[rocketman]

Hi. I'm really looking to improve my guitar playing and go on American Idol someday. Seriously. A little background on me. My Dad plays acoustic and I learned how to play a little bit just messing around on his guitars. That's how I learned. I played guitar for a couple of years, mostly acoustic and can play ok for a beginner, but I haven't played in many years and would like to take it up again. I used to have an electric, but lost interest and didn't really understand all the techno stuff.

Well, I'm currently without guitar and can really only afford 1 guitar. What kind should I get? I keep leaning to electric b/c I don't want to play a bunch of sappy acoustic songs. At the same time, I keep going back to acoustic because of its simplicity and the ability to sing with the guitar. Did I mention that I want to go on American Idol?

[sabretalon]

I thought on the idol series that you were not using instruments but only your vocals? Thats what they were like here in the UK, no instruments for the auditions.

I would say if your main purpose is to be on American Idol, then you should develop your voice first. Invest some money into a singing coach rather than a guitar.

Unless they are making it more of a band type set up?

[rocketman]

OK, well yeah. I do want on American Idol. I figure if I can make it far, then eventually Simon will say that I suck. After that, I use my 5 minutes of fame and put some videos on YouTube.com with me playing guitar & singing. I'm going to maybe do some singing lessons, but I definitely want to pick up the guitar bit again.

Honestly, I don't want to be poor my whole life. So, what do I need, an acoustic or electric? I know this is a stupid plan, but I really want to pursue this.

[si16]

Welcome rocketman. I'd say that if the music you like and want to play is electric based then go for the electric. If you're having problems with the 'techno stuff' then ask questions here at the forum, there's plenty of knowledgeable people here that will be able to help.

[coldethyl]

Welcme Rocketman

Just my opinion, but if you are really passionate about learning the guitar then try and get into a band or try start one of your own and enter into a "battle of the bands" competition. The only person who I reckon has made a success of being on American Idol is Kelly Clarkson (not that I'm into her music) but you hardly hear about any of the others making a success of it like she has.

Really American Idol is just making stars out of the judges who take a lot of pride in berating the performers. But as I said, that's just my opinion so don't take offense please.

[Stratrat]

Originally Posted by coldethyl

....The only person who I reckon has made a success of being on American Idol is Kelly Clarkson (not that I'm into her music) but you hardly hear about any of the others making a success of it like she has.

Slightly OT, but.....Bucky Covington currently has a hit high on the country charts. Kellie Pickler has a couple of them. And I'd say that Carrie Underwood has had a bit of success since American Idol also (numerous #1 hits and music industry awards).

Nevertheless, I've yet to see a musician perform on American Idol with an instrument of any kind - I'm not sure that they even allow it.

[Barry Bohannon]

Originally Posted by Stratrat

Slightly OT, but.....Bucky Covington currently has a hit high on the country charts. Kellie Pickler has a couple of them. And I'd say that Carrie Underwood has had a bit of success since American Idol also (numerous #1 hits and music industry awards).

Nevertheless, I've yet to see a musician perform on American Idol with an instrument of any kind - I'm not sure that they even allow it.

Josh Gracin is another Idol contestant who got binned in the early rounds and he's making a nice living in Country music too ! Matey boy Taylor Hicks played a harmonica a couple times didn't he ? Anyhow as an English man I'd advise anyone thinking of going on AmIdol to do Country, our nice Mr Cowell knows jack about the genre ! He didn't like Miss Pickler and she just had a hit single and album ! Better yet, don't go on there, we have a similar show over here (run by Simon Cowell) called The X Facor and, like Idol, it's up to the Great British public to vote for their favourite (not the best performer, you understand, but their favourite) and by God do they vote some stars out and some cr*p in !! Leave it to the public to decide.. they know best !

[Ledhead V-2]

Originally Posted by rocketman

OK, well yeah. I do want on American Idol. I figure if I can make it far, then eventually Simon will say that I suck. After that, I use my 5 minutes of fame and put some videos on YouTube.com with me playing guitar & singing. I'm going to maybe do some singing lessons, but I definitely want to pick up the guitar bit again.

Honestly, I don't want to be poor my whole life. So, what do I need, an acoustic or electric? I know this is a stupid plan, but I really want to pursue this.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but from reading just your first two posts in this thread I get the impression that you're looking for the easy fast-track to $$$ and success; and without really putting your nose to the grindstone and paying your dues. Personally, I'm of the opinion that American Idol contestants (the vast majority of them anyway) are plastic and shallow people who'd do anything for a shot at stardom. But like I say, that's just my opinion...

I think coldethyl's advice is the best I've seen here. Start from the bottom and get serious about your musical career by getting a band together and practicing, practicing, practicing. Release a demo cd maybe; try to book a few club gigs. And if not "being poor" the rest of your life is your real goal, may I suggest that you enter college and educate yourself enough to where you can get a job that'll make you rich?

Anyway, whichever path you choose, I wish you the best of luck.

[starsailor]

It's not a stupid plan, it's an ambition nothing wrong with having that , if you want to get a guitar why don't you pop along to your local music shop and try out some , take your Dad along I'm sure he'd enjoy it.
The contestants that go on the X factor in the UK and say they want to be a star and make loads of money usually don't get past the audition stage so I'd think about what you say.

The X factor final this year was won by Leona Lewis who studied at the Brit school in London which is part funded by the Brit Awards, it's a bit like "Fame" but without the endless cheesy dance sequences. Anyway Leona was taught to sing, she hadn't come from nowhere. The runner up Ray was a child actor and knew quite a lot about performing. The third place guy Ben Mills has just released an album, he is quite an experienced musician he can play Guitar and Piano and spent years gigging with a band before he got his lucky break.

I don't know how young you are but it wouldn't do any harm to start up a band or take some singing lessons and while your waiting for your big break you can keep practicing Guitar etc. and hone your musical skills.
One other thing always ask your friends and family to be brutally honest with you, a lot of people that audition think they're the best singer ever because their friends and family didn't have the heart to tell them they sang like a Hyena. I'm just learning guitar ( about a year now) and I sometimes play in front of the family, who have had no hesitation in telling me how bad I sound (when I did ) although I think suggesting I try playing without strings was a bit uncalled for.
Well good luck with your quest and look after yourself.

Cheers

Chris

PS. Ledhead V-2 is right about the importance of an education, it's always worth having skills to fall back on if plan A doesn't work, then at least you can still have a good job earn loads of money and gig with your band at the weekends.
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