Guitar Question, for bass players ;-)

[Turtle71]

OK, here's the question....

My daughter has decided she'd like to learn to play guitar (not bass....). Christmas is right around the corner, so I should probably get cracking on this.

She's looked at both basic types (acoustic & electric), and it would seem she likes both equally, though I think she may favor the electric option, as there are many more colors/styles to choose from ...

So what do you guys think would be a better beginner instrument, acoustic or electric? are there pros & cons associated with either (other than the obvious headphone factor w/ electric). Is one or the other going to be easier for her to play? (she's quite small for her age)

I had an electric many moons ago as my very first guitar, but I never really learned to play it, so I have no experience from which to make a "informed" decision....

She's 12, and if I had to guess, I'd say there is a 10-15% chance she'll actually stick with it once I buy it for her (based on previous purchases I've made of items that she "just had to have"), but I'll send her to lessons and see what happens from there.

 

[Melodicgroove]

In most cases, beginner's start off with acoustic guitars. This way, having an amp isn't necessary to start with.

 

[Gonzo476]

A drummer I used to play with bought one of these and told me it sounded great Invalid Link Removed

 

[doctorrockit]

You know, I have the same problem, or opportunity. My 13 year old granddaughter has the attention span of a gnat - as do most adolescents.

I'm going with the idea that the instrument is irrelevant as long as it is set up well and easy to play. Lessons that are instructive and fun.

When I figure out how to accomplish all of this I'll get back to you!

 

[3k Mylz]

I agree with the Acoustic. I began as a Guitard, and starting out it's always best to go acoustic. 1) No Amp needed, so its cheaper to purchase, and no one but her really needs to listen to it, so beginner's learning won't hurt anyone's ears or pride 2) The actions on acoustics are more unforgiving, so if she sticks with it, moving to an electric is easier and she will have a more well rounded grasp of traditional chords.

 

[bass12]

I think it depends entirely on the kind of music she wants to play. When I was young, I wanted to play fiddle. My parents enrolled me in a Suzuki violin class (classical). This wasn't the reason I wanted to play "violin", so I quickly lost interest and quit. Same thin happened years later with keys. I wanted to play synth pop, and instead I got classical lessons on a grand piano. I didn't last very long. If your daughter is into the kind of music that features acoustic guitar, get her an acoustic. If she's into heavy rock, for instance, an acoustic is not going to cut it. Having said all of this, if she doesn't appear to have a preference regarding style of music, I'd get the acoustic.

 

[bobknowsbass]

If you have doubts about how much she'll stick with it, I would suggest getting her a cheap Korean classical like Sunlite or Kima. They'll last long enough to find out if she has any interest and they cost less than $100 for a 3/4 size. If you're willing to spend a little more and get her a guitar she'll really like, look at Daisy Rock guitars. They're decent quality and they're made especially for girls your daughter's age.

 

[lunarpollen]

I'd recommend this

Invalid Link Removed

 

[afromoose]

I think that electric and acoustic are equally easy to learn - just different. If anything electrics would probably be easier for a beginner than an acoustic since it requires less effort to put the strings down. Acoustics are only easier to play right near the nut (doing open chords). Everywhere else on the fingerboard they're more difficult, unless they're very expensive.

I think you should base the decision on what sort of music she'd prefer to learn. Because if you buy her an acoustic and she wants to play punk music, she's more likely to give up than if you got her an electric. Similarly the other way round.

I think the key with a beginner is to give them as much likelihood of being able to do what THEY want as is possible. I think if you focus on what she ought to do, then she'll probably not do it. For her to get started she needs to get the impression that she can do something she's always wanted quite easily - even if it's a little baby step, it matters hugely that she's playing something she feels emotionally excited about.

 

[Sahm]

I'd go with an electric. It's easier to get started on and nowadays you can get cheap headphone amps with effects built in. If she were older, I'd say acoustic- for a lot of same reasons listed above. I just think with younger kids, you have to go with what would be more appealing. Of course, it depends on what her favorite guitar music is, I suppose!

 

[Turtle71]

Thanks guys!

Lots to think about.

I agree with letting the type of music she likes dictate the type of guitar she'd enjoy...I snuck a peek at her CD collection....Whole bunch o' stuff I've never heard of LOL and a few things I have (she has copies of all my bands CD's over the years)...Plus stuff like Nickelback & Theory Of A Deadman).

But from what I hear coming out of her room most times, It's things like Taylor Swift, and other current "Poppy" kinda stuff....

I think we'll go "play" in the music store this weekend, that way I can get an Idea of the things she likes....I'm pretty stoked about it, and I hope she sticks with it, after all How cool would it be to "jam" with your kid, hope I can keep up with her