The main aim of the student is to learn the basic techniques of guitar playing and to develop a sound set of skills. To increase your motivation to practice and to play, select the type of guitar usually used in the music you are interested in. The 3 main types of guitar are the classical, acoustic and the electric guitar.
Classical Guitar
The classical guitar is often referred to as the nylon string guitar, it is light and built with woods to stress on resonance. This guitar has a wider neck and a softer mellower tone compared with the acoustic guitar. The nylon string feels softer, flexible and tend to go out of tune more easily because of changes in the humidity and temperature. The classical guitar is suitable for people who enjoy playing Latin styles, classical and folk music as well as romantic melodies. The mellow and gentle sound of the classical guitar is perfect also for jazz music and many styles of Brazilian music. Nylon strings are more gentle on the fingers and not painful while playing. This guitar being smaller is easier to handle when travelling and also at home.
Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar has a thinner neck and played with steel strings. It is often referred to as the steel string guitar. The sound is more resonant and louder compared with the classical guitar. This guitar is great for composing songs and very useful at campfire sing-along, bars and lounges. If the student want to play pop-rock, country music and popular music, the acoustic guitar is suitable because of it’s sound and volume. The louder, sharper and twangier sounds produced by the steel strings are great for rocking out. The acoustic guitar has a longer neck which makes it easier to play higher up on the neck, great for playing solo. Steel strings generally require less tuning and are quite resistant to heat. The steel strings are strummed, plucked or played using a plectrum. The sounds produced are brighter, crisp compared to the classical guitar. An acoustic guitar player often develops calluses as the steel strings are under a higher amount of tension and the strings are harder to push down. Absolute beginners will not be able to play for long periods because of the immense pain shooting in their fingertips.
Electric Guitar
The lightness of the strings used in the electric guitar makes it easier to play barre chords. The width of the neck of this guitar is usually shorter so holding down chords is easier. It is easier to play the electric guitar because the strings used are much softer than the ones used in acoustic guitar. However, it will cost you more to learn the electric guitar as you need to buy an amplifier and cables. For complete beginners who know nothing of electric guitars and amplifiers, they maybe put off by the “bad” sounds coming out as finding the right tone is not easy.
Accessories
Picks : It is advisable to buy a few types of guitar picks. The thin picks will assist you to learn to strum well while the medium thickness picks are great for playing individual notes.
Tuner : It is important to get a tuner to get your guitar in tune. For beginners, the clip on tuners are small, costs less and are great to use. There are various types of tuners which are accurate but expensive.
Spare strings : Keep a few sets of strings in case of an emergency.
Strap & Strap locks : A guitar strap assists to keep the guitar stable when you are standing up to perform. Get some strap locks to prevent the guitars from dropping to the floor. If possible, get the padded strap lock so that it is more comfortable and so that you do not hurt your shoulders.
Metronome : This will assist the guitarist to develop a good sense of rhythm
Capo : A capo is a device which when placed on the guitar neck changes the pitch of the open strings.
It can change the key of a song and will help you to play songs which are hard. It can also assist you to find the right key if you are singing.