Electric guitar for beginner?

[swillie]

Could anyone please advise me on what would be the best style of electric guitar to get? I have been playing for about 6 months and have been using an acoustic guitar to practice on. I am thinking about getting my first electric axe and there are so many brands and styles out there to choose. My budget is about $1000. Other than pure looks of the guitar, is there any other way of deciding which would be the best guitar for me? Any suggestions would be appreciated?

[Danny Poole]

Well swillie, your budget for you first electric is good so most brands you'll buy around that price range will be of a good make. As for which to buy, that is a personal choice. I guess one thing that might help you is "what style of music do you like" if you like county then get a Fender Telecaster or Strat. If you like rock and pop then maybe Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha. If you’re into Metal, then something with powerful pickups to give a big distortion sound like a Gibson.



The main thing is, buying a guitar is always a stepping-stone to your next guitar. You have to be playing a guitar for a while before you know what you like and dislike about it. Playing it in a shop only gives you a false sense of what you want. It's new and shiny, played through an expensive amp (usually), you have the sales man telling you "this is a smooth guitar dude" . And then your more worried about your first audience (other shop customers) and what song your going to play.



Find a friend that has played more guitar than you or use your guitar teacher. Buying a guitar is a physical thing in the sense that I need to touch it to help you. One of the downfalls of the net.



My personal preference on guitars:



Fender Strat - Reliable and versatile

Ibanez (standard bridge hum bucker and 2 single coil) - Value for money and a good feel to the neck and fretboard.



Please I encourage other people to leave a comment on their favorite guitars and why so!

[Two-Pair-Sam]

I got myself a left handed Epiphone Les Paul for $1500, so you could probably get a righ handed one for about $250 less. I know it's slightly over your budget, but they're fantastic guitars and well worth the money.

When I was looking around though, I did get told that Ibanez probably have the best value for money, but I just love the shape of the Les Pauls.

Also, if you do decide to go down the Les Paul road, don't be put off by the fact that it's an Epiphone and not a genuine Gibson, the difference in the sound is marginal but the difference in price is huge.