Beginning Guitarist Shopping List
Getting started on the guitar need not be expensive. Here is a list of things each beginning guitarist needs to have, as well as some things that are nice to have but not strictly necessary.
These are the things you must have in order to learn effectively and benefit from your lessons.
- Guitar
- Book: "The Principles Of Correct Practice For Guitar" which you may buy on-line or from me
- Metronome
- Pick(s)
- Capo bar suited to the type of guitar you play. Electric guitar fretboards are slightly curved, whereas classical ones are flat.
- Small amplifier (electric only)
- Patch cord (electric only)
- Strap (except for classical)
- Dedicated notebook for your lesson homework (borrowed space in a school notebook WILL NOT DO)
- A chair or stool with a flat seat
- A way to get your foot at the right height (ideally a foot stool, but a stack of heavy books works too).
For details as to how to get the best possible guitar for your money, look at my essay on what to look for when buying a guitar.
These are things that are beneficial but not critical. Each of these will improve your progress. You need not acquire them right away.
- Tape recorder and cassette tapes
- Foot stool
- Tuner
- Spare strings (because they will break and they do eventually wear out)
- Spare picks (because they eventually wear out, get lost, or fall inside your acoustic guitar so that we have to stop the lesson and fish them out)
- Mirror so you can see yourself when you practice
These are things that make it easier to learn and play the guitar. They are technically luxuries compared to the other items on this list.
- Music stand
- TAB and manuscript paper for writing down your ideas
- Guitar stand
- Soft cloth for cleaning your guitar
- Gig bag or carrying case for your guitar
- A tool kit containing hex keys, mini screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, and diagonal cutters
|
