I'm planning on learning how to play an electric guitar by myself.
Does anyone know any good books? And also, what are some good beginner electric guitars and whats a good cheap amp? I'm planning on spending maybe 400-500 for both the amp, guitar, and some books.

(I did a search and all i could find was one about acoustic guitars)

 

mgb04 is the man on the axe!

 

i would reccommend buying a fender strat... mexican or japanese model. they are generally good, and pretty cheap. Amp totally depends on what style you like.

 

Would it be smarter to start with an acoustic? Is a washburn d10s a good all-around guitar as in quality of sound and for beginners?

 

i picked up a whole electric guitar starter kit from music123.com for 50$. SO worth the money.

 

I think if you're starting you might as well just go for something cheap. Mexican Fender is good and cheap. Just go to a used guitar shop and ask some questions. As for learning, just get some tabs to some easy songs. Sublime has got a bunch of easy stuff.

 

I would say start with an accoustic for several reasons.

1. less forgiving. Will help build calasses and better technique.
2. Easier to move around...you don't need an amp to practice. So you can dump it in the car and when you have time crack it open and play it.



as for learning. there are quite a few decent books out there. I suggest printing out a cords chart and learn the fingering for basic cords.

There are also programs you can use online that you can download songs and they'll help you follow along. My lady's brother did that and learned mad quick.


If you want electric. Get yourself a little single 10 practice amp. Cheap and portable and get yourself a cheap *** strat.

 

I miss my bass

 

I have a fernandez electric 6 string that I barely used. I have been trying to get rid of it. I'll sell it for $230 with the bag and strap. I have other guitars and I just don't play this one.

 

I'd recommend starting with an acoustic.

They require stronger pressure on the strings and will help you later when playing an electric.

 

when you practice scales on an electric, do yourself a favor and play on a clean channel...it'll help you be a much better player as distortion is often times a bad guitarist's best friend

 

Do you know where i could find a program like that? And are they free? It sounds very useful, thanks!

 

try a program like guitar-pro or something. it's a tablature program that will definitely help when you're first learning songs and getting familiar with the guitar.

i started on an electric and i'd say that playing scales on the clean channel is definitely awesome advice. distortion will mask your mistakes.

as far as a good electric to start out with, ibanez and fender make some pretty affordable starter guitars that are pretty decent quality. If i were you i'd stay away from their 10 and 15w starter amps though, as the majority of them sound like crap. I'd go with a starter peavey or line6 amp, as they sound way better for the money. if you decide later on that you're really into the instrument, start looking into the better stuff. i have a mesa boogie recto and marshall head that i'll probably wanna move soon..just thought i'd throw that in there . good luck man.

btw, thanks ant. lol.

 

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to look for that program, i'm thinking about getting something along the lines of a washburn acoustic.

 

i highly reccomend just getting a good reputable teacher for about 4 lessons then branch out on your own with books he suggests. having a teacher can really teach you good habits and things to practice that will keep you away from bad habits like using only your index and middle fingers only while solo'ing just for example.