[adwight]

Like I said, what kind of guitar should I get and why.  I want to start playing.

[phreak]

what type of music do you want to play?
who are your musical infulences?

[Thorn]

Bass - 5 String

[Knight Templar]

Don't. Save yourself a lot of money and buy a cowbell instead.

Everyone knows cowbell players get all[/b] the ladies. :thepimp:

[Black Wolf]

Bass players are more in demand sometimes, and bass is easier to play, but it's hard to practice a lot of songs because you can't really play much of anything on your own. If you wanna pick up an instrument and play, get a 6 string, and IMO you should always get an acoustic before an electric - partially because you're going to break a lot of strings at first, and they're cheaper to replace for an acoustic, and partially because an acoustic gives you more appreciation for the music IMO.

[Setekh]

If you're going to be a bass player, you pretty much need a band to play with. In those, a bass is indispensable, but on your own it's pretty hard to start up.

I agree with BW, I'd go for the acoustic myself. It's just easier to play more often and transport - an excellent thing when starting any type of hobby.

[Martinus]

[color=66ff00]I'd like to (humbly) make an argument against both Thorn and Setekh's points about a Bass.

A bass can be a stand alone instrument quite admirably, my friends had an entire tent full of people (and many more outside) grooving their asses off at a local festival on both friday and saturday night.

A bass is easier to play if you've got large hands but that's more a guideline than a rule. Also a 5 string bass is pretty much a gimmick, the neck is overly wide and the range you get from the extra string often isn't appreciated by those who listen to you play.

Everything comes down to your own taste, a guitar is more instantly accessible but as has been mentioned a bass player is generally in higher demand as there are loads of guitar players but relatively few bass players.

I say go with an acoustic guitar first (unless you totally have to play rock/metal) as it makes it easier to play an electric if/when you get around to getting one. Once you learn guitar a bass isn't too hard to play in any case.

Best of luck whatever you decide.
[/color]

[Ford Prefect]

Plus, with an acoustic you can learn classical guitar, which is all you really need to know.

[pyro-manic]

Depends what you want to play, really. I'd be inclined to get a fairly cheap acoustic guitar first, to see if you like it. If yes, then buy a decent one (acoustic/electric/both). If not, then it's no big loss.

As for what type, go for a 6-string. 7- or 5-strings are a bit of a waste to be honest, as the extra range is either mostly pointless or redundant. Look for some of the following brands/models if you want a good beginner's guitar:

Acoustic:
Takamine
Taylor
Ovation

Electric:
Yamaha Pacifica
Squier Stratocaster/ Telecaster
Epiphone SG (if you can stretch to it - around £300 - it's a good quality, very playable guitar, with a great-sounding neck pickup. I've got one. )

Oh, and if you're getting an electric, prepare to pay to get a half-decent amp. I'd suggest something from the Marshall MG range. They're the best you'll get for the money by a long way. If you're getting an acoustic, then spend the cash on a better instrument.

[phreak]

or if you want to be REALLY in demand, become a drummer

[adwight]

I'm gonna most likely be playing in a band, and I think I'm gonna play the bass because the don't have one right now, and the one they used to have was no good at all.  We're a rock band btw, playing stuff like Blink 182, Green Day, Pink Floyd.  How many strings should I get for it though.

[pyro-manic]

4. You don't need any more.

[ionia23]

Gotta throw in my 2 cents.

Electric six string, specifically a Stratocaster.  Probably THE best all around "general purpose" guitar.  Been playing them for years.

[Martinus]

[color=66ff00]All very good and well but a strat is no cheapo guitar. For a first time learner I'd advise something at the low to middle end of the market. Squiers are perfectly good electrics and Yamaha Pacifica's are also excellent.
[/color]

[pyro-manic]

Originally posted by ionia23
Gotta throw in my 2 cents.

Electric six string, specifically a Stratocaster.  Probably THE best all around "general purpose" guitar.  Been playing them for years.

Ngkkhhh.....!!

I have to disagree with that, I'm sorry - an "out of the box" Strat sounds absolutely dreadful. You have to at least replace the bridge pickup, and more than likely the neck as well, to get a decent tone out of one. Singlecoils are evil - gimme PAF 'buckers any day. Although a set of P90s can sound great as well...

[aldo_14]

If you're learning, buy a cheap one.  That way you won;t have lost that much money if you end up like me (hopeless).

Personally, i like accoustic guitars.  I have 2 (one was a present, the other was swapped for a gameboy)

[phreak]

Originally posted by ionia23
Electric six string, specifically a Stratocaster.  Probably THE best all around "general purpose" guitar.  Been playing them for years.

*cough*lespaul*cough*

[Solatar]

www.ultimate-guitar.com

Read around there a bit.

[Zeronet]

Originally posted by PhReAk


*cough*lespaul*cough*

Best to just get a electric guitar and learn that, acoustics are slighty different to electrics.

Bass, no avoid. Learn to be a proper guitarist and if you want to play bass, then do that.