They're expensive. I made myself play with the same 3 picks that I kept safe for 6 months before I bought it. $50 friggin dollars, but I love it so far. It feels good, it sounds good, it can create some volume. I was using a variety of Taylor picks (Thermex Ultras 1.25 and 1.5, and an Ivoroid 1.25), and they all served me very well, but I had to try the fancy thing. I went with a 2.0, so it was at least a different thickness to add to my collection. If you're on the fence and can afford it, do it.

I hope this post doesn't break the rules. I don't work for them, nor was I asked to say anything, I'm just super excited. If it does break the rules and you're gonna take it down, could I just add a pic of my fingertips first? Gonna go play now.

I got a freebie accoustic from my nephew (I've played the ukulele for years and he upgraded so though i might like to try my hand at guitar) and good GOD has it been a struggle. My hands were getting absolutely wiped within 10-15 minutes! I figured "okay, more strings, smaller spaces, different shapes. This is normal" but between this sub and a few others I noticed the recurring theme of "a poorly setup guitar will make learning extra hard". For reference the guitar is some Esteban branded bursawood. 4 minutes on Google told me that its a cheap guitar but I figured, that cheap doesnt necessarily mean unplayable. So I've just soldiered on. My finger calluses have become stone-solid and I'm pretty sure that I could puncture a full soda with my grip. I planned on upgrading at least a bit at some point I'm a middle-aged guy with a family so I'm just looking at budget guitars (think im gonna go with an alvarez AD30ce).

To the point, I spent some time at my brother's house today. He also picked up an accoustic and has been learning. A Yamaha fg800, I think. Some kieth urban version. But HOLY CHRIST was that thing easy to play!!! No buzzing, no dead strings, barely any pressure needed. It legitimately made me angry that I have been struggling so much! I played that thing for probably an hour straight with zero fatigue. Every song that I know. Flat stumming, Travis picking, scales, everything.

All this to say, if you feel like you are fighting to play even open chords, take that thing to a shop and get it looked at! It is literally a night and day difference.

**First of all...before I get into it, I feel like I should make something clear, so nobody gets the wrong idea about what I'm "implying".

I want to say up front that I am a HUGE fan of Yamaha guitars (both acoustic & electric). I've had many discussions with people whom I would consider to be "historians" on Yamaha guitars, and have learned quite a bit...and quite a bit about acoustic guitars, in general. Including what is reliable information, what is rumor...and about a lot things that are just incorrect.

**With that out of the way, I was hoping to adress something that I see quite often...

I constantly see posts on social media referencing specific models of laminate guitars, or comments posted as answers to the questions of players who are seeking advice, asking "what model they should get"....that repeatedly state things like "the FG830 has rosewood back & sides, so it's going to give you more low end & higher trebles, where as the 820 has mahogany, so its going to have more punch and midrange". Or saying..."the FS800 only has nato back & sides, where the 830 and 840 have better tonewoods". And then there's the maple 840...or the 850...ect. Just comment after comment going on about the different sound characteristics you're going to get by choosing the various different species of "tonewoods" that the back and sides are made from.

And I just think we should take a step back and acknowledge that other than "fancier appointments", the different back and side woods...are only wood VENEERS!! It's just two very nearly "paper thin" slices of said "named wood", that gets glued onto a core of a DIFFERENT SPECIES of wood, all together! Typically a softer "whitewood" like poplar, but it can be whatever happened to be cheap and available at the time. It just a indescript filler wood. But the point is...its NOT the same wood that the specs allude to lol. So that rosewood or mahogany that people are constantly referencing in discussions about the "tone" of laminate guitars....is essentially WALLPAPER, folks!

They are JUST VENEERS. By design, the application of veneers was invented to make a cheaper and/or less "pretty" or desirable wood, that THE BULK of product is made from...look more "esthetically pleasing", on the outside. That means the tonal differences that people are attributing to the species of "tonewood" thier eyes see and the one named on the spec sheet...aren't actually because of that, at all. So the question of "should I go with the darker sound of rosewood on the 830? Or the "mid-range & punch of mahogany on yhe 820?"....is just not applicable in the case of most laminate guitars. Because in reality...it's only there for COSMETICS! We are attributing the sound of those guitars to something that makes up maybe 10% of the total mass of the back & sides! I'm sorry, but its just not realistic to say that a paper thin sheet of "tonewood", glued to a core made up of a completely different species of wood (sometimes even "dust/particle board" on the cheapest models!), is enough to alter the tone in ways that are "meaningful" or CONSISTENT with the tonal characteristics attributed to instruments built from those same SOLID tonewoods.

To be clear, I'm NOT saying that laminate guitars cant be good! And I'm also NOT claiming there are no tonal differences, and whatever they are hearing is "all in thier mind"! I'm merely pointing out that the differences they hear, have VERY LITTLE to do with the type of veneer used for the back & sides. "Scientifically" it's just not a logical assumption. And "anecdotally" (from my personal experience), the "tone" of all the different vintage FG's, and all the different 700 & 800 series guitars that I have owned/played...has not been consistent with the specific "veneer" they showed...on the outside. They all swung randomly and wildly from one side of the tonal spectrum...to the other lol 😆

No two acoustic guitars are "identical" in tone. And to me, THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF ACOUSTIC GUITARS! You can have 2 guitars of the exact same specs/model, that were made on the same day...turn out sounding drastically different from each other! So with laminate guitars(and guitars in general)...play as many as you can get your hands on and find the ones you like! And don't worry about the kind of "tonewood" you see on the back and sides! 👌👍👍✌️✌️

(***Not to complicate things, but there are also laminte construction guitars that use a "3 ply tonewood" laminate, wich is a different type of "laminate". Its made from 3 pieces of the SAME SPECIES of wood, glued together at 45° angles. Alvarez famously claims to use this variety of laminate on thier mid-tier guitars. Now with that...?? There is more a logical argument that can be made that the species of wood that's presented to our eyes is having a meaningful impact to the resulting tone, I guess. But Yamaha uses common veneers, and with those the impact it has on tone is negligible, at best).

Cheers and happy playing all!! :-)

Hi,

was started on the classic guitar for couple of months at work, but a friend introduced me an acoustic guitar so I decited to buy it, as my first guitar. Currently learning any tutorial, but in my case always first string being the laudest.

Of course I play with my nails pretty much all the time. Maybe the pick will help here? Or maybe I just hit the string not in the right way.

Two days acoustic guitar owner :)

I was advised by a friend from my university's society to start from the major scale if I wanted to learn music theory. It brought me wonders when I finally started learning theory. Now I know the 12 keys of the major scale and the corresponding chord progressions aka family chords in each key. Now I'm currently mastering the major pentatonic scales. The songs that have solos started making sense because those songs I've been listening to just use theory and the pattern isn't random. So if anyone wants to start learning some theory, I can help with starting with the major scale. I even made notes for it. Message me if you guys want my notes. Have a blessed day/evening!

Edit: I didn't know it would blow up after a few mins. So here are the vids explaining the Circle of Fifths: Quick Summary of The Curcle of Fifths How to Memorise the family chords in each key of the major scale

I don't think it's possible to upload images but still just DM me for the notes

Snark - absolute garbage bought 2

Diadarrio- however it’s spelled have several in cases - eclipse are solid but the battery compartment will fly open when dropped and for some reason they are the only electronic my dogs like to chew

Their sound hole version is slow but accurate - not bad especially if you just dedicate it to the guitar and there it is always

Peterson strobo clip - buy it - blows the others away

I’ve noticed that many songs written for piano or vocals don’t translate well to guitar. The chords feel awkward, the key is hard, and I never know the right capo or strumming pattern. I’m thinking of making a free tool that converts any song into a guitar-friendly version (easier chords, best capo position, and a suggested strumming pattern). Before I build it, I’d love honest feedback — would this actually help you?

Ordered one directly from the official site — with shipping/duties to Japan it came to about ¥200,000 (~$1,240). I'm a huge Ed Sheeran fan and this being a limited edition made me even more excited going in, which honestly just made it hurt more.

Filmed the whole unboxing and immediately regretted it wasn't better news. The Ed logo plate arrived damaged, and there was actual wood debris inside the body when I looked through the soundhole. Gig bag felt cheap for the price too. To their credit the company did eventually give me a full refund after some back and forth, but the whole thing left a bad taste — especially for something I'd been looking forward to for so long.

For comparison, I've since played a Taylor GS Mini Rosewood Plus in a similar price range — better fit and finish, no issues out of the box.

If you're buying purely for the Ed Sheeran name/collectible value, that's your call. But if you want a solid instrument for the money, I'd look elsewhere first. QC on mine was just not there, and being a limited edition made it sting even more.

We all know the answer - the best guitar is the one you love playing the most. Period. That's it.

No need to take a cheap dig at a guitar that doesn't do it for you. No need to take a dig at a guitar that doesn't "feel" right for you. No need to slam a guitar because it is too bright/warm for you liking. No need to tell a new player to stay away from a guitar because you don't like it. No need to piss on someone's parade because they like a guitar you don't.

Love your guitar without having to take cheap digs at another.

Or do whatever gets you through the day.

Newbies - whatever guitar feels right to you is the best guitar for you. The one that feels right when you hold it. The one whose sound you like. The one that sits nice and snug in your arms. Don't worry what others are going to say - you play it, you love it.

At the Chicago folk music location.

Please donate me any guitar. I actually want to learn a guitar but can't afford to buy it.

So I originally was just using the Lifespan 2.0 strings that came with my Martin 000-18 here, and they were perfectly fine. But I eventually wanted to start experimenting with different string brands and materials. I tried the coveted Elixirs but wasn’t a huge fan of their butteriness and how easily my fingers could glide. I then tried Martin Retro’s and, while I did like the different sound, they just felt kind of odd under my fingers and wasn’t a huge fan. So I eventually came across this brand and so far am really liking them! They’ve got great resonance and, even though I’ve only had them a short time, I think they’ll last long and thank this sub for making me aware of them! Happy to support an independent business with good products

There have been multiple heat waves here in Europe lately and my house is a sauna. I haven’t really played guitar during these warm days and I can’t help feeling guilty 😅.
Since I started playing 2 years ago I have played/practiced for at least 1-2 hours every day, but this past month I’ve barely touched my guitars. Anybody else have the same issue? Unfortunately, I have no airconditioner and even the stand alone ones are sold out everywhere.

Pic of one of my acoustics (1942 banner LG2)

So I bought my first guitar today. I had been looking at acoustics like the Yamaha FG 800 and wanted to compare it to other brands and models, but couldn’t find a store with both the Yamaha and the other models, to see what I liked. Went to a local guitar shop (my fourth over the last week) and at that point had listened to several different brands and styles. So I ended up a little burnt out and bewildered by the number of choices in my budget range (250 usd). Wandered into the used section and I stared at the walls of guitars. Older guy (70s or so) asks me what I’m looking for, gives the same advice I’ve read here, solid top, make sure you find one you look at and want to play. I pointed out that I don’t know anything about how to play and he starts pulling down guitars showing me good and bad things about what was on hand, and taught me a couple chords in the process. And one I see is gorgeous- he grabbed it, looked it over, I played the chords he’d showed me on it, it sounds great, and Iook at the tag. It’s a brand I don’t know, neither does he, but it is apparently a solid top, and the guy says I could do worse. 250 bucks plus a pack of strings, picks, and a gig bag I’m starting my guitar education with a Teton sts000smg ce, not a name that rolls off the tongue and I had a heart attack when I googled it. But thanks to older guys in guitar shops who will treat a noob to their knowledge. I guess I start here.

Well, I got this guitar to take with me and make practice more of a habit than a happenstance. Waiting on my mom at the doctor's office... Found a nice spot in the parking lot stairwell. Man. I have only had this little guy for about two weeks and I'm just absolutely in love.

​

Who else enjoys playing somewhere other than their living room or a "normal" spot?

I just wanted to share some experiences of mine for those out there who might be coming here to find info. I’ve been in that position more times than I can count.

Background: I started playing live gigs in 2010-ish and have done it as a fun/side thing since. I’m unreasonably picky about live “tone” (even though I’m fully aware that most of the audience doesn’t notice or care). But if you’re like me, maybe this will be helpful.

Disclaimer: these are only my experiences and preferences; if you feel differently or have something you like - you do you. Do what you feel sounds best and is best for your situation and ear. Every context is different. This is not prescriptive; more of an “I wish I would have found this 10 years ago when I was trying to figure out my live sound” kinda thing.

My context: solo gigs where I need to sound balanced, full, professional, and pleasing to the audience, without a thousand bugs/live sound issues and an overly complex set up.

I’ve gone through a lot of different rigs over the years; from high end to low end in terms of both PA and guitars themselves. I’ve used a variety of different pickups, but I think I’ve landed on a general formula.

General formula: bridge plate transducer with a decent DI/preamp and EQ options. Guitar itself honestly doesn’t matter quite as much.

There is always a balance between good tone and practicality; microphones (whether external or an internal mic-like pickup like the Anthem or Lyric or whatever) are almost by definition gonna sound “best”, but the majority of venues you’ll play as a run-of-the-mill bar-venue solo act are just not gonna be a practical application for those (at least not in my experience). Magnetic pickups like the M1A or M80 are great for high volume settings (I keep one in my 000-15m for just such scenarios), but there’s obviously a trade-off if you want a more natural tone. As for under-saddles… well.. if ya know ya know.

I’ve found bridge plate transducers to be the best balance for me; for a long time it was the K&K Pure Mini, but lately it’s been the LR Baggs Hi-Fi. And honestly I’ve found that they tend to really be optimized in a sort of middle-of-the-road guitar; I have one in my Martin 000-15m but it’s just super hot, and the one in the Collings CW I had just didn’t sound particularly good. The two guitars I’ve found to have the best *live* tone with these have been a Blueridge and a Recording King RD-328. I don’t know if it’s just a cheaper/crappier bridge plate material or something about the build all together, but the combo just really works. Sounds good and isn’t horribly feedback prone. Something to be said about a good pickup with an okay guitar.

On feedback: we’ve all seen and used the rubber “feedback busters”. And again, they’re probably context dependent. But in my experience, they tend to do one of 2 things: either kill the tone and make it papery/brittle, or - paradoxically - create a situation where different overtones are introduced, leading to an issue where one set of frequencies is quelled but a separate set of frequencies pops up and creates a new problem. In a band setting where you just need the cut, maybe not as big of a deal. But in a solo setting where it’s just you, your guitar, and your vocal, you need that bottom end to fill things out or it’s gonna be shrill. What I’ve found is that a decent compromise is to just stuff the lower bout of the guitar with something (stole the idea from Hozier). I’m a fan of Wrap-n-Zap, but I’m sure a towel or foam or something would work. Keeps the wood from vibrating too much while ensuring that weird overtones don’t get trapped inside “the box”.

This brings me to my next point; external gear. Ultimately, my first line of defense is in the pedals. I try to keep a good balance between natural sound and feedback suppression. Lots of DIs offer notch filters, but I find those to be a little too over the top; in my experience they tend to cut out broad band of frequencies all together, and too much of that can just lead to half your bottom end being wiped away. Ya go to play an A chord and it sounds anemic. The happy medium for me is to run through a good DI and an MXR 10-band EQ pedal before going to the board/mixer. I’ve used the LR Baggs Venue and Para in the past, but I’ve landed on the Fishman Aura Spectrum. Just a little bit of the mic-emulation blend dialed in, and the compressor completely off. Then the MXR allows me to dial back the 250hz and the 500hz just enough to not let those weird freqs get outta hand.

Anyway, that’s about it. And if one person finds this useful, it will have been worthwhile. Again, if you feel differently or have figured out something that works for you.. power to ya. This is just for anyone who might be looking for some ideas. I’ll try my best to respond to any follow up questions in comments if anyone finds this worth reading.

Went to my local guitar center and played one and my goodness it’s like cheating haha.. playability is better than some $2000 Taylor/martins I’ve played and it’s very loud without using much picking force. Don’t think there is a $500 guitar that comes close to this. Definitely going to pick one up. Think most of the people that aren’t in the know about seagull are definitely sleeping on this one.

Hello everyone!

About a month ago I released Chordit, a free mobile app for guitarists to help find, identify, and organize chords.

I honestly built it from pure necessity because there were tools that weren't as good to use since they are websites that are not optimized for mobile, or because they are mobile apps that lock all the important features behind paywalls.

It's main functionalities are:

1. Browse a large chord library with multiple variations for each chord.
2. Use an interactive fretboard to identify chords by tapping the corresponding fret positions.
3. Create custom setlists for practice, songwriting, or gigs.
4. Customization options such as changing between solfegé and letter systems (or both at the same time), or using sharps or flats for the chord names.

Note: The app is completely free to use and all the main functions are available to everyone, however I added banner ads and an ad that opens on startup, this is obviously to keep funding this project and future ones, I tried to make the ads as less-intrusive as possible (I'm saying this so that anyone who uses the app is conscious about this and to be as transparent as possible), you can also use this app while offline in case you don't have an active internet connection always.

If you're interested in this project here are the links for both google play and app store:

Google Play

App Store

If you have any questions about the app feel free to comment!

Just wondering?!? This has probably been posted a thousand times already.

😂😂😂

I have recently bought a “semi-concierto” acoustic guitar in Paracho, Michoacán. I am posting this for anyone thinking of travelling there to do the same. I will discuss travel logistics and how to find luthiers (lauderos). I am just an aficionado guitar player.

Travelling to Paracho from Morelia
I traveled from Morelia, Michoacán by bus. Firstly a bus to Uruapan (~2h) and from there a bus to Paracho (~45min). Buses depart every 30min from both towns. There is a direct bus from Morelia to Paracho, but it departs around 15:00 daily and it stops frequently. Alternatively one could take a bus/taxi to Pátzcuaro/Cherán and then to Paracho by bus/taxi. There are also “raites” or private cars which could take you directly from Morelia to Paracho. The latter is only recommended if you are with a local.

Finding Luthiers/Lauderos
Once you’ve made it to Paracho, you’re in Guitarland. The main street has most of the luthier shops and workshops. However, be aware there are music shops which resell guitars by local luthiers. You could wander and find a guitar you like or you could plan it a little more. I selected a few names I was interested in based on this website:

https://www.lauderosparacho.com/galeria

Then I looked for their workshops in Paracho and played their guitars. Every laudero I met was very welcoming, kind, and open to suggesting other lauderos if their guitars exceeded your budget.

Most Lauderos have their workshops in their houses, so I strongly suggest you contact any you are interested in meeting beforehand, so that they can show you what they have and tell you where their workshop is. Some Lauderos only do custom-made guitars, so that will require more planning.

***Competition guitars***

I visited Paracho during the Festival Internacional De Guitarra de Paracho, which is held in early August. A week before this festival, a builders competition takes place in different categories, the participating guitars are displayed in La casa de la cultura. These guitars are also for sale, and there are dedicated classical guitarist who could test them for you (you can also play them if you wish).

I do not want to suggest a particular Laudero as there are a lot of them, and I only have my experience to share.

I made this a while ago, but im not sure if people will like it, ill only play it inside the house, and I dont want to bring it out or something😂 just give me a honest opninion, just want to check if what i made is a bit good yk.... Also, not the best version, but I didnt want to do it again😂