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Manuel Marino Music Composer

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Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, artist and music composer with over ten years of experience, specializing in the captivating world of music and entertainment.

Manuel is an expert in creating soundtracks for short films, feature films and video games.

Manuel Music Blog is a diverse digital platform where creativity and intellect converge, covering a wide range of topics from 3D Art to Music, and Technology to Philosophy.

It’s a collaborative space that features the insights of both Manuel, contributors and participants, appealing to enthusiasts across various fields.

With dedicated sections for different arts, instruments, and cultural reflections, this blog serves as a rich resource for those seeking inspiration, knowledge, and a deep dive into the myriad aspects of artistic and technological exploration.

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INTRODUCTION Selecting the right guitar for starting your learning journey is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. There are various factors to consider, and in this guide, I will delve into each aspect that I believe is crucial when purchasing your first guitar.

For many people, embarking on a new hobby is similar to test-driving a car before buying it. They may be uncertain if they will still enjoy it in the years to come, and it is hard to predict if they will. Numerous individuals who start learning the guitar eventually give up for various reasons. Consequently, many are reluctant to invest heavily in something they are unsure will be put to good use. One option is to borrow a guitar from a friend or family member to see if you enjoy playing it. If you find that this is the right hobby for you, return here and read this article for guidance on buying the perfect guitar for you.

BUDGET This is often the primary concern for most people. Guitar prices can range from inexpensive $20 acoustics at garage sales to high-end models costing thousands of dollars. Determine your budget and stick to it. Salespeople may try to persuade you to spend more, but remember that you can find a good guitar even at a lower price. Take the following factors into account and consider how they fit within your budget.

STYLE OF MUSIC Your preferred musical style can influence the type of guitar you purchase. For example, if you want to play heavy metal or similar genres, you wouldn’t buy a nylon-string acoustic guitar How to Buy a Guitar - The guitar is known for its dynamic and unique sound, making it a popular instrument in various genres of music. Whether you're a beginner or someone with a growing passion for guitar playing, here are some top tips for buying a guitar: Seek out advice. Start by seeking guidance from someone you know who has… , as it won’t help you achieve that goal. On the other hand, if you want to play soft ballads and sing along, an electric guitar may not be the best choice. If you have a specific style in mind, research the types of guitars used by musicians in that genre. Look at your favorite artist’s gear to see what kind of guitar they play, but ignore the make or model, as famous artists often use expensive, high-end guitars.

If you’re unsure about your musical direction or want to play a variety of styles, the type of guitar you buy won’t be as crucial regarding style. Instead, focus on the factors below to determine the best guitar for you. Remember: you can always buy another guitar later, so don’t worry if your musical tastes change after purchasing your first guitar.

PLAYABILITY

STEEL STRING VS NYLON STRING ACOUSTICS For beginners, a guitar’s playability greatly affects the rate of progress and the skills developed. Starting with a steel-string acoustic guitar, for example, can be challenging, as pressing the strings requires more finger strength and may cause discomfort. Many women (and some men) may struggle with steel strings due to the required finger strength. If you’re concerned about this, consider a nylon-string acoustic instead, as they are easier on the fingers. For this reason, many instructors recommend that students start with nylon strings to make the initial learning phase less painful.

ACOUSTIC VS ELECTRIC There is a significant difference between learning on an acoustic and an electric guitar. Many teachers advise against starting on an electric guitar for the following reason: electric guitars are easier to play, which can be beneficial for some. However, becoming too comfortable with an electric guitar can make transitioning to an acoustic guitar challenging. Guitarists who mainly play electric often struggle with acoustic guitars. Switching from electric to acoustic is difficult, but moving from acoustic (especially steel-string) to electric is relatively easy due to the finger strength developed playing acoustic guitars. Consider this when making your decision. If you want to play both electric and acoustic, start with an acoustic. If you only want to play electric, the choice is simple. You may initially struggle with an acoustic later on, but practicing will improve your playing.

SALESPEOPLE TRICKS This section aims to inform you about potential pitfalls when dealing with music store salespeople. The intent is not to scare you or insult salespeople but to protect you from those looking to earn a high commission rather than providing you with what you need. Hopefully, you’ll encounter an honest salesperson genuinely interested in helping you. However, be aware that not all of them are honest.

Firstly, keep in mind that employees at music stores are often skilled guitarists. They can make any guitar sound good, regardless of its quality. In a future lesson, I will explain how you can make any guitar sound amazing. Be aware that a salesperson might make a low-quality guitar sound better than a $2,000 Fender in a glass case. This is why I recommend that you try playing the guitar yourself if you can play something simple and, even better, bring along a friend or relative who can play. If they know what they’re doing, they should be able to point out any issues with the guitar.

It is common for salespeople to use tricks like turning up the volume on stereo systems to make them sound higher quality. They might use a similar tactic when comparing two guitars. By plugging the guitar they want to sell you into a high-quality amp and playing it loudly, they can make it sound impressive. Some people may try this to persuade you to spend a little more. Don’t assume that a great-sounding guitar will automatically make you sound fantastic. Becoming a skilled player takes a lot of work. Good players can make any guitar sound amazing, while inexperienced players can make any guitar sound terrible.

My experience with buying my first guitar: When I bought my first guitar, I was unaware of many of these issues. Fortunately, the salesperson we dealt with genuinely wanted to help us and made sure we got a great guitar at a fair price. I had been playing my dad’s old, beat-up acoustic guitar for a couple of years, and my parents bought me an electric guitar. It is an excellent guitar, and I still use it for recording and performing. So, if you make a wise choice, your first guitar can be valuable for a lifetime. Since I started on an acoustic guitar, transitioning to electric was incredibly easy. Consider getting an acoustic even if you plan to play electric guitar later on.

SUMMARY I have highlighted a few important factors for you to consider when purchasing your first guitar. There are many more aspects to think about, but these are the most crucial ones. If you take the time to determine your best option and then shop around for the best deal, you can save money and potentially end up with a fantastic instrument that will last you a lifetime.

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