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Here are some accessories for guitar that will make your life a little easier when learning. I've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the very best essentials on a budget. I have put links to a variety of the best products below:



Snark Clip -on Tuner

1. Tuner


If you were to buy only one thing on this list, this is thing you should buy. This tuner simply clamps on to the headstock of your guitar and you can leave it there for quick access and tuning. Nobody wants to hear an out of tune guitar, so do yourself and everyone else a favour...keep your guitar in tune.





Adagio Capo

2. Capo


You may not need one right now but you will eventually and inevitably come across some songs that use capos on particular frets. What this does is barre a fret so you can play your basic open chord shapes in higher keys. This make transposing songs very quick and It's also great to experiment with. It's hard to explain but there is something about using them that inspires creativity. Essential gig bag item!





H&S Music Stand

3. Music Stand


You may think that this isn't essential, but trust me this will help your learning more than you know. Learning off computer screens and printed music scattered across a table does the job but if you take your practice seriously then you will immediately see the benefits of using a stand. You can adjust the height and angle to a comfortable position which means you don't have to strain your neck or change your posture to read the music. What I like to do is set it up, print out music that I'm learning/would like to learn, put it on the stand and leave it there so I have set things to work through away from the distractions of a computer.





D'Addario String Winder & Cutter

4. String Winder & Cutter


If you play guitar you should learn how to re-string it. If you have ever re-strung a guitar you will know that winding the strings up is a tedious task. String winders make quick work of this and will literally half the amount of time spent re-stringing. The cutter tools usually come with a pin puller to get those pins out of your acoustic guitar without damaging your guitar. Makes re-stringing a dream...well not quite, but get one!







GHS Fast Fret

5. String Cleaner


After time oil and skin will build up on your guitar strings. You will see this by the strained look on the strings, not only does it dull the sound of your guitar but it also makes the strings rough which in turn makes playing a little more difficult as well as creating string noise during changes. String cleaner helps to maintain good string condition, which means less money spent on new strings. It also feels like you can play faster as there is little friction between your fingertips and the strings after applying. If you've never used it before I recommend giving it a go.




With so many options and different shapes, sizes and brands it can seem like a minefield when choosing your first guitar, but have no fear, I have compiled a list of the very best entry level guitars to facilitate your passion for playing. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new guitar, the first is what size you need so here are the recommended sizes:


5 - 8 years old (up to 4'5"/135cm): 1/2 Size (classical guitar recommended)

8 - 11 years old (up to 4'11"/150cm: 3/4 Size

11+ years (from and above 4'11"/150cm): Full Size


The next thing to consider is your budget. Expect to pay around £100-£200 for a decent quality guitar by a reputable brand. Some of the benefits of selecting a well known brand are:

1. It will be of good quality so you will have less problems and less trips back to the guitar store.

2. It will sound much more inspiring, nothing kills the passion than a bad sounding guitar.

3. Best case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price when you upgrade.

4. Worst case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price if you give up.

I've considered these things for you and created a list based on my own personal experience and the experiences of many others a like. Which brings me to the last consideration, which one do you like? Whichever one you choose, you can't go wrong.


Remember that you will need to buy an amplifier to play electric guitar. Here is a list of the best beginner guitar amps.



1. Squier Stratocaster



Price: £110~


Sizes: Full Size and 3/4 size


Features: Based on one of the most versatile electric guitar ever made - the Fender Stratocaster, used by some of the greatest guitar players to walk this earth such as Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, Dave Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer and many more. Features 21-fret maple or rosewood fingerboard, three single-coil Stratocaster pickups with five-way switching and a vintage-style synchronised tremolo bridge. It's the perfect first electric guitar.


What the manufacturers say: "The best value available today in electric guitar design, Squier Affinity Series guitars deliver solid sound with slick style. The Affinity Series Stratocaster combines the classic features that made the Stratocaster a rock 'n' roll favorite: sonic flexibility, authentic Fender sound, vintage style and eye-catching finishes." - Fender Guitars


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2. Epiphone Les Paul SL




Price: £100~


Sizes: Full Size only


Features: Since the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll, the Les Paul has been considered one of the ultimate electric guitars and the Les Paul SL continues that long tradition of innovation with a lightweight Poplar body that’s slimmer than a vintage Les Paul making it easy to hold for new players.  The bolt-on Mahogany neck has a traditional 24.75” scale with an easy-to-play SlimTaper-D profile. Even the headstock has the look of a classic Les Paul with Epiphone’s trademark “Clipped Ear” design, the same “Bell-Shaped” truss rod cover seen vintage models, and 60s era Epiphone logo and a "2017" Edition logo on the back of the headstock.

Powered by Epiphone single coil Ceramic pickups with a 650SCR™ in the neck position and a slightly overwound 700SCT™ in the bridge position for solos. Mr. Les Paul, the inspiration for the Les Paul guitar, was especially fond of single coil pickups for their tonal versatility when playing rhythm and solos. Ceramic pickups are designed to provide a tight low-end response with both a smooth mid-range and a slightly more pronounced top end tone. That’s why ceramic magnets have been a favorite of metal and hard rock guitarists for decades. Controls include a master volume and tone with traditional Black ABS “Top Hat” knobs.

Comes with Epiphone’s world famous Limited Lifetime Guarantee and Gibson 365/24/7 Customer Service.


What the manufacturers say: Epiphone presents the 2017 Les Paul SL™, the most affordable 2-pickup Les Paul ever made with a slim lightweight Poplar body with powerful Epiphone Ceramic pickups. Available in six exclusive colors—Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Pacific Blue, Sunset Yellow, Turquoise, and Vintage Sunburst.


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3. Epiphone Les Paul Special II




Price: £120~


Sizes: Full Size only



Features: Legendary design, great tone and super affordable. The Les Paul II features an Okoume trademarked Les Paul body plus a bolt-on Okoume neck with a "1960's" SlimTaper™ profile, and "Dot" inlays. The Special II is voiced by a pair of hot open-coil Epiphone 700T and 650R humbucker pickups for that massive unmistakable Les Paul tone. Like all of Epiphone's electric guitars, the Special II comes standard-equipped with 500K potentiometers for the Master Volume and Master Tone controls, plus Epiphone's heavy-duty 3-way pickup selector toggle switch and exclusive non-rotating heavy-duty output jack.


What the manufacturers say: "Epiphone's number one selling model LP Special II is a great way for beginners to get started on guitar while getting the feel and tone of a Les Paul. Seasoned pros also love the Special II because it's a great-sounding workhorse of a guitar that allows them to leave their more expensive axes at home. The Epiphone LP Special II comes with our famous Epiphone Lifetime Limited Warranty featuring Gibson's 24/7/365 Customer Service that warrants your Les Paul Special II against defects in materials or workmanship. Grab one today at your favourite Authorised Epiphone Dealer."


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4. Yamaha Pacifica




Price: £140~


Sizes:

Full Size

3/4


Features: Yamaha have been making guitars for a long time and the Pacifica reflects the craftsmanship. Affordable with versatile tones and a selection of colours. It is very easy to play and is a reliable and durable guitar. Sporting two single coil pickups for chimey toes and a hum bucker pickup in the bridge for a thicker higher output tone, perfect for rock, metal, pop and everything in-between.


What the manufacturers say: "Even with orthodox Bolt-on structure, Pacifica series has been constructed to respond to various genres and play styles. Its PU configuration provides a wide range of sound character from bottomless heavy distortion to clear-cut clean sound.

This new entry-level model offers a comprehensive specification, with a quality of craftsmanship and tone that belies its budget price tag."

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5. Epiphone SG Special




Price: £140~


Sizes: Full Size only


Features: When the “SG” double cutaway electric guitar was first released, it was intended to take the place of the Les Paul,which was discontinued throughout most of the 60s. Lightweight yet powerful, the SG became a hard rock classic all its own and was embraced by a wide range of players including Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Pete Townshend of The Who. The new SG-Special VE™ has the same iconic design with a Poplar body with a Mahogany veneer and a black pickguard. The bolt-on Okoume neck has a 1960's SlimTaper™ D profile, a standard SG scale length of 24.75”, pearloid dot inlays, and 22 medium jumbo frets. It is available in Cherry, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Walnut Vintage Worn finishes.

The SG-is powered by two Epiphone open-coil humbuckers with ceramic magnets. Ceramic pickups have a higher output than vintage Alnico magnet pickups and are designed to provide a tight low-end response with both a smooth mid-range and a slightly more pronounced top end tone. Ceramic magnets have been a favorite of metal and hard rock guitarists for decades. Controls include a Master Volume and Master Tone with traditional black “Speed” knobs and a 3-way pickup selector.


What the manufacturers say: "The new Epiphone SG-Special VE™ is a great way for new players to discover a rock classic at a price anyone can afford. Featuring Epiphone open-coil humbuckers with Ceramic Magnets and available in five beautiful Vintage Worn finishes including Cherry, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Walnut."


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Hope you have found this helpful. Be sure to check out some essential accessories and free lessons. I wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.



With so many options and different shapes, sizes and brands it can seem like a minefield when choosing your first guitar, but have no fear, I have compiled a list of the very best entry level guitars to facilitate your passion for playing. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new guitar, the first is what size you need so here are the recommended sizes:


5 - 8 years old (up to 4'5"/135cm): 1/2 Size

8 - 11 years old (up to 4'11"/150cm: 3/4 Size

11+ years (from and above 4'11"/150cm): Full Size


The next thing to consider is your budget. Expect to pay around £100-£200 for a decent quality guitar by a reputable brand. Some of the benefits of selecting a well known brand are:

1. It will be of good quality so you will have less problems and less trips back to the guitar store.

2. It will sound much more inspiring, nothing kills the passion than a bad sounding guitar.

3. Best case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price when you upgrade.

4. Worst case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price if you give up.


I've considered these things for you and created a list based on my own personal experience and the experiences of many others a like. Which brings me to the last consideration, which one do you like? Whichever one you choose, you can't go wrong.





1. Cordoba C3M

Price: £190


Solid Top: Yes


Sizes: Full Size


Features: Solid western red Cedar top, with mahogany back and sides. The neck is also made from mahogany and has a truss rod to help maintain tuning and intonation stability. The fingerboard is made from Rosewood and the nut and saddles are made from bone to ensure good tone and sustain.


What the manufacturers say: "The C3M is one of our most popular entry-level nylon string guitars. Lightweight and comfortable to play, the C3M features a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides and a matte finish. Handmade in the traditional Spanish style, its fan bracing results in a beautiful, warm, and well-balanced tone. The C3M is hand-crafted and features a hand inlaid wooden rosette, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Savarez strings and nickel plated tuning machines with pearl buttons." - Cordoba Guitars


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2. Admira Diana



Price: £170


Solid Top: Yes


Size: Full Size


Features: Solid Cedar top with Sapelli back and sides. The neck is made from Mahogany and the fingerboard is made from Rosewood, as is the bridge. Comes with nicker Lyre design machine heads Nickel and a high gloss finish.


What the manufacturer says: "The Admira Diana is a great servant throughout the learning process and beyond.


The Diana's Solid Cedar top ensure a great tone both at the time of purchase as well as for the future. This is the entry-level model for a fully featured, solid-topped classical guitar.


Our Beginner guitars are our high-quality, entry-level models that will help you sound like a professional. Great designs using top-quality materials and manufacturing processes ensure this range of guitars are a joy to play and will make learning fun and as easy as possible."


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3. Yamaha C40 II


Price: £110


Solid Top: No


Size:

Full Size

3/4


Features: This is a classic among beginners and a great affordable entry level guitar that comes in smaller sizes. It is very durable and reliable with a decent tones. Comes with a Spruce top and high gloss finish.


What the manufacturers say: "A high level of craftmanship and great attention paid to detail results in instruments of outstanding quality.

The C series guitars provide excellent cost performance for beginners and young learners with exceptional playability and superb tone. The C40II might be one of Yamaha's most inexpensive full-size classical models, but its quality and tone are outstanding. A real bargain for beginners.

-Yamaha CG Shape

-Spruce Top

-Yamaha Quality in An Affordable Price" - Yamaha Guitars


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4. Cordoba C1


Price: £160


Solid Top: No


Size:

Full Size

3/4


Features: Layered Spruce Top (slightly brighter sound than cedar) with Mahogany back, sides and neck. The fingerboard is made from composite or Pau Ferro (depending on production date) and it comes with a gig bag.


What the manufacturers say: "The C1 is a high quality full size nylon string guitar designed to provide aspiring young musicians with a comfortable first guitar that’s easy to learn on and play. Offered in full or 3/4 sizes, the C1 features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a wood-inlaid mosaic rosette, and a high gloss polyurethane finish. Like all Córdoba instruments, the C1 features premium Savarez strings and an adjustable truss rod for lifetime neck stability. Comes with a standard Córdoba gig bag." - Cordoba Guitars


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5. Admira Alba

Price: £110


Solid Top: No


Size:

Full Size

3/4

1/2


Features: Oregon Pine top with Sapelli back and sides. The neck is made from Mahogany and the fingerboard is made from Rosewood. Features a high gloss finish.


What the manufacturer says:

"Admira Alba 4/4 size guitar is perfect for players who are new to the guitar world.

With manufacturing carefully controlled in the Far East by Spanish-trained luthiers, the Alba stays true to the purpose set out by its Spanish older sibling – the Almeria – and it delivers a great tone bound to enhance the learning of any student or enthusiastic amateur.

Our Beginner guitars are our high-quality, entry-level models that will help you sound like a professional. Great designs using top-quality materials and manufacturing processes ensure this range of guitars are a joy to play and will make learning fun and as easy as possible." - Admira Guitars


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Hope you have found this helpful. Be sure to check out some essential accessories and free lessons. I wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.




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