How to learn and start playing guitar?

Musical trends are constantly changing, but the electric guitar will never go out of style. This fantastic vintage instrument will keep you happy no matter what style you choose, be it blues or jazz, garage rock or metal. It's easy to get into the guitarist's path at any age, but it will take you a lifetime to learn different styles and techniques. But the electric guitar will always keep you energised and empowered.

However, if you are "new" to the business, you may find it difficult to choose the right guitar. After all, there are a huge number of them, of different shapes, configurations and colours. And the range of prices is also great, from 7,000 - 300,000 roubles.

How much do the guitars differ from each other?

Essentially, all electric guitars work on the same principle. However, they all sound different. And there are many nuances that come to you only with experience. A Fender Telecaster may look completely different from a Gibson Flying V, but they hold and sound pretty much the same.

The way you play comes with experience. So while you are just starting out, you don't have to worry about choosing the wrong instrument. The only trouble you will have is with seven-string guitars and baritone guitars (a guitar with a longer bore than a regular guitar).

No guitar is exactly the same. They're all different in some way. Some are made of heavy mahogany, others are hollow inside and therefore light. Some have long and wide fingerboards, while others are short and narrow. Others have extra frets, the usual number of them is either 21 or 24, but some sell custom electric guitars where the number can go up to 36. There are guitars with fixed bridge, these have a sound that stretches (holds) longer. Common lever tremolos have a lot of different modifications - for all tastes and colours - their main task is to oscillate the tone of the sound by lowering or raising the pitch.

An important question that musicians have always had when shopping: how to buy a guitar of a certain style from a certain musical era and not miss. Guitar manufacturers only complicate the situation by creating different sets of guitars of the same model.

The best advice is to test each guitar in person: hang it on your shoulder, the weight of the guitar and its balance are important details. Give it a go, play it if you can, the fingerboard should fit you. If you don't know how to play yet, get a music sales assistant to do it - listen to how it sounds. If you get a chance, take a look in the mirror to see if it suits your personal style - before you buy it.

How much does the sound change from one model to another?

Different guitars have their own distinctive sound because of the materials used in it and because of the construction of the guitar itself. Magnetic pickups, which convert the vibrations of the strings into sound, play an important role.

Some guitars use single-coil pickups, which produce bright and clean sounds; others use dual-coil pickups (known as "humbuckers"), which have a thicker, fatter sound.

Many guitars have more than one pickup. The first pickup is located near where the fingerboard mounts into the body, and another one at the bottom, near the bridge. The pickup near the fingerboard will have a warmer, fuller sound, while the pickup near the bridge has a slightly harsh and higher sound (because the vibration of the strings at the bridge is much less).

Also, there is a knob to switch between the pickups. This allows you to select the right combination to get the sound you want. There are no rules as to whether you should use a single single or a double humbucker. Which pickup you prefer when playing is just a matter of personal preference and style. This is another reason to try a guitar before you buy it.

How much should "I" spend on a guitar?

There is a different electric guitar for every price range. If you want to keep costs down, there are excellent guitars under 10-17 thousand rubles, although the quality can sometimes let you down. You may need another 2-3 thousand to have your new guitar "professionally tuned" in a shop.

Reaching the mark of 25 thousand rubles will speak of the quality of the assembly, including well-honed sounds on all fretboards, which should remain in harmony during prolonged playing.

There are also higher quality pickups. Once you get to that point, you'll already be interested in paying for a versatile design or, in general, an authentic guitar with a cool name from Fender, Gibson, Ibanez or another big brand.

It's also worth looking at used guitars: as a guitar ages, it only becomes more valuable - the wood dries out, the sound is refined, the ambience of time only increases the price... It's like a good rare car, you just have to find it!

Does "me" need additional accessories?

Yes, we do. And here's a list of necessary appendages:

1) Amplifier is a separate topic, it's just as confusing and confusing as the guitar. Let me just say that if you plan to play loudly (perhaps with a band), you will need a suitcase-sized amplifier with a power of 15 watts or more. A good amplifier costs from 20 thousand, and only a specialist in a shop can help you at first.

2) Strap.

3) Mediator.

4) Tuner for tuning strings.

5) Effects pedals are also a vast topic, if you're just starting out you can easily do without them.

The best way to learn how to play...

1) Find a good teacher - Sensei.

2) Teach yourself: books with moves and filmed songs, instructional videos, and of course, daily practice.

3) Online learning - there are many learning apps for smartphones, such as Fender Play for iOS (and soon for Android) or Yousician, which also runs on Windows and macOS.