Welcome to the HHS Guitar Class Page!
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Web update - I have started a new website to post more content from our classes and performances. For more photos and videos, go to the following address:
Current Students: I have started a Guitar Education page on my website, which is set up like a podcast. I will periodically ask you to check it for new information.
You can access it here:
This is our second year of offering Guitar class, and the program is growing each year. Make sure to see us at our live performances throughout the year.
We will be learning to play guitar in several different styles, including blues, classical, and rock styles. Students will also learn several scales, chords, and modes, as well as learning to read from standard notation and chord symbols.
Syllabus:
Class format:
The class is designed to meet as a full class once per week, with the remaining four days being devoted to small group instruction. Student will be split into four groups, each with different tasks to perform, while the instructor meets with one small group at a time, as the groups rotate tasks. Tasks will include web research about guitarists, songs, and bands, and other tasks will include individual and peer practice sessions.
About guitar class equipment:
Students will be required to have their own guitar, with strap, strings, picks, and a case or bag. A digital tuner with an input jack will be very helpful. Students are to maintain their guitars, and should have back-up supplies ready. I always carry a tuner, strap, an extra set of strings and cords with my basses, and I expect that students develop similar habits for their guitars.
As our class will be using headsets to practice and work in groups not meeting with the instructor, an electric guitar would actually be more beneficial for students to use, especially as student will be making computer recordings regularly. If students are using an acoustic guitar, one with a pickup will be the best. If the guitar does not have one, and inexpensive acoustic guitar pickup could be purchased to plug in the acoustic to the headset system.
Also, realistically, if a student needs to purchase an inexpensive guitar, between $100-200, then an electric will likely be much better built for the same price than would a similarly priced acoustic. The cost of the technique and craftsmanship required for a well-built acoustic is much more than needed for a good electric.
Buying a guitar:
There are many decent quality guitars out there, and several companies offer beginning model packages that include much of the equipment listed above.
Buying a guitar for less than or right at $100 usually is not a great idea. The quality and re-sale value are pretty bad on these. Also, buying a guitar that is cheaply made will typically inhibit the playability of the instrument and may actually hinder the student's progress on the instrument.
There are several decent quality guitars available in the $100-$500 range, with many well-made guitars from $100-$350. Most guitars will last for several years. I have three different instruments purchased for less than $500, which have all lasted ten or more years (and still counting). Guitar buyers may also consider getting used instruments. Usually one can get a better quality instrument for the same price as a newer, lower-quality instrument. Take some time to shop around.
Unlike some products, name brands typically do matter when buying guitars.
Buying a guitar from a reputable manufacturer usually will assure some level of quality, as well as buying from a reputable music store. Buying a guitar as seen on TV or at an electronics store or sales warehouse is usually not recommended.
Some reputable guitar manufacturers are listed here (in no particular order):
Gibson
Epiphone (owned by Gibson, and produces lower cost variations of their instruments)
Fender
Squier (owned by Fender, and produces lower cost variations of their instruments)
Yamaha (makes several lines at different price points, without name-switching)
Ibanez (makes several lines of guitars, without name-switching)
Carvin
G&L
Alvarez
Spector
ESP
PRS
Jackson
Charvel
Hamer
Line 6
Music Man
Taylor (mostly acoustics)
Martin (mostly acoustics)
Ovation (mostly acoustics)
Takamine (mostly acoustics)
Typically manufacturers will have premium, midline, and budget level guitars. Many times the cheapest ones are made in overseas factories and are not the same quality as domestic guitars. I have found that if you are getting an imported guitar it sometimes makes more sense to get one from an actual overseas company. I own two Yamahas, which are great instruments. I also have an Ibanez, which is an another import that I find works well.
There are many starter packages available now, with a guitar and amp, and accessories included for a bargain price. They may work well, if made by a reputable company. They are usually the overseas imports from a big brand with a similar sounding name as their more popular guitars. They might make good starter guitars, but will have little re-sale value later.
I typically find it better and not much more expensive to get the guitar and amp separately. I am also not so sure about buying a guitar in box, without being able to play it first. I always recommend playing the guitar first, or having a friend play it for you to examine it. Be sure to check the used section for amps and accessories as well. For this class students will not need big, large amps, with lots of power. I recently checked out a 15 watt amp that would be plenty for anything we do at HHS. Typically they will only need an amp at a small recital, and can be plugged into the PA for concerts.
Basses come from many of the same manufacturers, but there are several specialized bass manufacturers. If you would like more info about basses, contact Mr. Giliam directly. If you have specific quations about name brands you can check manufacturer's web sites or the ones listed below. I will give my honest opinion on guitar types that I know about, so feel free to e-mail me if you seek some advice.
Buying a guitar from a music store also has some advantages. You have a place and a face to go back to if there are problems or questions later on. Also, most music stores will give your guitar a free "set-up" for your new instrument, which is very important to the guitar's tuning (and usually costs at least $50 if it was not done before). Be sure to ask the music store about getting a set-up performed on your instrument when buying - they don't always tell you about them, but most will perform them free for new instrument purchases.
Most guitar stores do expect a bit of haggling, so it's OK to attempt it, especially with privately owned or smaller shops. Even at larger chain stores the salespeople can offer some price reductions or throw in some free accessories. many times there is a "List Price" given that is inflated well above normal street value, so it's OK to ask if you can get a deal or a sale price.
There are several tips and pages here about choosing an instrument:
Here is a link providing info about different guitar manufacturer here:
The author on these sites gives some great ideas about purchasing a guitar. Take his advice on having a friend that already plays go with you or give some advice. Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. It does help if you know a little more background regarding the instrument, so you can communicate more clearly.
This site has several common guitar terms defined that can help in shopping for your guitar, as well as giving good buying advice.
The following link shows pictures of the parts of the guitar and does give some good advice, but as it is given by the Gibson guitar company, there is sales rhetoric involved in the presentation. (Gibson is a leading manufacturer, so they're great, but for a first guitar, you may want to consider their Epiphone line for cost).
We will begin playing instruments in the first week, so students will need to either borrow an instrument or get one before school. Fortunately, there are always great Labor Day Weekend sales. Enjoy shopping!
See you in class!
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