Beginner Jazz Lessons, best guitar?

jazzycha · #1 11-20-2011, 03:55 PM

Hi,

Purely as a hobby i want to pursue, I'm thinking of taking jazz lessons in my city. What recommendations would you have for me to make the most of this? Also I'd like to learn on an instrument i could play in a little group without feeling I'm interrupting conversation.

I already own a regular Seagull acoustic guitar. Not sure if i should maybe try to learn some jazz concepts on it and then if i enjoy it, i could purchase a archtop guitar.

I don't know much about jazz's history or jazz itself except i like it

Cheers!

marshall · #2 11-20-2011, 06:51 PM

Greetings: I'm not a good jazz guitarist or musician,but I'm sure that what you have is fine for learning jazz.I have a yamaha flat top,a few classical,and a couple of inexpensive archtops,and all of them can fit the bill.I guess what i'm saying is it aint what you got,it's what you do with what you got.The most important thing is to practice,listen and play and love the journey. Keep on keeping on. Peace1

fep · #3 11-20-2011, 08:41 PM

If I were in your shoes, I'd want to practice on an electric archtop.

Ibanez and Epiphone are good values.

But this really depends on your budget. Let us know your budget.

A lot of folks starting jazz guitar are in there 40s or 50s and they can afford a lot, in that case, Heritage, Gibson, etc.

Try reposting in the gear section of this forum and you'll get a lot more responses.

Quendit · #4 11-21-2011, 02:06 AM

I would recomended for begginers a Fender Telecaster or Fender Stratocaster.

jazzycha · #5 11-21-2011, 08:00 AM

Well I haven't made a budget yet because I want to see what people would suggest first. I could spend 300 or 400$ on an instrument but i also want to take jazz lessons from somebody local in the city since I'm still fairly new to the ciy and it would be a good way to meet people.

Since I'm planning on paying for lessons, I like the idea of using my own acoustic guitar, just wasn't sure If I'd be severely limiting myself doing that.

Thanks!

Cheers,
Charles

fep · #6 11-21-2011, 02:20 PM

If you have a good flat top that is properly set up, then it will be fine to learn jazz on.

In the mean time you can become more educated about jazz guitars if you do decide to buy one. Also, down the road your jazz guitar instructor could help you in selecting a guitar.

the*doctor · #7 11-22-2011, 03:16 AM

I'd go to lessons for a while first with what you've got. Then if you decide that you really want to get into it, I'd go for a medium priced Archtop around $1000-$1500 if you can afford it. A nice guitar can really encourage you to practice and stick with it

I played jazz for half a year on an ibanez shredder before I could afford a nicer one, once I decided I really wanted to pursue it.

TruthHertz · #8 11-22-2011, 11:31 AM

Yes you've got an instrument that you know works for you and most importantly, that you like. Use that, learn with playing the music is all about and by that time your appreciation of the direction you want to go in, as well as your ability to fantasize about what a great instrument you imagine yourself playing will be deeper. That will happen soon enough and if you're like so many on this group, you'll just start collecting.
Putting the purchase off lets you concentrate on getting the sounds out of your guitar, and it gives you a better opportunity to watch for something on ebay where prices are falling as more and more jazz musicians can't find work.
The seagull is just fine, as long as it's in good shape, has a comfortable action all the way up the neck and the relief and neck alignment is good. You will be using the entire fingerboard. Cutaways, if you don't have one on the seagull, will become apparent as something that makes life easier but not necessary by any means.
David