Electric guitar for a newbie.

[mike4cy]

I am thinking about making an attempt at learning to play guitar. I have decided that electric guitar would interest me the most but I have a limited budget because I am not sure how this whole thing will pan out. I have looked at a few starter kits ranging from $130-250. I looked back at a few threads here for advice but the best one was for bass guitar. Any thoughts on buying used from a place like Guitar Center or something similar? All constructive input on price, makes, models, etc is appreciated!

[JMCato]

Go talk to the guys at Professional Music on 86th/22nd (not sure which one it is there but it's not too far north of university) they know their stuff and usually have some decent used stuff. Also Crazy Horse on University isn't a bad place to look either.

Professional Music

[cloneswereall]

When I first started out, I ended up going to the store with a guy that knew guitars, settled on a Stratocaster, and a Frontman 25R amp (both by Fender). They served me pretty well, and I am pretty sure I only spent around 120 on them, but they were on sale at the time.The amp is really nice to jam with, and the Stratocaster is more of an introductory to guitars model that Fender makes.

[BloodyBuddy]

Craigslist has a plethora of guitars from people that gave it up after a few months. Buy a good tuner, and a cheap guitar. If you decide to get serious, then you can always upgrade.

[Let's Go State]

I've actually been impressed with guitar center overall. Get a cheap one, probably new in my opinion, get a $20 amp and your set to learn. Start with chords and move up to tabs.

When you fall in love with it, and want to drop a couple of hundred, do a lot of research, look at the new stuff and used. A lot of shops have awesome used guitars that work and sound like new that people trade in.

i started with acoustic, but electric will be much easier on your fingers.

The amp has been my learning point. Once you learn, $2-300 on a better amp will be we'll worth it. I have a fender mustang 3 that is amazing.

have fun!

[CynadoAlley]

I started on an acoustic just to get the basics down, and I figured if I learned on an acoustic (tougher on the fingers) then the electric would be a breeze.
I pretty much just learned your basic chords and power chords. Once I got those down I started digging into tabs on ultimate-guitar.com. I've never learned how to really wale or solo on the electric but I still have fun with it. I enjoy the acoustic much more simply because the style of music I'm most into.
Anyway, as others have said, the Fender Strat with a frontman amp is great to start with. Once you start getting into it try your local music store for their recommendations. I have a semi hollow bodied Ibanez electric and a Dean acoustic.

[CLONECONES]

You can squeeze on the amp but get a decent guitar, it will make a difference.

I went with New Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Studio “Vintage Mahogany” « Time to play b-sides and got Line 6 Totally Amp'd Spider IV 15 Guitar Amp Starter Pack | GuitarCenter this amp pack

great combo and provides everything you need!

[ThatllDoCy]

I would think an Epiphone guitar would be a good choice. Entry level price and craftsmanship, but they look cool!

[CYCLNST8]

Don't get one of those cheapies from Walmart (they get knocked out of tune immediately). Squier & Epiphone are quality starter guitars- shouldn't be too hard to find a used one. Once you've figured out the basics and want to get serious, you can move on to the more expensive stuff. I'd recommend starting out on electric as well because an acoustic easily discourages beginners because it'll shred your virgin fingers. At least with an electric you can have some fun picking up on bar chord tunes ala Smashing Pumpkins and Shinedown right away.

If you're looking to play in a band right away, bass guitar is a good way to go. You can be Sid Vicious in no time. Getting as good as Flea is another story. Easy instrument to learn, but tough to master.