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Posted: Jan 30 2009 11:21 pm

I have a ton of friends who play in local bands and they want me to get into playing guitar. I was wondering if someone could tell me a few things....

I really like the color of that guitar that Tim Mahoney from 311 has(a light green color). I was wondering if I went to a guitar shop and I wanted that exact color what would I need to ask for exactly?

Joined: Apr 09 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3112

Hard to tell, but looks like seafoam blue. Just ask for seafoam blue or robin's egg, they'll know what you're talking about.

Posted: Jan 31 2009 01:12 am

yeah thats exacty the colors i was looking for, thanks greg

Joined: Apr 09 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3112

Yeah, it just depresses me that playing guitar has made me memorize so many stupid color names. The gay jokes revolving around said knowledge get pretty old.

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

Greg the Fuscia. Heh.

Posted: Jan 31 2009 04:35 am

Greg the White wrote:

Yeah, it just depresses me that playing guitar has made me memorize so many stupid color names. The gay jokes revolving around said knowledge get pretty old.

Na your knowledge is helping me out

I am wanting to get a starter guitar kit from somewhere like Guitar Center

Anyway you could help find me a good starting seafoam blue guitar with a small amp so I know what to look for?

Posted: Jan 31 2009 04:48 am

If you're serious about guitar, I say just buy a starter kit...you can't be really picky about them. But keep the color in mind and work up to a seafoam blue guitar of your choice.

Posted: Jan 31 2009 01:09 pm

Also, to learn guitar, I would recommend getting an accustic first. You can pick up and play them anytime, anywhere. Get the basics down first. (Reading music and/or tabs, chords, chord progressions, etc.) Then move towards an electric.

An, abosultely great starter guitar is:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-V-Series-V70CE-Dreadnought-Cutaway-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-102567492-i1150613.gc

It's only $200, but sounds better than many $800+ guitars I have played. It has a built in tuner, and it also has a built in pickup so you easily record with it, and/or plug it into an amp. It can even be ordered in a nice blue color.

Then, when you are ready for an electric, get something cheap that you can beat the crap out of, and work up towards finding the electric that fits the style you develop. You really can't go wrong with a Fender Squire, they're cheap, sound decent, and can take a beating.

Here's a starter kit that has everything to get you started:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Stop-Dreaming--Start-Playing-Affinity-Special-Strat-Pack-With-Fender-Frontman-15G-Amp-104487442-i1175988.gc

Joined: Apr 09 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3112

You know, I wouldn't really start with one of those Frontman or ROKK AXX (that's a real name, I shit you not) kits. I've seen so many people give up because the sound of those things suck, and it gives people the wrong impression of guitars. They think that they need a ton of special equipment to make it sound professional, or that they'll never be good enough.

Really, just check craigslist or local papers for musical instruments, or even find friends with extra equipment. Most people will be happy to get rid of the stuff for relatively cheap. I bought an Ampeg B-25b (classic bass amp) for $75, and a 5-string Musicman Bongo (top-line bass) for $400 in a real podunk area. You should be able to find a good-quality ESP or Ibanez-brand guitar and a practice amp for a reasonable price.

Posted: Jan 31 2009 08:19 pm

I agree with Knyte on the starter kit option. I bought an Epiphone SG starter kit from Guitar Center in the spring of 2007 for about $200. It came with a great Epiphone SG, basic amp, digital tuner, guitar bag. strap and a couple tutorial DVDs.

Title: Hugh Joined: Sep 23 2007 Posts: 1591

I'd start electric. Amps are common enough and if you're just starting you probably won't be taking it around too much anyway. Plus if you try and play heavier music to a lot of people it sounds shite accoustic. And pinch harmonics are barely audible.

Posted: Feb 02 2009 09:31 pm

If you're going to be even semi-serious about learning to play guitar, then for god's sake, LEARN MUSIC THEORY!

There are resources everywhere on the web for beginner's music theory, and the knowledge you gain from it can be applied to most Western instruments, not just the guitar. Music theory is one of the most important tools you can have in your musical toolbox.

In terms of the type of guitar, I'd start on the one that aligns most with the style(s) you're going to be playing starting out. The more familiarity you have with some aspects, the more secure you'll feel when delving into the unknown and growing as a musician.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 07:42 am

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 08:15 am

Ash Burton wrote:

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Music theory had little to do with reading music; it's a matter on knowing scales, chords, and progressions and how they all work together. This way, when you have a song or new idea in your head, it's much easier to figure out how to play it because you have a natural understanding of the relation of the notes and the chordal qualities you may be creating or emulating. You can practice all you fucking like, but without any guidance in the practicing, you're only going to limit how quickly you can progress.

I picked up bass when I was 16 and was playing in a progressive rock band in 3 months. I think I know a little bit about picking up new instruments and music in general.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 10:26 am

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Music theory had little to do with reading music; it's a matter on knowing scales, chords, and progressions and how they all work together. This way, when you have a song or new idea in your head, it's much easier to figure out how to play it because you have a natural understanding of the relation of the notes and the chordal qualities you may be creating or emulating. You can practice all you fucking like, but without any guidance in the practicing, you're only going to limit how quickly you can progress.

I picked up bass when I was 16 and was playing in a progressive rock band in 3 months. I think I know a little bit about picking up new instruments and music in general.

Maybe, maybe not. Never seen you play. Seen my brothers, saw how amazing they were, just some advise. Maybe music theory is the way to go tough guy.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 10:53 am

Ash Burton wrote:

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Music theory had little to do with reading music; it's a matter on knowing scales, chords, and progressions and how they all work together. This way, when you have a song or new idea in your head, it's much easier to figure out how to play it because you have a natural understanding of the relation of the notes and the chordal qualities you may be creating or emulating. You can practice all you fucking like, but without any guidance in the practicing, you're only going to limit how quickly you can progress.

I picked up bass when I was 16 and was playing in a progressive rock band in 3 months. I think I know a little bit about picking up new instruments and music in general.

Maybe, maybe not. Never seen you play. Seen my brothers, saw how amazing they were, just some advise. Maybe music theory is the way to go tough guy.

It may not be the best route for him, but it's the route I'd recommend first. If he has true passion, I just don't want him to be stuck playing in some shitty punk band or something because he didn't have a decent idea of how he could achieve better if he wanted. If he wants to play powerpop or punk or speed metal, then fine, playing music is about playing what you love; I'm just trying to offer one of the best tools available regardless of the instrument he plays or the genre he may play. I understand that my approach is a bit over the top and incredibly foresighted, which isn't necessary, but again, I just wish to afford him the most options and opportunities music has to offer.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 03:01 pm

If you practice different genres of music enough, you will eventually learn some music theory, whether you were trying to or not. You will know it, just not it's name. True there are all these amazing stories of dudes who can't read music and became the lead guitarists of Dragonforce or whatever, but Rycona is absolutely correct. Learning music theory will do nothing but help.

Posted: Feb 03 2009 04:16 pm

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Music theory had little to do with reading music; it's a matter on knowing scales, chords, and progressions and how they all work together. This way, when you have a song or new idea in your head, it's much easier to figure out how to play it because you have a natural understanding of the relation of the notes and the chordal qualities you may be creating or emulating. You can practice all you fucking like, but without any guidance in the practicing, you're only going to limit how quickly you can progress.

I picked up bass when I was 16 and was playing in a progressive rock band in 3 months. I think I know a little bit about picking up new instruments and music in general.

Maybe, maybe not. Never seen you play. Seen my brothers, saw how amazing they were, just some advise. Maybe music theory is the way to go tough guy.

It may not be the best route for him, but it's the route I'd recommend first. If he has true passion, I just don't want him to be stuck playing in some shitty punk band or something because he didn't have a decent idea of how he could achieve better if he wanted. If he wants to play powerpop or punk or speed metal, then fine, playing music is about playing what you love; I'm just trying to offer one of the best tools available regardless of the instrument he plays or the genre he may play. I understand that my approach is a bit over the top and incredibly foresighted, which isn't necessary, but again, I just wish to afford him the most options and opportunities music has to offer.

Please ignore what I said, I hadnt slept for 2 days when i wrote it. I didnt mean to come off as ass about it. I am quite sure you know more about this subject than me.

Posted: Feb 04 2009 10:43 am

Ash Burton wrote:

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

Rycona wrote:

Ash Burton wrote:

I'm not sure you need to do anything more than practice. My three older brothers all played guitar in a heavy metal band in South Florida when I was growing up and they developed their talent through constant practice, not music theory. They couldn't read music, never had a lesson, but they had a passion for it. My one brother actually won "Guitar Wars" here in Florida, so I don't think you need to do any one thing in particular other than practice and develop a love for it.

Music theory had little to do with reading music; it's a matter on knowing scales, chords, and progressions and how they all work together. This way, when you have a song or new idea in your head, it's much easier to figure out how to play it because you have a natural understanding of the relation of the notes and the chordal qualities you may be creating or emulating. You can practice all you fucking like, but without any guidance in the practicing, you're only going to limit how quickly you can progress.

I picked up bass when I was 16 and was playing in a progressive rock band in 3 months. I think I know a little bit about picking up new instruments and music in general.

Maybe, maybe not. Never seen you play. Seen my brothers, saw how amazing they were, just some advise. Maybe music theory is the way to go tough guy.

It may not be the best route for him, but it's the route I'd recommend first. If he has true passion, I just don't want him to be stuck playing in some shitty punk band or something because he didn't have a decent idea of how he could achieve better if he wanted. If he wants to play powerpop or punk or speed metal, then fine, playing music is about playing what you love; I'm just trying to offer one of the best tools available regardless of the instrument he plays or the genre he may play. I understand that my approach is a bit over the top and incredibly foresighted, which isn't necessary, but again, I just wish to afford him the most options and opportunities music has to offer.

Please ignore what I said, I hadnt slept for 2 days when i wrote it. I didnt mean to come off as ass about it. I am quite sure you know more about this subject than me.

Hey, don't worry about it, dude. We all have our days. I was super angry at first, but I gave myself a minute and responded truer to my intentions. It's all good. Cool