.

3. More importantly, it's really easy to cover up mistakes with an electric guitar. Acoustic guitars mean you will hear when you don't have the chord fingered properly or you're on top of the fret or you're striking the strings in a grating way. You'll become more familiar with the sounds you can produce from the instrument. Later, some of those sounds will become tools in your tool chest but for now you need to learn how to not sound like a dying cat.
Click to expand...
These are all very good reasons to start with an acoustic. And 1 & 3 are reasons why the vast majority of people quit while they are trying to learn. I learned on an acoustic, and used to be in the camp that said that was the proper way to learn to play guitar. Over the years, however, I've recognized the merits of starting with an easier instrument that can yield results more quickly, and then graduating to the more difficult instrument (particularly for kids that will have trouble fretting an acoustic). Starting right off the bat on a steel-string acoustic with challenging action (more than likely) is a tall order for a beginner.
Click to expand...
You're spot on about the bolded. I've been trying to teach myself for some time, and last year between lack of time and progress, I stepped away from it several months ago. One of my New Year's resolutions is to get back on the horse and stick with it.

 
Apple Jack said:
bigbottom said:
Apple Jack said:
bigbottom said:
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.
Click to expand...
I'm of two minds on it myself. It's certainly easier on the fingers to learn on an electric.
Click to expand...
But your immediate response was to tell him to buy an acoustic rather than the electric he was considering.
Click to expand...
It's not all that much harder and I think it leads to better dexterity. Plus I just prefer acoustic to electric and I think it goes farther as a lone instrument.
Click to expand...
It's not all that much harder now. But on day one, it's a world of difference.

 
And to be accurate, I actually learned first on a nylon string acoustic. Which is easier to play than a steel-string acoustic, IMO.

 
zamboni said:
bigbottom said:
Abraham said:
fruity pebbles said:
Parrothead said:
fruity pebbles said:
I can't hook an acoustic up to the game though, right? Unless its a newer one with a plug for an amp?
Click to expand...
look for one with a pickup.. Takamine has a lot of entry level in your price range
Click to expand...
Cool, gotcha. So why do you recommend an acoustic over an electric to learn on?
Click to expand...
1. It's harder to play in the way that swinging a bat with a donut on it is harder then without. Learn on an acoustic and when you switch to electric it will seem a lot easier. You will build finger strength, coordination, and calluses quicker on an acoustic.

2. You can play it without amplification. "Hey honey, I can play Sweet Home Alabama. Check this out!" Acoustic allows you to share your progress easily.

3. More importantly, it's really easy to cover up mistakes with an electric guitar. Acoustic guitars mean you will hear when you don't have the chord fingered properly or you're on top of the fret or you're striking the strings in a grating way. You'll become more familiar with the sounds you can produce from the instrument. Later, some of those sounds will become tools in your tool chest but for now you need to learn how to not sound like a dying cat.
Click to expand...
These are all very good reasons to start with an acoustic. And 1 & 3 are reasons why the vast majority of people quit while they are trying to learn. I learned on an acoustic, and used to be in the camp that said that was the proper way to learn to play guitar. Over the years, however, I've recognized the merits of starting with an easier instrument that can yield results more quickly, and then graduating to the more difficult instrument (particularly for kids that will have trouble fretting an acoustic). Starting right off the bat on a steel-string acoustic with challenging action (more than likely) is a tall order for a beginner.
Click to expand...
You're spot on about the bolded. I've been trying to teach myself for some time, and last year between lack of time and progress, I stepped away from it several months ago. One of my New Year's resolutions is to get back on the horse and stick with it.
Click to expand...
It is silly to argue about starting on an acoustic vs. electric. I started on an electric because I want to play hard rock/heavy metal. I bought an acoustic/electric a few years ago that I rarely play. There are simply not a whole lot of songs that I want to play on an acoustic guitar. That being said, I am to the point where I now want to expand my playing and am going to start playing the acoustic more.

Anyone starting to play guitar should begin on the instrument that they want to play most so that they have a better chance of sticking with it.

 
bigbottom said:
And to be accurate, I actually learned first on a nylon string acoustic. Which is easier to play than a steel-string acoustic, IMO.
Click to expand...
Me, too. It was easier on the finger tips, but the wider neck and frets was a challenge for me with eight year old's fingers.

I suppose you have me sold on the electric as a starter. The big thing is to stick with it and the easier it is the more likely people will stick with it.

 
DocHolliday said:
Anyone starting to play guitar should begin on the instrument that they want to play most so that they have a better chance of sticking with it.
Click to expand...
Though I think the merits of learning on an acoustic vs. and electric should be considered by anyone thinking about picking up the instrument, yours is obviously an excellent point.

 
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.
Click to expand...
Well, that's what I'm thinking. It seems the general recomendation is "get a cheap guitar to learn, if you stick with it, but something better." Why not go rock bottom for the game (since the sound doesn't matter), then if he decides to push and play without the game, get something better then?

I'm not trying to argue, because I don't know myself. Is there a difference other than sound in the better electrics? Feel? Fret size? Ability to stay in tune? Anything else? I'm a total guitar noob so I have no idea about these things.

 
Bull Dozier said:
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.
Click to expand...
Well, that's what I'm thinking. It seems the general recomendation is "get a cheap guitar to learn, if you stick with it, but something better." Why not go rock bottom for the game (since the sound doesn't matter), then if he decides to push and play without the game, get something better then?

I'm not trying to argue, because I don't know myself. Is there a difference other than sound in the better electrics? Feel? Fret size? Ability to stay in tune? Anything else? I'm a total guitar noob so I have no idea about these things.
Click to expand...
I think the biggest difference is the ability to stay in tune while playing and the intonation up the neck. I get your point about going rock bottom for the game, but I do think that if you can find a used Fender Strat for $200, it's worth the extra coin over a new Squier Bullet Strat for $129 plus tax. That's a beginner price, but it's a guitar that you won't need to replace. If you want to go really rock bottom just for the game, you can grab an electric at Target for under $100.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I started on an electric, and I'm glad I did—back then, at age 13, I could see myself getting very bored very quickly on an acoustic. First song I learned was main/verse riffs to "Crazy Train," as opposed to some strummy, hippy nonsense.

Get whatever makes you want to play the most.

 
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.
Click to expand...
Well, that's what I'm thinking. It seems the general recomendation is "get a cheap guitar to learn, if you stick with it, but something better." Why not go rock bottom for the game (since the sound doesn't matter), then if he decides to push and play without the game, get something better then?

I'm not trying to argue, because I don't know myself. Is there a difference other than sound in the better electrics? Feel? Fret size? Ability to stay in tune? Anything else? I'm a total guitar noob so I have no idea about these things.
Click to expand...
I think the biggest difference is the ability to stay in tune while playing and the intonation up the neck. I get your point about going rock bottom for the game, but I do think that if you can find a used Fender Strat for $200, it's worth the extra coin over a new Squier Bullet Strat for $129 plus tax. That's a beginner price, but it's a guitar that you won't need to replace. If you want to go really rock bottom just for the game, you can grab an electric at Target for under $100.
Click to expand...
Didn't know anything about intonation issues. Good info. Thanks. :thumbup:

 
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.
Click to expand...
Well, that's what I'm thinking. It seems the general recomendation is "get a cheap guitar to learn, if you stick with it, but something better." Why not go rock bottom for the game (since the sound doesn't matter), then if he decides to push and play without the game, get something better then?I'm not trying to argue, because I don't know myself. Is there a difference other than sound in the better electrics? Feel? Fret size? Ability to stay in tune? Anything else? I'm a total guitar noob so I have no idea about these things.
Click to expand...
I think the biggest difference is the ability to stay in tune while playing and the intonation up the neck. I get your point about going rock bottom for the game, but I do think that if you can find a used Fender Strat for $200, it's worth the extra coin over a new Squier Bullet Strat for $129 plus tax. That's a beginner price, but it's a guitar that you won't need to replace. If you want to go really rock bottom just for the game, you can grab an electric at Target for under $100.
Click to expand...
I think there's something to be said for the mental aspect of buying/playing a cheap guitar. If you believe the guitar is "cheap", not only will you be less motivated to play it, but you'll be giving yourself an easy excuse if/when you begin to struggle. You might blame the cheap guitar for not being playable, even though it more than likely is. Get a guitar you like and feel good about. A guitar that makes you want to play it. A guitar that you think should sound good. The above suggestion of a used Mexican Strat is a great one.

 
Another point to consider is that, especially when you are first learning, everyone else in your house will be "enjoying" the sounds you make. If you start out on an acoustic, you are sharing the sound with everyone. Starting out on an electric, you can play through headphones so you don't annoy anyone else. I play mostly through a Pandora's box, which has programmable tones & rhythm tracks, etc., and a headphone jack. There are plenty of app's out there now that you can use through your PC or ipad that can also be played through headphones. Your wife, kids, neighbors, etc., will be happier if you go electric w/headphones instead of acoustic or electric through an amp.

 
satch said:
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
bigbottom said:
Bull Dozier said:
:blackdot:

I recently picked up Rocksmith 2014. I have an old Fender Strat Squired I picked up in my single days when I was going to teach myself guitar.

Here's my question, for the purpose of Rocksmith, do you even need to pay $200 for a Mexican Srat, when you can get an even cheaper version? I assume that since it is going through the TV, the guitar itself other than striking the strings, has zero effect on the sound coming out of the game.

I picked up my squier new for $150 and it came with an amp (15 years ago). I'm guessing something similar, sans amp, can be had used for that price or less. Maybe I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It's fine if all you are going to use it on is the game. Personally, I think a used MIM Strat for $200-250 is the best bang for the buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are some good Squiers out there, but quality and playability is much more hit and miss, IMO.
Click to expand...
Well, that's what I'm thinking. It seems the general recomendation is "get a cheap guitar to learn, if you stick with it, but something better." Why not go rock bottom for the game (since the sound doesn't matter), then if he decides to push and play without the game, get something better then?I'm not trying to argue, because I don't know myself. Is there a difference other than sound in the better electrics? Feel? Fret size? Ability to stay in tune? Anything else? I'm a total guitar noob so I have no idea about these things.
Click to expand...
I think the biggest difference is the ability to stay in tune while playing and the intonation up the neck. I get your point about going rock bottom for the game, but I do think that if you can find a used Fender Strat for $200, it's worth the extra coin over a new Squier Bullet Strat for $129 plus tax. That's a beginner price, but it's a guitar that you won't need to replace. If you want to go really rock bottom just for the game, you can grab an electric at Target for under $100.
Click to expand...
I think there's something to be said for the mental aspect of buying/playing a cheap guitar. If you believe the guitar is "cheap", not only will you be less motivated to play it, but you'll be giving yourself an easy excuse if/when you begin to struggle. You might blame the cheap guitar for not being playable, even though it more than likely is. Get a guitar you like and feel good about. A guitar that makes you want to play it. A guitar that you think should sound good. The above suggestion of a used Mexican Strat is a great one.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that mentality could be there, but it's less likely to happen with a grown man than it might be with a child/teenager. Get a less expensive Mexican strat or a decent Squire or Epiphone or a Washburn or Ibanez or whatever and start playing. See how much you play. Then, go to a nice guitar store, and try out the really expensive guitars. Tell yourself you'll one day be worthy of such a fine specimen, and work toward being worthy.

Also, look at Jack White—he loves playing through cheaper gear because he enjoys the struggle of choking & wrestling sounds out of it. That said, he does play through plenty of nice instruments as well . . .

 
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fruity pebbles said:
So im 42 and have decided to try and learn how to play guitar. My wife thinks im an idiot but thats par for the course anyways. I bought Rocksmith 2014 for my ps3, im assuming that will atleast get me started and maybe i can take some lessons later. Question is what kind of guitar? A friend of mine has a 60s Gibson ES-330 that is amazing but im not dumb enough to shell out 3 grand before i can even play a note. Im thinking maybe a used Japanese Fender Strat for $3-400. Am i on the right track or better suggestions.
Click to expand...
Also 42 and just started playing. My wife said it was hot. :shrug:

Have an acoustic and am learning chords using various apps and youtube clips. Will probably take some lessons at some point. Love it so far. :thumbup:

 
I think it's SUPER important when you start to take a couple of lessons. Even if you decide to stick with RockSmith or using internet resources as you progress, you should definitely take an introductory lesson or better yet pay for 3-4 lessons. RockSmith is really cool and a great way to learn why you're doing something fun and barely feel like you're learning. The internet is full of awesome video lessons and sites that can provide you with any examples, styles, or skills you want to learn.

However, when you first begin there are a few things the internet is not going to teach you well. How you are holding your guitar, how you are holding your pick, what part of your hand, arm, wrist is moving when you play, the correct position of your fingers in the fret. These very foundational basics are difficult to critique on your own and having a professional point out your bad habits when you're starting will be invaluable down the road. If you don't do this, you may learn to play using RockSmith but you're going to ingrain some really terrible habits into your muscle memory because nobody was there to correct you those first few weeks or couple of months. As you progress these habits will hurt you and they'll be a lot more difficult to correct later on. I also think paying for lessons and knowing you were supposed to practive when your'e weekly lesson is coming up are a bit of an incentive for a starter to keep practicing in the beginning, especially those first few weeks when it's not terribly fun and everything sounds like crap.

I got Rocksmith for Christmas but it keeps crashing my laptop. I haven't gotten it to work yet. My system is long overdue for a reformat and I'm going to see if that helps. It looks pretty fun but I don't have any opinion on it yet because I haven't gotten running.

While I think starting with acoustic is probably better in the long run, an electric is more fun when you first start and makes playing in the beginning a little easier which probably helps some people stick with it. I started with electric and moved to acoustic later, now I play almost all acoustic (although I'm thinking of buying an electric and getting back into it).

 
lombardi said:
I think it's SUPER important when you start to take a couple of lessons. Even if you decide to stick with RockSmith or using internet resources as you progress, you should definitely take an introductory lesson or better yet pay for 3-4 lessons. RockSmith is really cool and a great way to learn why you're doing something fun and barely feel like you're learning. The internet is full of awesome video lessons and sites that can provide you with any examples, styles, or skills you want to learn.

However, when you first begin there are a few things the internet is not going to teach you well. How you are holding your guitar, how you are holding your pick, what part of your hand, arm, wrist is moving when you play, the correct position of your fingers in the fret. These very foundational basics are difficult to critique on your own and having a professional point out your bad habits when you're starting will be invaluable down the road. If you don't do this, you may learn to play using RockSmith but you're going to ingrain some really terrible habits into your muscle memory because nobody was there to correct you those first few weeks or couple of months. As you progress these habits will hurt you and they'll be a lot more difficult to correct later on. I also think paying for lessons and knowing you were supposed to practive when your'e weekly lesson is coming up are a bit of an incentive for a starter to keep practicing in the beginning, especially those first few weeks when it's not terribly fun and everything sounds like crap.

I got Rocksmith for Christmas but it keeps crashing my laptop. I haven't gotten it to work yet. My system is long overdue for a reformat and I'm going to see if that helps. It looks pretty fun but I don't have any opinion on it yet because I haven't gotten running.

While I think starting with acoustic is probably better in the long run, an electric is more fun when you first start and makes playing in the beginning a little easier which probably helps some people stick with it. I started with electric and moved to acoustic later, now I play almost all acoustic (although I'm thinking of buying an electric and getting back into it).
Click to expand...
:thumbup:

Everything Lombardi said.

 
bigbottom said:
For those suggesting an acoustic, he wants to be able to use Rocksmith to play rock songs. Also, I'm not sold on the always start with an acoustic approach to learning guitar.
Click to expand...
I agree with this. He'll find the neck easier to handle on an electric guitar. My parents started me off with lessons on acoustic guitar -- I have always had small hands, and it was frustrating for me to the point that I almost quit. Once someone put an electric in my hands it was like a switch flipped.

Go with a cheap, used electric like a Squier or foreign-made Strat, pair it with a cheap used solid-state amp with built in effects (distortion, chorus, delay, reverb), and see if you progress and choose to stick with it.

 
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What do you guys think of one of these to get a start on Rocksmith (for me and my 8 year old)....

Washburn WINSTDWSB Idol WIN Standard Series Electric Guitar

http://www.worldmusicsupply.com/Washburn-WINSTDWSB-Electric-Guitar.html

Epiphone Les Paul Special II
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002CZUV0

ETA:

This looks like a kit with the Les Paul Special II and some extras for only $30 more...

  • Epiphone's Les Paul Player Pack has everything you need to start playing guitar right away
  • It includes a genuine Les Paul Special-II LTD guitar featuring two classic hum bucker pickups and a 10-watt Electra guitar amp with a 10ft guitar cable.
  • Epiphone also includes a clip-on headstock chromatic tuner, a guitar strap, medium picks, and an easy-to-carry gig bag.
  • And best of all for new players, the Les Paul Player Pack comes with free downloadable guitar lessons from media.
Click to expand...
 
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I think the Epiphone Les Paul Special II will be fine for Rocksmith, but I think it has a pretty subpar sound in terms of pickups and electronics if you're going to play outside the game. I've played several because when I'm auctioning off autographed guitars for various fundraising events, those are the guitars I typically purchase (i.e., they are super cheap and look nice on a wall).

I can't open the other link.

 
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bigbottom said:
I think the Epiphone Les Paul Special II will be fine for Rocksmith, but I think it has a pretty subpar sound in terms of pickups and electronics if you're going to play outside the game. I've played several because when I'm auctioning off autographed guitars for various fundraising events, those are the guitars I typically purchase (i.e., they are super cheap and look nice on a wall).

I can't open the other link.
Click to expand...
This is the guitar that I got for playing Rocksmith with my daughter.

 
I'm thinking of getting a Gibson SG special faded for my son. Does anyone have any opinions on this guitar? Thanks

 
PIK95 said:
I'm thinking of getting a Gibson SG special faded for my son. Does anyone have any opinions on this guitar? Thanks
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I haven't played that particular guitar, but I do own a 2006 edition of its sister Les Paul version (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-2016-les-paul-studio-faded-series-t/j26354000001000?cntry=us&source=3WWMWXGP&gclid=COz_15vR2ccCFQ-maQodb9MMjA&kwid=productads-plaid%5E80557808547-sku%5EJ26354000001000@ADL4MF-adType%5EPLA-device%5Em-adid%5E51870555867). I really like it and prefer the tone over the regular Les Paul Studio. Not sure whether your son will reach a similar conclusion with the SG faded. With that being said, I've been hearing a lot of complaints the last few years about Gibson's declining manufacturing quality and craftsmanship.

 
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The SG is the only guitar I hate. I can't play the damn thing. The neck is too square and I don't think the tone is better than an easier to play Lp or 335

 
There are merits on each side of starting with an acoustic vs. electric. I started on acoustic 15 years ago and probably would recommend going that route. That said, I struggled for years with barre chords and never really got over the hump until I bought a Telecaster and played electric for about a year. Barre chords were easier on the electric and then that transferred pretty easily back over to acoustic.

Whichever you decide, I personally would advise against going and buying a used acoustic at a pawn shop if you know nothing about acoustic guitars. If you know what you're doing, you can get more bang for your buck buying used, BUT if you don't know what to look for you also can waste your money.

Here is a link to a very good forum that includes hits from a search of "beginner guitar recommendation." Look at some of those if you're going acoustic. I think you'll find that a lot of people point beginners to the Yamaha FG700s (or similar) as a reliable, great-sounding guitar at about $200.

Anyway, good luck. Commit to it and don't let doubt creep in that you won't actually learn. It will be slow at times, but you will do it.

 
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