The Sublime Beauty Of A Guitar

Most any person who really loves certain styles of music such as rock, jazz or blues thinks that guitars are just plain beautiful. They may not even know how to play the instrument, but they do know the truth of the place of the guitar in many kinds of popular music today, including rock ‘n roll, which it’s dominated since the rise of that form of music. In fact, many famous guitarists are completely associated with certain kinds of guitars.

As an example, consider how many famous rock ‘n roll musicians are immediately associated with a Gibson or a Fender. Likewise, think about famous folk musicians and the kinds of acoustic guitars they play, especially the very well-known dreadnought acoustic guitar rig that’s graced the shoulders of some of the most famous folk musicians in recent history. The guitars may have cost thousands or may have been bought secondhand, but the fact is they are joined at the hip with their musicians, most times.

Besides, the sheer beauty of a guitar because of its shape and the way it’s handled helps it stand out from many other instruments. They are also attractive because they can be relatively easy to learn, at least on a basic level. And acoustic guitars are doubly attractive to people because they don’t require the use of amplification and can be slung over a back and taken anywhere.

For anyone thinking of picking up a guitar — especially after looking at something somewhat expensive such as an Alvarez acoustic guitar — they should consider the kinds of music they want to play, eventually. This is because many famous rock musicians say that they’ve never touched an acoustic guitar while many famous folk singers say they’ve never fooled around with an electric guitar, though it’s more a matter of preference, in truth.

Usually, it’s a given that there are certain styles of music that are more appropriate for certain types of guitars. Rock, blues and jazz seem to be more associated with electric guitars than acoustic guitars, though both guitars are seen in almost every kind of music. What’s really certain, though, is that a musical piece — no matter its style — is improved by the addition of a guitar.

For those considering picking up the guitar, appreciating the beauty of it is a prerequisite but also understanding that one doesn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to find a guitar is also important. For a fact, one should also understand that buying a cheap instrument can help to make the learning experience difficult because the guitar will not be very playable. That’s why it might be a good idea to spend a little bit on a guitar — such as a Takamine acoustic guitar, for example — right out of the gate.

Guitars of all types and kinds have attracted people to them for the last hundred years or so. Ever since the rise of rock ‘n roll, electric guitars have most certainly come to the fore, though acoustic guitars are more than holding their own when it comes to playing music. They require no amplification and they’re very portable. Given all that, understanding and appreciating the sublime beauty of a guitar is quite easy.

Music And MTV Do Not Mix

MTV have very recently dropped the “Music Television” from their slogan and this was in need of happening because they do not play music any more. MTV are just not interested in playing any music on their main channel anymore and would much rather play very poor reality shows. Is there anyone out there that really watches MTV now?

The very first MTV video that was played was of course Video Killed The Radio Star and this was aired August 1, 1981. Obviously this has gone on to become a great success but at the time it was the only station to be dedicated to music only. There have been many controversial incidents that have occurred at the MTV video music wards since they were introduced in 1985 including fights and several appearances by Madonna each getting more disturbing to watch. It looks like at the moment these awards and a couple of hours of video time a day is all that is left of signs of music on the main MTV channel.

The main reason that MTV have actually decided to put down their electric guitars and pick up the more irritating reality shows is simply because more people are searching on the internet for their music now. The main MTV website was updated around this stage and all of their music videos could be viewed online.

To be fair you cannot really argue with what MTV have done because they have many sister channels that they have for fans of anything from classical guitars music to bass guitarsmusic and these seem to play a lot more music than anything else. Many artists believe that the main strength is in the main channel itself and are not happy being pushed onto another channel like MTV2 and various others?

Get a Good Guitar and It Will Play Itself

I’m a keen amateur guitarist having played for well over thirty years. In recent times I’ve gotten into electronic music production, but my first love is the guitar.

As a keen guitarist I have a growing collection of guitars both old and new. My favourite is a genuine 1931 National Triolian that has clearly been well played in its near eighty years of life. The guitar has all the signs of considerable use with deep grooves in the neck and all the paintwork chipped off the body. I just need to strum a chord and slide up the neck and the sound is straight from the Mississippi Delta.

But this fantastic vintage instrument would have been way out of my price range when I was first learning to play. Back then I could only dream of owning a real Stratocaster or Les Paul. The Tokai and Squier guitars started to appear in the music equipment stores. These guitars were affordably priced copies of popular Fenders and Gibsons. I bought myself a nice black Squier Telecaster that was just brilliant to play. A guitar playing friend once told me that a good guitar can nearly play itself and this is almost true.

My Squier Telecaster served me well for many years when I was playing in various blues bands. Then I managed to save enough to buy a genuine Fender Stratocaster. But, to be totally honest, I preferred my old Squier telecaster which I’d sold to a friend.

Not many young people who are starting to learn the guitar have the cash to spend on top of the range models. Luckily these days there are plenty of alternatives many of which are equally as good as the guitars they are copying. For example, Epiphone is one manufacturer who make outstanding instruments that play beautifully and sound exactly as they should.

For anyone looking for a first guitar I strongly recommend that you get the best that you can afford. There are some stores that offer some great deals so look out for these as they can save you a fortune. Its always worth looking around for a second hand guitar as these will often have been setup already and cost you a fraction of what it would cost for a new one. Always shop around and maybe take a guitar playing friend along when you go to check out a guitar. And its really worth remembering that a good guitar really can inspire you to play more and make playing much more enjoyable.