Going to the guitar store is a lot like going to the gym. We worry so much about how others will perceive us that we tend to ignore the fact that just about everyone else is suffering from the same neurosis. And then there are the show-offs who want to be noticed but who pay no attention to anyone else. So there's really nothing to worry about.

I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendation of taking someone you trust. But even an absolute beginner can make some important judgments about an instrument. First of all, does it feel comfortable? Is the neck a good size for your hands? Does your arm feel comfortable in the playing position? Check the edges of all the frets to make sure they're smooth and they don't have any sharp parts that can hurt you. Do the knobs and tuning pegs turn smoothly? With the guitar unplugged, you can also give the strings a good WHAAAANG to see whether you hear any buzzes or rattles.

I think I'm up to 6¢ on this topic now...

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

please keep the advice coming im enjoying reading everyones ideas. im ok with it taking a while , i realize it wont happen overnight but it wouldnt be as much fun if everyone could do it right?

Welcome to the Forum Majjackdog. You can never be too old to learn guitar.

RK

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Very true. As I said, I've been playing for nearly two years. By any objective standard, I still suck. But I'm having a blast.

One thing to be aware of: You will experience physical pain when you start playing. Pressing your fingertips down on the metal strings will cause great discomfort at first. After all, guitar strings are used in cheese slicers! You'll soon develop calluses on your fingertips, and the pain will disappear.

Once you start learning barre chords, it will hurt all the way to your elbow. You're summoning up some pretty obscure muscles and asking them to perform some unnatural functions. If you stick with it, this pain will also go away.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

yea i have been practicing with an acoustic and already have some decent calluses but i cant wait to go to musicians friend and pick up that brand new strat !!!

hey russian how much do you practice ,as in how often daily ?

Majjackdog, are you planning to take guitar lessons or video training? If you are an absolute beginner with no music theory, you should consider one on one guitar and basic music theory lessons if you can. It is very hard to get rid of bad playing habits. There is also the amount of money you are willing to spend for your project. If you buy a killer guitar with a cheap amp, you might end up being disappointed. Try everything at the store before you buy anything. Bring a guitar player with you for advices and gear tests. Try the guitar unplugged first, if it doesn't feel comfortable, try another one. There is a lot of neck shapes and radius curves, so you can find one comfortable for you. Play the guitar while standing up and after a while sit down and play a little more. Sometimes, a mild discomfort will be felt only after a few minutes of playing. If the guitar store employees or the ambiance of the place make you feel like you'd prefer to be elsewhere, do it, bring your business to another store. If you have to go back to the store for adjustments, you must feel that you are welcome and taken care of. Again, good luck.
Claude.

i have a friend who is an excellent guitar player who has actually taught before and is giving me some one on one in his spare time. but i like the idea of the kieth wyatt video. Would be something i could do at home!!

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The guys who are sitting and playing in the music store for hours aren't there to buy and they aren't pros. Do not feel intimidated by them. Soon you can be as good as they, or better.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

quote] Not much of a problem any more! But to start out with it was.I do most of my research online ,because i live to far from a store to just pop in( this is a really good spot, thanks) and then do some touch and listen.That can be me ,afriend ,or somebody in a store that I do not know.

The short answer: Not nearly enough. The more nuanced answer: About half an hour every day. Sometimes a full hour, but that's pretty rare.

I also second the idea of taking lessons. I went for about six months before I took any, and I had already developed some bad habits that I'm still trying to overcome.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

Majjackdog, welcome. I'm only 31 but a newbie also and understand your frustrations becasue I have them too. If you dont have one already, get a chord chart and practice those for a few weeks, it helped me a lot to learn the chords before trying to move on to songs. Good luck!

Hey Majjackdog

I'm only 18 and I've been playing guitar for almost 2 years now.
I started out with a sqiuer strat and just recently picked up a Standard Fender sunburst HSS. They are both awsome guitars and the HSS has that beefy sound for hard rock and solos. Just go down to your local store and play both of them. Everyone has their own style and sound they like.
Good Luck and congrats.

dont sweat it,

ive been playing for alittle over 5 yrs. i decided to take on guitar at my 30th bday. it had been a life long desire, family, career came into play.
in just 5 yrs, i was throwing my hat in the ring at the king of the blues competition. not because im good, but because im fearless..lol.

anyway, i learned with the keith wyatt acoustic dvd. learned alot.
then i decided to learn scales. then i took on some intense music theory,
YOUTUBE. little by little, note, chord, chord progression, etc...
there will be days where your fingers are going through what is called muscle memory training, and your chords will sound slightly muted, or off key. youll notice the next day, you can do it alot easier.

what im trying to say, dont be discouraged.

The destination (what pickup, wood, frets, machines, etc.) is not the point. The fun is in the journey, in finding out my using your own senses.

Welcome to the forum and have a blast with YOUR journey.