Want to learn the electric guitar! Need help!

[jonnyzizou]

Hi guys,
I wanna learn the electric guitar, I'm planning to learn it through Rocksmith 2014. Have a few questions. Is Rocksmith a great learning tool for beginners that have never played an electric guitar? (can play simple chords on acoustic, but still very new) If so, where should I get my guitar? What amp should i get with it? And what is the total estimated cost for guitar + amp? Thanks so much!

 

[roninblade]

you don't need an amp to play rocksmith. the cable that comes with the game plugs directly to a USB port. it works on both pc/mac and console (xbox or playstation)

rocksmith 2014 can be a great tool for learning. it has different interactive lessons and mini games to help improve your skills.

in terms of guitar options, i personally just bought a cheap guitar to play the game. it's a Craftsman GS300 from citymusic.com.sg. i recommend you get a guitar with humbuckers since the game does have rock music only. you can also check out the shops at Bras Basah Complex or at the basement of Peninsula Excelsior Plaza.

 

[Osiris]

Yep, Rocksmith transforms your console into a mini integrated amplifier during gameplay. You would still need an amp if you wanna play the guitar without the game though.

Rocksmith is an excellent instructional tool for almost all levels of guitaring. Even has basslines for those interested to learn bass guitar as well. However, I personally feel the gameplay is not as intuitive as it should be. It is geared more towards the Guitar Hero style of articulation. So if you are familiar with Guitar Hero, you should do fine. I however, SUCK at Guitar Hero and thus Rocksmith is kinda undecipherable to me! Much more comfortable with traditional guitar tabs.

Another game out there called BandFuse uses this more traditional format, I find it much easier to understand though I haven't actually tried it myself. Here's a vid of the gameplay with a simple song:

Having said that, learning guitar through these games exposes you to the danger of using the wrong technique to play. For example, they do teach stuff like picking technique but do not correct your technique during gameplay. So unknowingly, you may be getting it wrong, which means having to unlearn the wrong technique and starting from scratch again.

As for which guitar to get, I suppose something versatile and comfortable to play should be your choice. Personally, I wouldn't jump at the cheapest guitar out there. Instead, try a few within your budget to see which suits you the best it terms of comfort and feel. Most of the time, this has to do with the neck profile and body shape. Usually, the right guitar will have a conversation with you, it lets you know that it's the ONE for you. I know this sounds like a lot of hocus-pocus BS, but somehow, it works for me! Generally, Stratocaster and Superstrat-shaped guitars have a universal appeal. You may want to try the likes of the RG-series Ibanez, traditional Fender/Squire Stratocasters, Charvel DX-1, Schecters etc...

 

[roninblade]

Usually, the right guitar will have a conversation with you, it lets you know that it's the ONE for you. I know this sounds like a lot of hocus-pocus BS, but somehow, it works for me! Generally, Stratocaster and Superstrat-shaped guitars have a universal appeal. You may want to try the likes of the RG-series Ibanez, traditional Fender/Squire Stratocasters, Charvel DX-1, Schecters etc...

haha, i try not to do that. the guitars that talk to me are usually out of my budget.

I however, SUCK at Guitar Hero and thus Rocksmith is kinda undecipherable to me! Much more comfortable with traditional guitar tabs.

i also suck at guitar heor but it's possible to have the strings arranged tablature style in rocksmith (low string at the bottom and high string on top). i had trouble too at first, but it doesn't really take long to adjust to the interface and string colors.

 

[jonnyzizou]

Thanks for the replies guys! Any idea if the guitar packages at SV guitars are any good? Considering buying one of the package and adding $50 for the amp upgrade. Should I buy it? Of yes, which one is better? If not, whatsshould I get?

 

[Osiris]

haha, i try not to do that. the guitars that talk to me are usually out of my budget.

Hahaha! True enough mate. That's why I'm f**king BROKE all the time!

i also suck at guitar hero but it's possible to have the strings arranged tablature style in rocksmith (low string at the bottom and high string on top). i had trouble too at first, but it doesn't really take long to adjust to the interface and string colors

Right, played it at my friends place. Can't seem to get used to it lei...

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the replies guys! Any idea if the guitar packages at SV guitars are any good? Considering buying one of the package and adding $50 for the amp upgrade. Should I buy it? Of yes, which one is better? If not, whatsshould I get?

SV guitars are usually quite reasonably priced. Which one are you considering? What guitar and what amp is in the package, and how much is the total damage?

 

[jonnyzizou]

SV guitars are usually quite reasonably priced. Which one are you considering? What guitar and what amp is in the package, and how much is the total damage?

http://www.svguitars.com/guitar-promotion-singapore/

http://sg.yamaha.com/en/products/mu...itars/package_models/?mode=series#tab=feature


http://sg.yamaha.com/en/products/mu...els/eg112gpiih/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup

Saw these packages online and another one from Swee Lee (can't access their site now) should I get any of them? And if I'm trying them out, what should I look out for?

 

[Osiris]

http://www.svguitars.com/guitar-promotion-singapore/

http://sg.yamaha.com/en/products/mu...itars/package_models/?mode=series#tab=feature


http://sg.yamaha.com/en/products/mu...els/eg112gpiih/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup

Saw these packages online and another one from Swee Lee (can't access their site now) should I get any of them? And if I'm trying them out, what should I look out for?

WoW! That's really inexpensive! Almost shockingly so. Kinda makes me wonder about the quality... Guess they're all MIC these days but still...

Should you get them? Well, difficult question. Gotta try them out. Play those few chords you been practicing on your acoustic. Look out for things like hand and wrist comfort. Are you able to hold the chord positions with ease, and change positions swiftly and smoothly? Also, electric guitars should be almost effortless to press, so check that the "action" (distance between strings and fingerboard) is not set too high, or too low. Press and play single notes/bends all along the length of the fretboard. Each note should ring true with clarity and not stop dead right after playing it. At this price range, I wouldn't even begin to consider things like tonal quality, sustain and resonance, they're probably good enough for the asking price.

If it were me though, I'd rather spend more on the guitar itself and forego the rest of the package. Since Rocksmith transforms your console into an amp of sorts, why not consider just getting a better electric guitar? Looked around the forum and found this used RG on sale:

http://www.soft.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?331067-RG370dx-Dark-Green-Sparkle-280

Now this would definitely be a much better instrument, with Ibanez DNA and that legendary neck, than those offered in the packages. Take note of the model, then go Swee Lee and try it out! At the same time, try the one they are offering with the package to compare. You'd probably notice the difference.

Happy Shopping!

 

[jonnyzizou]

Thanks! 1 last question though, I would also like to practice the guitar with an amp itself outside of the rocksmith game. Is there any recommended ones?

 

[Osiris]

Thanks! 1 last question though, I would also like to practice the guitar with an amp itself outside of the rocksmith game. Is there any recommended ones?

Sorry, can't give much advice on this matter. I don't even use an amp, just a Pandora Mini! Which is like an MP3 player into which you plug your guitar, and listen to your playing through headphones.

 

[roninblade]

Sorry, can't give much advice on this matter. I don't even use an amp, just a Pandora Mini! Which is like an MP3 player into which you plug your guitar, and listen to your playing through headphones.

that's funny, i recently started using a Vox Lead amPhone.

 

[Osiris]

that's funny, i recently started using a Vox Lead amPhone.

Whoa!! That's looks like a cool piece of kit! True meaning of the term "plug-and-play"! The Pandora Mini I use still needs to be attached to a power source (if you aren't using batteries), and earphones need to be separately plugged-in...

 

[LadyInTears]

i bought the rocksmiths but i couldn't play it because my guitar has 27 frets and the tuning will never calibrate, freaking wasted 60 bucks

 

[jonnyzizou]

i bought the rocksmiths but i couldn't play it because my guitar has 27 frets and the tuning will never calibrate, freaking wasted 60 bucks

How many fret does it support?

 

[Osiris]

i bought the rocksmiths but i couldn't play it because my guitar has 27 frets and the tuning will never calibrate, freaking wasted 60 bucks

WoW! Don't even use my 24th fret that often, let alone the 27th! Haha! Anyway, didn't know extended scale guitars would have difficulty calibrating with Rocksmith. Thought 'E' would always be 'E' no matter the length/gauge of the string...

Well, if you look on bright side of things, you now have a great excuse for getting another, normal scaled guitar... :twisted:

 

[Damian Chang]

i bought the rocksmiths but i couldn't play it because my guitar has 27 frets and the tuning will never calibrate, freaking wasted 60 bucks

The number of frets shouldn't have anything to do with tuning, since Rocksmith takes the guitar's analog signal and converts it with the cable. If your guitar can't be tuned to the standard EADGBE on open strings then you have a serious problem with your guitar, which has nothing to do with the game.

 

[LadyInTears]

The number of frets shouldn't have anything to do with tuning, since Rocksmith takes the guitar's analog signal and converts it with the cable. If your guitar can't be tuned to the standard EADGBE on open strings then you have a serious problem with your guitar, which has nothing to do with the game.

you are wrong here my friend. there were already issues with rocksmith 2013 with 24 fretted FR bridged guitars, all my guitars are caparisons with 27 frets, with perfect set ups, do i have a serious problem with my guitars?

- - - Updated - - -

WoW! Don't even use my 24th fret that often, let alone the 27th! Haha! Anyway, didn't know extended scale guitars would have difficulty calibrating with Rocksmith. Thought 'E' would always be 'E' no matter the length/gauge of the string...

Well, if you look on bright side of things, you now have a great excuse for getting another, normal scaled guitar... :twisted:

that's what i thought too, i have 2 caparisons, one set up to standard and one to Eb, perfectly set up, perfectly in tune using my digital tuner, but once in the game, BAM nothing calibrates, it's not the scale length as well, i guess it's the old issue with FR bridge and in this case i have a not so common guitar.

Well yes, I'm looking to get a 'normal' scale guitar, but to play rocksmiths? MEHHHHH

 

[Osiris]

that's what i thought too, i have 2 caparisons, one set up to standard and one to Eb, perfectly set up, perfectly in tune using my digital tuner, but once in the game, BAM nothing calibrates, it's not the scale length as well, i guess it's the old issue with FR bridge and in this case i have a not so common guitar.

Well yes, I'm looking to get a 'normal' scale guitar, but to play rocksmiths? MEHHHHH

That sure is odd. I hear there are other bugs inherent with Rocksmith too, like it resets those songs which you have perfected so u can't quite progress to the next stage.

Haha! Still, it would be a bonus if u could play the game with it too.

 

[mcoliver77]

Good discussion!

Anybody know where I can get the Rocksmith 2014 for Xbox? Went around Funan but no luck.

Thanks.