Starting Guitar, Restarting.?

Question

Okay, From the age of about 8, I've been playing guitar. Its one of those starter acoustics with three steel strings and three nylon. I played up to grade one standard, but missed the exam :( Im 14 now and havent played for about a year. I have never played a chord, just little notes. I want to restart now. Should I jump to electric, or by another cheapish acoustic for a while, to brush up on my skills etc, then move to electric?

Answer 1

I don't think it matters. Either way, acoustic or electric, get a good teacher, book & CD/DVD. I started on my own and struggled until I found a decent book & CD which taught me the type of stuff I wanted to play at the time. I would recommend using a good teacher because they'll stop you developing bad habits early on(I recommend that with a great deal of hindsight). The most important thing to have is DESIRE. I messed around for a year or so until a school friend blew me away with his excellent playing on my own guitar. The motivation to get better was massive(I remember feeling quite embarrassed and annoyed with myself at the time). Within 6 months I had him gaping open-mouthed at my own great playing - I'll never forget that. And I have never looked back since.  One additional word of advice - if you find yourself really getting into the guitar and can't put it down, be careful and don't let it get in the way of your academic studies. I mention that with hindsight as well.

Good luck and I hope you find yourself falling in obsessive love with the instrument. There's nothing like it in the world.

Answer 2

Electric guitars are more versatile, and even a cheap one will be good enough until you get really good. Try picking up a Squire Stratocaster starter pack. You should be able to find one for around £100. But it depends on your preferences really.