Learning guitar is a fun and exciting endeavour.
But it can also be very nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what to buy, or how to prepare for your lesson.
Here are the frequently asked questions I get asked by beginner guitarists, especially if you are buying your first guitar.
Where do I buy my first guitar?
It is recommended to buy your first guitar in a music shop, because you can go inside and feel and hear how the guitar sounds.
Our music stores of choice in Melbourne Australia are:
Music Junction Blackburn (ask for Ian / Matt)
159 Whitehorse Rd, Blackburn VIC 3130
https://www.musicjunction.com.au/
Music Junction Camberwell (ask for Tim)
204 Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
https://www.musicjunction.com.au/
Living Music Greensborough (ask for Rick, he loves fish)
135 Main St, Greensborough VIC 3088
https://www.livingmusicstores.com
How much does a guitar cost?
The price of a beginners guitar varies from age to age.
Here is a rough appraisal of price for guitars in Melbourne, Australia
Acoustic Guitar for kids:
(5-7yrs) $80
(8-11) $90
(12+) $120
Acoustic Guitar for adults: $120+
Electric Guitar For Kids: $150+
Electric Guitar For Adults: $250+
What is the best size of guitars for kids?
For students 5-7 years old, a half size guitar is the best option.
For students 8-11 years old, a 3 quarter size guitar is the best option.
For students 12+, a full size guitar is the best option.
What type of guitar should I get?
An acoustic nylon string guitar is recommended for all beginners, because of how soft nylon strings are for the fingers. Fretting chords and notes on the guitar can be challenging, especially the curl of the fingers on the fretboard.
A guitar student can transition to a steel string acoustic or electric guitar when he/she can sound each note without muting from the fretting hand.
What should we learn first – tab or sheet music? (and should we take music exams?)
To learn how to play the guitar, you will need to familiarise yourself with how to read notes on three different platforms:
- Chord diagrams
- Guitar tablature (tab)
- Sheet Music
At Leaders of Rock, we use the former two methods of learning first. We have found that this improves engagement tremendously, and guitar learners feel a sense of accomplishment from learning their first note and chord.
This beginner stage of learning should last around 10 weeks.
What other questions do you have as a beginner learning guitar?
Please let us know in the comments below.
Until next week, keep on rockin!
Justin