Learn Guitar your way with a TakeLessons expert

Taking guitar lessons in Indianapolis can be a very fun way to learn to play music and possibly earn money as a truly professional musician. Playing guitar also is a very cathartic experience that enables you to express your emotions through your playing while entertaining others or simply playing for yourself.

What to Buy Before Taking Guitar Lessons in Indianapolis

When you are learning to play guitar, you will need some basic equipment to make your experience more enjoyable. The first is a good guitar that will stay in tune. You should also buy a music stand and a guitar stand. The music stand will make it easier to read music while sitting or standing, and the guitar stand will limit the potential for mishaps.

An assortment of guitar picks is recommended, and you should have one or more packages of guitar strings on hand to replace the inevitable broken string. You also should buy some fret oil or conditioner to keep your guitar’s fingerboard moist and prevent potential cracking in dry weather. If you choose to learn on an electric guitar instead of an acoustic, you will need an amplifier. When first learning, it helps to buy a good solid state amp and later decide if you want to invest in a tube amp as your playing progresses and you consider performing live. With an electric guitar, you will want at least one good quality cable and might choose to buy effects pedals to hone your tone over time.

Guitar Stores in Indianapolis

There are many fine local guitar and music stores that can help you find anything you need for your guitar lessons in Indianapolis. Arthur’s Music Store on East Shelby Street is noted for having a great line of new and used acoustic and electric guitars and has been in business since 1952. IRC Music on East 82nd Street also offers new and used acoustic and electric guitars of many brands and styles, including the venerable Taylor acoustic guitars.

Another great place to look for your first guitar is SDC Guitars on West 96th Street. They specialize in stringed instruments and have a full line of acoustic and electric guitars available for you to try out before you decide on a purchase. Buying a guitar always works best when you can hold it in your hands and get a feel for the neck and playability.

Guitar Setup and Repair

No matter where you choose to buy your first guitar, or whether you buy new or used, it may eventually need maintenance to counteract any effects from seasonal weather changes and any normal wear and tear.

Indianapolis has a lot of great places where you can get your guitar setup, maintained, or repaired. SDC Guitars is noted for having excellent guitar techs and for getting guitars back to their owners in a reasonable amount of time. Arthur’s Music Store and Tom’s Guitar Repair on East Washington Street are some of the most-recommended repair shops in Indianapolis.

Local Venues and Events

Indianapolis has many great venues where you can see your favorite bands and check out new ones. The Jazz Kitchen is one of the preeminent jazz clubs in the United States, and the Klipsch Music Center, Slippery Noodle Inn, and The Vogue, rank among the Midwest’s best music venues and clubs. The annual Wes Fest features some of the nation’s best jazz guitarists paying tribute to the legendary Wes Montgomery and other jazz guitar greats. The annual Indiana Guitar Show offers a variety of guitar styles and performances.