Challenges of Beginninga, Guitar & Bass, Part 1
by Rick Cittar, Arcadia Music Studio
Instrument Selection
Strings
Action
Neck Contour
Intonation
Instrument Selection
The beginning player stands at the starting line with excitement and anticipation. A critical component to successful study is the right instrument for the student. Many a guitar left in the closet for years has been passed down, only to be found so out of adjustment that it makes learning more difficult than it has to be.
Today the market offers a great selection of student level instruments priced between $150 to $300. It’s important that the guitar or bass can stay in tune, and that it is attractive to the player. The acoustic guitar comes in two basic models. The classical guitar with nylon strings is very traditional and a bit easier to play, and comes in different sizes to accommodate younger players. The plectrum guitar has steel strings and a bit more volume (loudness), and offers a great variety in styles. The acoustic bass is probably too expensive for a beginning player.
The electric bass and guitar are probably the best fit for most beginning players. Acoustic/electric combination guitars are also a good option if you want to play live or do some basic recording. There are guitar/amp and bass/amp combination packages that offer great value and convenience. I recommend the Stratocaster style guitar for a great first instrument. The three pickup array gives you five different sounds, and the voice of that guitar has been in pop music since 1954. With a little effort and shopping, a student can be set up with an instrument that will serve well and sound good.
