Acoustic guitar HELP?

Question

I am 14, turning 15, and I really want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar. I want to start composing my own songs, and learn how to play worship songs (I am in love with NOT BE SHAKEN, COME NOT IS THE TIME TO WORSHIP and FREEDOM REIGNS). So songs like that, AND others. Also, I do not have any experience with instruments. So this would be the first ! Things that I need to know are:

1. What kind of acoustic guitar should I get ? I know there are many different kinds, so which one do I choose ?

2. Is learning to play AG hard ? I am very willing to give up my time to learn to play it because this is something I want !

3. Is it possible AT ALL to learn, and be good at playing songs on the AG without taking lessons ?

4. How much would an AG cost ? (NOTE, I live in BC, Canada)

So yes, those are all the things I can think of right now. PLEASE answer this question seriously ! Many thanks ! E mail me if you need more info !

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Answer 1

1) I have an Ibanez acoustic, and it's pretty good. It's all about personal preference and what you think will suit you. Try out different acoustics.

2) Learning ANY instrument is hard, at first.

3) You can be good at playing songs, but basic ones (ie. strumming songs) without lessons. If you want to go beyond just strumming, take lessons. There are books and websites (cyberfret.com) to help you build a solid foundation, but you will need a teacher in the long run. In fact, NOTHING can come close to having an actual professional by your side helping you and guiding you.

Answer 2

#1 - Anything that is comfortable for you to hold.

#2 - Yes - but you sound like you will enjoy it enough to put in the time.  It's fun and rewarding.

#3 - Yes - it might take you longer, but check out sites like guitarnoise.com - free lessons online... others are around and available as well.

#4 - My first one (to determine if I'd stick with it) cost me $35. It sounded poor and got out of tune fairly easily - but it made noise and got me started. My second was $130 and I get compliments on the way it sounds (they aren't made any more). You can buy an pretty good one for less than $500.  

It's best to "hold" the guitar and be comfortable with it and hear it - but musiciansfriend.com has good deals on stuff.

People will talk down about cheap laminate top acoustics - if you are just starting - don't over look them. If you buy a cheap guitar - replace the strings before you even play it once.

You'll also want strings that you don't have to push down too far to reach the fret - the higher they are the more difficult it is for a beginner to learn - that's one of the most notable things you'll see as the price of the guitars increase.