Guitar owners - learn on a nylon or on steel?

[enwar3]

So the bridge broke off the cheap 99$ walmart pack guitar I'm using and I need to buy another one. I'm thinking about buying a nylon one since they're easier to play, but I'm worried I'll get to used to the wider neck. Thoughts? I'm JUST starting out.

 

[Tweak155]

Depends what your ultimate goal is. If its classical then go with nylon.

If it is electric / acoustic songs that will eventually require steel strings, then you might as well get used to it, buddy.

 

[TruePaige]

Learning on a controller isn't too bad, has buttons, and isn't afraid of anyone.

 

[lxskllr]

Get the kind you like the sound of better. I much prefer the sound of steel strings. Nylon has it's own playing challenges also. Aside from the wider neck, it's easier to push them out of tune.

 

[Barfo]

where's the poll?

 

[Fritzo]

You can learn on anything. it comes down to how badly you want to learn. It's not easy on any guitar. Nylon is probably the softest of the strings, so it'll hurt the least.

 

[enwar3]

Nylon definitely feels better.. I'm just worried the wider neck starts bad habits.

I saw an acoustic-electric on CL that holds nylon strings but has a neck width closer to that of a steel. That's what I'd like to learn on.. what kind of guitar is that?

Here's the link for reference: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/1106809143.html

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: enwar3
Nylon definitely feels better.. I'm just worried the wider neck starts bad habits.

I saw an acoustic-electric on CL that holds nylon strings but has a neck width closer to that of a steel. That's what I'd like to learn on.. what kind of guitar is that?

Here's the link for reference: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/1106809143.html

It's a folk guitar, as opposed to a classical guitar.

 

[enwar3]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: enwar3
Nylon definitely feels better.. I'm just worried the wider neck starts bad habits.

I saw an acoustic-electric on CL that holds nylon strings but has a neck width closer to that of a steel. That's what I'd like to learn on.. what kind of guitar is that?

Here's the link for reference: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/1106809143.html

It's a folk guitar, as opposed to a classical guitar.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_guitar

So if I walk into the store asking for a folk guitar they'll give me a steel-string sized neck meant to be strung with nylon?

I'll inevitably go in to try guitars.. but I want to do some research beforehand.

 

[lxskllr]

Yup, that's pretty much right. Make sure you play some steel strung guitars also, and choose based on which sound you prefer. The steel strings only hurt for a very short time, and are generally more conducive to modern music.

What do you see yourself playing? Style? Artists you'd like to emulate?

Edit:

Just to clarify... A folk guitar will have a thinner neck, and will generally be steel strung. If you go in and ask, tell them you want a nylon strung folk guitar. That way you won't get the wide classical style neck. I forgot to mention also, that the bridge on your Walmart guitar should be able to be glued back on. It's a pretty easy fix if it broke the way I think it did.

1 more thing... Never put steel strings on a guitar built for nylon. It'll warp it to hell, and can pull the guitar apart.

 

[JJChicken]

You'll get used to steel strings, so don't make the pain barrier an excuse. CHoose what sounds best, why not have both worlds 🙂

Hmm I should go play my guitar...who likes santana here?