|
Why do some acoustic guitars have 12-strings?
On a 12-string guitar, each note has 2 strings which gives the effect of two players playing at
once. Back in the 60s, the group The Byrds
played songs like "Mr. Tambourine Man" that had a distinctive 12-string
acoustic guitar sound. If you're an absolute beginner, don't start out
on a twelve string -- it requires more finger strength than a 6 string,
takes more time to tune and needs more expensive sets of strings. When
you're ready, you can bring all your playing skills from your 6 string
to a 12 string. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Buying an Acoustic Guitar
|
|
|
All acoustic guitars have one common feature: they
have a hollow body with a "sound hole" which
produces sound naturally when the guitar strings are
plucked. This means that an amplifier is not needed to
play an acoustic guitar. To get started, you need the
guitar, a case, and a book or an instructor. |
|
| |
The best way to start
is to get familiar with
your instrument ...
Every acoustic guitar has a neck to hold, strings to
strum, a bridge to hold the strings, a way to tune the
strings and a body to make it all stay together. The
quality and craftsmanship of the parts separates the big-money guitars
from the cheaper ones. |
 |
|
|
| |
Learning on An Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitars
tend to be more difficult on the fingers than electric
guitars because the strings are usually thicker in gauge and sit a little higher above
the fingerboard. This is not to say that acoustics are any worse
or better than electrics, only different. An acoustic
guitar is great for building finger strength and dexterity
and provides excellent preparation for transition to an
electric at a later date. If you're just starting out,
generally, an acoustic guitar is the most cost efficient
and simple way to go. Unlike an electric guitar, you can
take it right out of the case and start playing.
Check out the "action"
 A
buzz word that you should know about before shopping for
an acoustic guitar is "action." Low action means that
the strings are close to the fingerboard and easier to
press down. High action means that the strings are high
off the fingerboard and more difficult to press down.
Action on a guitar is totally a personal preference.
Some players prefer the lowest action possible, while
others prefer the increased tension and richer sound of
a higher action. A very high action is not desirable for
beginners -- you'll end up with sore fingers and
frustration.
There are two types of acoustic guitars: steel string or
classical (nylon string).
Make your choice
 top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
