Frequently Asked Questions
What is best to start with, acoustic or electric guitar?
Because I also started on an acoustic guitar and because this is also a slightly more difficult instrument to play, I usually advise my students who are starting from scratch to follow the same path. This does not prevent your choice of guitar type from also depending on your personal musical influences.
What should I pay attention to when buying a guitar?
When purchasing a “steel string” acoustic guitar (not a classical or Spanish guitar) with normal dimensions, as a beginner it is best not to dip below the target price of 120 euros. The simple reason is that this price will normally guarantee a guitar that will detune very quickly and produce a tone that is rather disappointing compared to other guitars that may have cost a little more. Never buy a guitar without playing it. The same applies to an electric guitar, but the target price for this is more difficult to determine. There are beginner sets starting at 250 euros that include a small amplifier, guitar cable, guitar bag, pick-up drum and strap. For the cost of 1 guitar lesson, I would like to provide you with extensive expertise in choosing (and testing) the guitar that suits you best.
What type of guitar pick is preferred?
Here too, of course, there is a matter of personal choice. If you are just starting to play guitar, I would advise you not to use picks that are too hard. Because they give less easily, you will also be less able to hold them and you have to pay attention to so much at once in terms of left hand technique. I use a soft and flexible spot drum of 0.60 mm for rhythm guitar and my experience allows me to use a smaller, harder pick for melody and solo work.
How long does it take before I can play a song properly?
Of course, everything depends on the time you invest in the musical passages where you need the most improvement. The key to success is, first of all, practicing in a smart and varied way. Don't keep playing the songs or riffs you've known for a long time, but push your own boundaries, write and record your own music, play with other musicians and continue to enjoy what you do. Never play reluctantly. Make a daily or weekly schedule in advance of your intentions to practice. In my opinion, guitarists with good planning have a big advantage.
Why does my version of a song sound so different from the original?
Not only technical performance on your instrument is an important issue, but the effects used in a song can also make a big difference. In addition, most songs are recorded several times in a studio under professional supervision with very expensive material to create an end product that is difficult to criticize. It is a common knowledge that the quality of songs played live rarely comes close to a studio version. So don't be too critical of yourself, but try to work on details and in no time you will be amazed at the possibilities you have with your own comfort.
I have a lot of pain in my fingers when I exercise, is that normal?
Yes, but keep at it and that pain is guaranteed to go away. Guitar, along with violin, is one of the most difficult instruments to learn to play. Your fingers have to adapt to unnatural grips and as your fingertips get used to the hard strings on which they have to exert the necessary grip to produce the correct sounds, hardening (calluses) will appear on them. Once you have this extra layer on your fingers, it will only become easier to use the right techniques and bring your playing to a satisfactory level.
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