Is it the best way to go for a beginner though?



In my opinion, probably not. Playing a new musical instrument is not only a labour of love, it is a war against embarrassment. Playing any instrument for the first time could be a painful experience for any unwilling audience and an affront on your ego!

So as far as a guitar is concerned, a good acoustic guitar would be my personal preference to learn an instrument.

Having said that, there is no denying that an electric guitar is a sexy instrument, and some people will not be denied. Perhaps you have already tried an acoustic guitar, and the call of rock and roll fame and fortune is too much for you?

Well if that is the case, then there are electric guitar packages that can fit the bill that won't break the bank. Remember that you will not be buying a classic Fender or Gibson guitar (unless you are completely loaded), but you can still buy a high quality instrument which will stand you in good stead for many years to come.

A standard package will comprise a guitar itself, a case, and amplifier and the appropriate leads to connect the guitar to the amplifier. I think it unlikely that you will be able to play any stadiums with this rig, but hey, you have got to start somewhere?

All you really need from your electric guitar package is an instrument with a decent, playable action (the height of the strings above the fret board), and an amplifier that will give you a good tone at low volume. At it the guitar looks really cool as well, then that is just a bonus!

The kit may or may not come with a tuner. You will need one whatever happens. I have always used pitch pipes, and great though automatic tuners are, you cannot beat the training given by tuning the guitar with just a pipe and your ears. Learn how to do it properly; you will appreciate it in the end.