Basic Guitar Practice Setup

Suggesting that there is a basic guitar setup is bound to generate an outpouring of comments, even attitude. Since this, in many ways, is a subjective issue, it's best to simply detail what a typical and productive setup would be. Productive is mentioned since working (practicing) towards an outcome or betterment is the essence of practice. Isn't it?

Before getting into the setup itself, let's take moment to define practice and address why it is an ongoing necessity.

Practice is defined as "repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring skill or proficiency: Practice makes perfect."

Unless you are a five year old prodigy, the only way that you will become a proficient guitarist is via practice. For those basketball fans among you, "it's only practice" is a famous Allen Iverson quote and the complete opposite of what is being said here. Practice is part education, muscle memory empowerment, creative development and individual expression building, to name a few of the benefits. It requires a love of the instrument, application of self discipline, planning and repetitive execution.

Does a basic guitar practice setup require a Fender Telecaster or a Gibson Less Paul? NO! Does it require a Marshall full stack or half stack for that matter? No! Do you need pedals? No! Do you need a drum machine or comprehensive group of backing tracks? No!

Certainly for some, the preceding is not popular. They always prefer the most expensive, best logo, biggest, loudest with the most "bells and whistles" toys, but it just doesn't enhance the learning process.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, some of these things will actually hamper your practice experience. So, put your wallet away and listen up.

You are the most important component of a basic guitar practice setup. You must be committed; you must be motivated; you must be tenacious. Let's assume you are all of these things. What's needed next?

The basic guitar practice setup is comprised of two components: Core and Delivery.

Core Component - The core component is the bare essentials. Keep in mind that most of the talented, famous and wealthiest guitarists through time, began with even less than what we list here.

If you want to be a guitarist you will need to find yourself a guitar; your choice electric or acoustic. Electric would be best but it really doesn't matter. Check with relatives and friends. Closets across this country house many a fine, ignored and forgotten instrument. It is probably yours for the asking. Just make sure it is not a toy but an instrument in good standing. Have it setup at your local guitar shop.

Next, if you have an electric guitar, you will need an amplification system of some type, although some newbies have become quite proficient on an electric guitar without ever plugging into an amp. Your amp should be very basic. You will require an input jack, volume, treble and bass controls, and an 8" speaker if possible, for decent sound and a six foot guitar cable.

A comfortable chair is needed. Don't laugh! You will be spending many hours in that chair. Make sure it is comfortable and skip the arm rests. The get in the way and will unintentionally "relic" your guitar finish.

A foot pedal/stool also helps quite a bit. By elevating your thigh, your guitar definitely feels more comfortable.

The next piece of the core component is the music stand. Whether you choose to actually learn some music theory or not, you will need a stand for tab printouts, a place to store picks and song books. If possible, stay away from the "skeleton" stands. If you can afford it, choose the solid, "L" stands. It is worth it. Stands take a lot of abuse and the cheaper ones have a way of constantly tipping over, spilling all that it holds, to the floor. On its way down it will inevitably strike your guitar (read scratch).

Finally, find a spare room and a nook to practice in. You want to reduce or eliminate

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