My first acoustic guitar was a Yamaha FG800. I still love it and it most likely will stay with me for my lifetime. By the way, my first electric guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica 112V and I feel the same about that guitar.
I am a late student to the guitar and I am not James' student, so I have nothing to gain by saying what I'm going to say, which is this: James is exactly correct in everything he said. I own a Yamaha FS800 and an FG850. Yamaha provides incredible value for the money. Also, the picks he showed you are great; I use them, too. They are Dunlop Tortex picks and you can get them at your local music store or online. However, my Snark tuners work fine (sorry, James - lol). Final word: the other thing that is just as important as the guitar is getting a teacher. They are often not as expensive as you think, and the money you spend will help you advance much more quickly than you could on your own. Voice of experience.
Enjoyed and believe you gave out some very practical advice. I think a good used for me is the way to go. Chances are good that it becomes another toy in my closet. I wish you could have named a few more models to look for. Thumbs up
there is nothing else to look for in this price range... the fender cd60 isnt even close... and apart from that im not really aware of any solid tops... maybe some takamines but they just feel like a worse version of the fender to me... now when you go to the fg line (in which i think the fg820 is the best...) your getting a instrument that will absolutly last you for the rest of your life if taken care of, it has amazing tone. 0 complaint on that end. it sounds great. and if you ever want to get it to what i would simply consider a semi professional grade instrument (which is really good!) just get it set it up, and switch to bone nut and saddle, and rosewood bridge pins. no one in your audience will be able to tell the difference between this and a upper midrange guitar. maybe musicians will, but i dont think it will be somthing they will notice unless you ask them to...
Here’s a tip. Your local music store might have a student guitar package. I bought a new acoustic Yamaha FD01S for $189 (US). It came with a soft case, picks, Yamaha tuner and extra strings. This was 2 years ago.
Hello James, so glad to hear the Yamaha guitars are good for beginners! I am an older beginner and last January, after researching what might be the best guitar for me, I found the Yamaha FS820 Small Body Acoustic Guitar. I haven't been disappointed for a first guitar! I love it, plus I chose the Red colour which I love because it makes me happy just to look at it! Sure I have been struggling at learning because it doesn't come easy for my short arthritic fingers but I have been trying! So, now that I know I really have a good beginner's guitar, it will be even more motivating to play it! So thank you again James for your great suggestions and for sharing your professionnal knowledge with us!
Hello there, you're not alone in the feelings that many people have when buying their first guitar and then wondering if it is the guitar that's hindering their progress or if it's other reasons. If it's a good enough guitar, like yours, it's easier to stick with it, which is key right now. I'm glad that just looking at the guitar makes you feel happy. Let's be in touch about your progress. Nice to hear from you.
@@Good_Guitarist Hello James, thank you for your reply. I am sure we'll be in touch because last night I just finished your free "mini" beginner's course. I really enjoyed it and now I will be investing in your full beginner's guitar course because you are the best teacher I have come across, and you have convinced me not to give up, so I choose you ! Yé!!!
Great advice. I’m a total beginner. I recently picked up a gently used Yamaha F310 acoustic guitar from a garage sale for $35.00 CAD. I figured I couldn’t go wrong for the price. I’m really enjoying it so far.
I know it isn't a "beginner" guitar but my goodness the Taylor GS Mini is the most fun guitar I have ever played. It is just beautiful to play and has such great sound for a smaller guitar. The size is perfect for smaller hands and for kiddos. OK you are looking at $600-$1100 brand new, but it is worth it. Used, much cheaper if you can find them. The price can be rationalized, very easily. People will play $1000 on a TV or $300 for a video game system plus games. People spend $1000 on their kids very often. A good guitar is worth the cost. My first guitar was a cheap one and I fought it every day and didn't want to play it. When I bought the Taylor, it was like a whole new world. Also, don't forget the squires. They are really good now!
Taylor GS Mini Mahogony. The most fun guitar I have ever owned. Plays and sounds just wonderful! Can be used for gigging with the e version and an amp. It is my go to guitar for fun. So easy to play.
Great advice.I started with the Yamaha. I have since moved up but still give the Yamaha run now and again. Really enjoy you lessons. Thank you from Ireland 🇮🇪
Hello James I've been playing on a cheap guitar for the past 4 months and I'm looking to upgrade I really like the fender cc60s mahogany would you recommend this for a beginner? Would really appreciate your input and love your channel very helpful 😊
ill be honest with ya... the sound is good! but i think you get in my opinion a better tone with the fg820... not to mention the cream binding which i think aesthetically just looks better... i think if your a beginer and dont want to spend too much money then you will do amazing with the 800 (i wish i started on one!) but if your looking for best value for money kinda seconed guitar... i think u can really appreciate the difference in the 20 and 30... in any case you cant go wrong with any of these! and i think i can see people preferring the fg800 tone more...
what is a beginner guitar, what does that even mean? oh because it cost less money? The FG 800 has the same measurments as a Martin D 45 and it sounds like a 600 or 800 hundred dollar guitar
Yeah... that's the thing about guitar though, you really get quality when you put in a bit more money HOWEVER it is really common to find good deals on the second hand marketplace
Do you ride a motorcycle? Let me guess.. A Yamaha? Oh; and you leave it perfectly stock... Same exact brand size and tread design if you need to replace one, Give me a break with your Yamaha Ad.
Unfortunately, it is also a good way to get screwed if you don't know what to look for. The same goes for Reverb. Buying used is always risky if you are new to the guitar world. Besides, every kid wants their own new guitar. If new/used is a showstopper, don't let it be. But if you can scrap for a new one, you or your child will be happier. Don't go cheap whatever you do. Buying two or three times is not cheaper than buying good once.
@@dadaveda True! But a lot of "ifs" for a beginner player or parents watching this video and looking to buy a beginner guitar for their kids. No doubt big bargains are out there to be had. But, as you say the ability to play it, inspect it, judge it's setup, and listen for intonation, etc. are not skills most newbies and parents are going to have. Makes a lot more sense to buy a guitar you can have a high confidence level in right out of the box or be able to depend on someone with knowledge to check it out for you. I recommend a certain highly regarded mail order guitar store who will do a good inspection of the guitar before mailing it out to you. Inadvertently giving a new player junk is the fastest way to turn them off to guitar that I know of. Been there done that. Cheap is not the way to go on musical instruments. IMO, of course. Have a good day! God Bless!
💻 Check out James' Beginner Guitar Course: goodguitarist.com/beginner-guitar-course/
My first acoustic guitar was a Yamaha FG800. I still love it and it most likely will stay with me for my lifetime. By the way, my first electric guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica 112V and I feel the same about that guitar.
omg I bought the yamaha pacifica 112V last year and now I'm prone to buying an ACOUSTIC and I'm really into the Yamaha FG800 , I think I'll go with it
@@itz.mattex If you want a smaller body acoustic, consider the FS800.
I am a late student to the guitar and I am not James' student, so I have nothing to gain by saying what I'm going to say, which is this: James is exactly correct in everything he said. I own a Yamaha FS800 and an FG850. Yamaha provides incredible value for the money. Also, the picks he showed you are great; I use them, too. They are Dunlop Tortex picks and you can get them at your local music store or online. However, my Snark tuners work fine (sorry, James - lol).
Final word: the other thing that is just as important as the guitar is getting a teacher. They are often not as expensive as you think, and the money you spend will help you advance much more quickly than you could on your own. Voice of experience.
Enjoyed and believe you gave out some very practical advice. I think a good used for me is the way to go. Chances are good that it becomes another toy in my closet.
I wish you could have named a few more models to look for. Thumbs up
there is nothing else to look for in this price range... the fender cd60 isnt even close... and apart from that im not really aware of any solid tops... maybe some takamines but they just feel like a worse version of the fender to me... now when you go to the fg line (in which i think the fg820 is the best...) your getting a instrument that will absolutly last you for the rest of your life if taken care of, it has amazing tone. 0 complaint on that end. it sounds great. and if you ever want to get it to what i would simply consider a semi professional grade instrument (which is really good!) just get it set it up, and switch to bone nut and saddle, and rosewood bridge pins. no one in your audience will be able to tell the difference between this and a upper midrange guitar. maybe musicians will, but i dont think it will be somthing they will notice unless you ask them to...
Here’s a tip. Your local music store might have a student guitar package. I bought a new acoustic Yamaha FD01S for $189 (US). It came with a soft case, picks, Yamaha tuner and extra strings. This was 2 years ago.
Hello James, so glad to hear the Yamaha guitars are good for beginners! I am an older beginner and last January, after researching what might be the best guitar for me, I found the Yamaha FS820 Small Body Acoustic Guitar. I haven't been disappointed for a first guitar! I love it, plus I chose the Red colour which I love because it makes me happy just to look at it! Sure I have been struggling at learning because it doesn't come easy for my short arthritic fingers but I have been trying! So, now that I know I really have a good beginner's guitar, it will be even more motivating to play it! So thank you again James for your great suggestions and for sharing your professionnal knowledge with us!
Hello there, you're not alone in the feelings that many people have when buying their first guitar and then wondering if it is the guitar that's hindering their progress or if it's other reasons. If it's a good enough guitar, like yours, it's easier to stick with it, which is key right now. I'm glad that just looking at the guitar makes you feel happy. Let's be in touch about your progress. Nice to hear from you.
@@Good_Guitarist Hello James, thank you for your reply. I am sure we'll be in touch because last night I just finished your free "mini" beginner's course. I really enjoyed it and now I will be investing in your full beginner's guitar course because you are the best teacher I have come across, and you have convinced me not to give up, so I choose you ! Yé!!!
Great advice. I’m a total beginner. I recently picked up a gently used Yamaha F310 acoustic guitar from a garage sale for $35.00 CAD. I figured I couldn’t go wrong for the price. I’m really enjoying it so far.
Thnx for the info...found a FGX 800C used for sale locally...think i might buy it
Is it good to buy ukulele first for an absolute beginner who wants to learn and play guitar?
I know it isn't a "beginner" guitar but my goodness the Taylor GS Mini is the most fun guitar I have ever played. It is just beautiful to play and has such great sound for a smaller guitar. The size is perfect for smaller hands and for kiddos. OK you are looking at $600-$1100 brand new, but it is worth it. Used, much cheaper if you can find them. The price can be rationalized, very easily. People will play $1000 on a TV or $300 for a video game system plus games. People spend $1000 on their kids very often. A good guitar is worth the cost. My first guitar was a cheap one and I fought it every day and didn't want to play it. When I bought the Taylor, it was like a whole new world. Also, don't forget the squires. They are really good now!
I really agree with everything you said here! Thanks for the insight, Tom!
great. now, how about recommendations for step up guitar(s) for the late beginner, early intermediate guitarist
Taylor GS Mini Mahogony. The most fun guitar I have ever owned. Plays and sounds just wonderful! Can be used for gigging with the e version and an amp. It is my go to guitar for fun. So easy to play.
Good advice!
Nice to see a video from a local guy,great content
OMG thats the guitar l have got Yamaha FG800, l agrree with your assessment, after doing research thats what l went for. 👍
Great advice.I started with the Yamaha. I have since moved up but still give the Yamaha run now and again.
Really enjoy you lessons.
Thank you from Ireland 🇮🇪
Hello James I've been playing on a cheap guitar for the past 4 months and I'm looking to upgrade I really like the fender cc60s mahogany would you recommend this for a beginner? Would really appreciate your input and love your channel very helpful 😊
I wish you would make a tutorial video
On playing Bob Seger’s “You’ll accompany me” and/or Deep Purple’s “Soldier of Fortune” on acoustic
You give me a better idea 👍
good video and also ASMR
If $500.00 and down is the budget someone has.. My opinion, Yamaha FG800, FG830 can't be beat...
The FG 800 is not a biginner guitar, it just has a good price thats all,
ill be honest with ya... the sound is good! but i think you get in my opinion a better tone with the fg820... not to mention the cream binding which i think aesthetically just looks better... i think if your a beginer and dont want to spend too much money then you will do amazing with the 800 (i wish i started on one!) but if your looking for best value for money kinda seconed guitar... i think u can really appreciate the difference in the 20 and 30... in any case you cant go wrong with any of these! and i think i can see people preferring the fg800 tone more...
what is a beginner guitar, what does that even mean? oh because it cost less money? The FG 800 has the same measurments as a Martin D 45 and it sounds like a 600 or 800 hundred dollar guitar
Already discouraged by the prices.
Yeah... that's the thing about guitar though, you really get quality when you put in a bit more money HOWEVER it is really common to find good deals on the second hand marketplace
There’s no way you’re not Canadian 😂 I can hear accent as a fellow Canadian
eh?
@@Good_Guitarist Well I gotta say thank you because I bought that tuner you recommended and the FG800. Love from Toronto 🇨🇦❤️
Do you ride a motorcycle? Let me guess.. A Yamaha? Oh; and you leave it perfectly stock... Same exact brand size and tread design if you need to replace one, Give me a break with your Yamaha Ad.
😍🧡💛👍🥰
A good way to get a good used guitar is to go to a pawn shop.
Unfortunately, it is also a good way to get screwed if you don't know what to look for. The same goes for Reverb. Buying used is always risky if you are new to the guitar world. Besides, every kid wants their own new guitar. If new/used is a showstopper, don't let it be. But if you can scrap for a new one, you or your child will be happier. Don't go cheap whatever you do. Buying two or three times is not cheaper than buying good once.
@@tommaxwell429 the pawn shop is good if you are able to play the instrument and have enough of an ear to judge whether it sounds good or not.
@@dadaveda True! But a lot of "ifs" for a beginner player or parents watching this video and looking to buy a beginner guitar for their kids. No doubt big bargains are out there to be had. But, as you say the ability to play it, inspect it, judge it's setup, and listen for intonation, etc. are not skills most newbies and parents are going to have. Makes a lot more sense to buy a guitar you can have a high confidence level in right out of the box or be able to depend on someone with knowledge to check it out for you. I recommend a certain highly regarded mail order guitar store who will do a good inspection of the guitar before mailing it out to you. Inadvertently giving a new player junk is the fastest way to turn them off to guitar that I know of. Been there done that. Cheap is not the way to go on musical instruments. IMO, of course. Have a good day! God Bless!
solid top harley benton is the best bang for money. cld 41s wn