Buying a Guitar in Philadelphia?
What you need to know after you buy a new guitar
Congratulations! You got a new guitar! Now what? Intermediate and advanced players already know the drill. Pick the instrument up and get acquainted with the latest addition to your collection! However, if this is your first guitar, here are a few quick tips to help you get started on your musical journey.
Pickguard Film
First things first, and this one is easy: peel of your pickguard film. You may not even notice the thin piece of plastic on the pickguard but it’s only there to protect it until the guitar is yours. Carefully remove it.
The straps, the picks, the strings
You definitely need the right pick and it’s important to learn the correct way to hold a pick. It’s good to be prepared with an extra set of the right strings tendency to break. Lighter gauge strings will be easier on the fingers if you’re a new player, and you should test out a variety of pick sizes before settling on what feels comfortable to you. You will also likely need to pick up a strap if you want to play standing up.
Learn how to clean your guitar
A little maintenance will help your guitar or bass last longer, as sweat, dirt, and other nasty things can age it faster. Just get the right equipment, like a lint-free cloth and approved cleaning agents.
Store it properly
One thing that regularly gets overlooked is how to store guitars and basses when they aren’t in use. If you plan on playing every day, a stand or wall hanger will keep your instrument at the ready. Otherwise, a gig bag or hard case will keep it shielded from the elements on transit or long-term storage.
Consider a setup
While most guitars sound good from the beginning, consulting a trained technician for setup will ensure that it’s properly in tune and boasts an action that is comfortable to you.
Tune-up
Whether you are using a digital tuner, a tuning app, or the harmonic method, you should know how to keep your instrument in tune. You will never know when it will get knocked out of whack, sometimes it happens when you least expect it.
Get to playing
Now that we’ve shown you the basics of guitar care and prep, it’s up to you to start playing. Luckily, it’s not hard with lessons from the David Joel Guitar Studio in Philadelphia. Here you can learn the basics, music theory and improvisation from one of the best teachers in the area. If you are interested in stepping up your guitar playing knowledge, consider lessons. If you are brand new to the game, you definitely need them.