If you’ve always been curious about picking up an instrument for the first time or starting a band, today’s blog is all for you. Believe it or not, getting started as a musician isn’t as daunting as you may think. Many a quality singer/songwriter taught themselves how to play guitar or bass, or used a book to learn. There’s no shame in either approach.
But before all of that, you’re going to need an instrument. Regardless of whether you’re picking up guitar, bass or drums, it’s recommended that you not spend too much on your first instrument purchase. Why? Well if you buy a $2000 electric guitar and after two months you realize you don’t really want to play music, you’re stuck with it. There is great quality in some of the more budget friendly instruments out there, as we’re about to show you.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are usually the most popular choice for a first guitar because they’re so simple. You can play anywhere or anytime. We’ve found a bunch here for well under $200. Standard acoustic guitars can’t be amplified without the help of a pick-up, so if you want an acoustic that you can also plug into an amp, search specifically for Acoustic Electric guitars.
Electric Guitars
Here’s where it gets fun. Electric guitars offer more diversity in sound and tone than their acoustic brethren. They’re also easier to learn on because the strings are thinner and sliding along the neck is simpler.
Keep in mind though, that if you buy an electric guitar, you’re going to need an amplifier as well, increasing your initial purchase overall. We’ve collected a few fairly priced amps to keep the cost down.
Bass
Got rhythm in your bones? Then bass is for you. There are less strings to worry about than a guitar, but you’ll need to buy a bass amplifier as well to complete the package. We found plenty of basses for under $200, and deals on amps as well.
Drums
So neither guitar nor bass is for you. Like Animal from the Muppets, you just want to rock and thrash about. We wouldn’t recommend taking up the drums unless you have privacy to practice. A small apartment with a stingy upstairs neighbor is not the ideal place to learn drums. A garage, attic or private room is more appropriate. Your first drum kit should be a set that’s got everything you need at once, as opposed to building it piece by piece. Here are a few options that won’t break the bank.
Finally, a few accessories you’ll need:
Guitar and Bass tuners
Guitar Capos
Guitar for Dummies book
Drumsticks
Now get out there and rock!
