Looking for help buying a Guitar.

I've never played Guitar in my life, but I have always wanted to, and am definitely going to be picking one up in the next few days.

A friend recommended me to pick up an Ibanez guitar. I'm aiming for an Electric Guitar that's comfortable to play, and at a price range suitable for beginners. Help on other subjects such as amps and straps, or whatever is welcome too.

I already know how to play piano and trumpet, but I was wondering if I should purchase any books, or whether I could just use the info on various websites. I may consider private lessons, but I want to pick up the guitar first.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Things happened pretty fast, and I picked up an Ibanez. I'm not really sure if I got a good deal, but with amp and everything, it cost me around 600$ CAD.

The only thing that I'm disappointed in, is that it sounds exactly like an acoustic guitar. What do I need to buy to get those crazy distortion stuff. I tried playing with my amp, but it wouldn't change much.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Sounds like I'll definitely be picking up a Boss pedal, although probably not any time soon. I want to be able to play a few simple songs, and just get the hang of the instrument before venturing into the distortion business if it means more purchasing.

Playing the guitar itself is definitely a bit different from what I was expecting. Just pressing down the strings can be a bit tough on the fingers, which is something I'm not completely use to yet. The strings are also pretty close together, so it ain't always easy hitting the right ones quickly.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by russ

I've got a DS-1 that I was extremely pleased with back when I had a shit guitar and a 15 watt Crate amp. You've most likely got a better guitar than I had, so you'd probably be pretty pleased with a Boss pedal. Since you're obviously not going to be able to really test out a pedal yourself, go to a guitar shop with a friend who can play and have him test out a few pedals for you, on a guitar and amp similar to what you have, that way you can get an idea of what kind of sound you can expect from the pedal. If you don't have a friend who can do that for you, in my experience many of the salespeople at guitar shops are cool dudes and chicks and would help you in the same way.

That's a good idea.

Originally Posted by Traumatized Rat

The low end Ibanez electrics are crap. Epiphone guitars play like a set of railroad tracks. Squiers are awful guitars that won't even stay in tune half of the time.

I don't know how low end my Ibanez is, but it works fine, seems like a solid build, and that's all I'm looking for.

Originally Posted by Traumatized Rat

P.S. Electric guitars are generally pretty easy on the fingers. If you're having difficulty playing it, chances are that you need to get the action adjusted. This can be done by your local guitar technician.

I think it's just because I'm new to it. I'm still able to play long periods of time no problem, so I'm not too worried.

Originally Posted by Jiraiya

I dont know much about guitars but being a sibling of a traveling artist I must say, the best starter brand I've heard of everyone say is Yamaha. Cheap and reliable for what you need. Cause if you decide not to keep up playing, it doesnt put too big of a dent in your wallet.

Actually, someone at the store told me that Yamaha electric guitars were pretty bad, but they make good acoustic ones.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Elcee

I may have missed it, but what style of music are you interested in learning to play or innovate someday?

I like catchy guitar riffs, and the good solo, in whichever style of music it may be. I don't have any long term goals of innovating anything any time soon, and I just want to learn how to play what is already there.

How ya doing, buddy?