+1
To everyone that suggested tab books of your favorite bands and instructional books/DVD's. A little knowledge goes a loooong way. It will the the gift that keeps on giving

For a beginning guitarist? A chord book.

_________________
Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

I think chord books are kind of obsolete. Internet beginner sites, videos and forums are much more effective learning tools.

_________________

Posters with Chords and Scales - always good to have - not too expensive.

Gil

_________________
Where ever you go, there you are

1998 Ovation 1861 Standard Balladeer Natural
Taka - 2005 Squier '51 Black
Yume - 2006 Squier Strat Cherryburst
Houbi - 2008 Fender VG Strat Blizzard Pearl - won here
Fender Super Champ XD; Vox DA-5

True. But I've used both. Most times it is easier to have a book handy rather than a computer for just a quick chord reference. And a chord book rather than a computer fits easily in a guitar case for going to lessons, jams, etc...

Wow, there's so much good advice here! First, I gotta learn to play properly. I'm trying my best. I'm just using an instructional DVD right now to learn chords, then I'm going on to movable chords, then single string notes. (What's weird is that now I'm starting to play my classical guitar better now that I'm practicing on the electric).

Then hopefully, I'll learn how to shred. That's my main goal. Then I'll think about amps and stuff. I was even thinking about one of those stool/guitar stand combos where it's a combo of a stool and a stand.

That wind cutter and strings look good. I think my sis just might give me a gift card though for guitar center or musician's friend. I'm also looking for a good poster to put up on my wall. I have some old guitar books that I used to use for my classical guitar so maybe I'll use those to play some songs.

I have a capo for my classical. Would it be good for my electric? It's a metal one and not a plastic one.

_________________
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)

also, you could get a cheap $5 slide and a book to learn it. great for blues

Can I ask what kind of strings these are? I've been looking on the site and haven't seen anything for less than 20 dollars for a six pack.

_________________
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)

Many good ideas mentioned--especially guitar stand and string winder--and the cheap ones for a buck or two are as good as the ergonomic ones--but don't have a string cutter on them--getting those separately or together would be good.

In addition--there's this book-
http://www.danerlewine.com/guitar_repair_books.html

_________________
It wasn't Willy-Nilly, it was at crows.

yeah, the repair guide is a great idea

How about a Fender calendar along with whatever you decide for your guitar. They last the whole year.

Also I got Dunlop strings for $2.50 a pack (they come with picks) at GC so keep an eye out for sales. Unless you've got a Floyd Rose trem it's not a big deal what brand.

Thanks!

I have two sets of strings I got for free--one with my guitar set as a Labor Day special and one that came with a care kit (one is Fender and the other is musician's gear--both 9 gauge)

I'd love to get a string winder/cutter with a portable workbench to hold the neck, but I'm afraid of changing my own strings. I'm afraid of damaging my guitar. I think I have to string it from the back.

The book is a great idea, but it doesn't say how to purchase it unless I'm missing the link.


I just dug out some ooooolllld books from when I was a kid. Wow. I can't believe one of them is a Hal Leonard Christmas book. One of them has a real cool page with all the chords. Maybe I can blow that up and put it on my wall.

_________________
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)

A good digital metronome.
Headphones for his digital amplifier, so you don't have to listen to the incessant repetition.

You should really learn to change strings, it isn't hard and you can't really break anything other than your strings. Lots of good tutorials out there.

_________________

Thanks to this board, I've seen some good ones. They all look informative. I was just wondering though, when changing strings by yourself, do you cut your strings before or after you wind them? I've seen online having them done both ways. (I think I would do it afterward) Also, do you 'stretch' strings after winding?

_________________
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)