A guitar is a stringed instrument so it is a must to know which type of string you should use if you are to buy one. Generally, there are two types of strings: Metal Strings and Nylon Strings. Although the quality of sound that a guitar string produces not only depends on the material used to make it, but also on the string’s thickness and coating method used, the difference between the sound of a nylon string and a metal string is the most basic thing to know if you are to choose the right strings for you.
The metal string is a lot more commonly used on both electric guitars and acoustic guitars. In fact, almost no electric guitar (if there is any) use nylon as the material for its strings. This is because strings made of metal are more suited for the electromagnetic reception of the pick-ups being used on electric guitars. Metal strings produce sharp and bright sounds and they have longer sustaining power compared to nylon strings. However, metal strings are also more resistant to force, thus they are more difficult to press than strings made of nylon. They also break easier and earlier than nylon strings because they are prone to rusting.
On the other hand, nylon strings are more commonly used by guitarists who play country and bluegrass. Strings made of this material produce a blunt and smooth sound and have a shorter sustaining ability than metal strings. However, the tones played on a chord are more unified when played using a nylon string rather than using a metal string. They are also easier to fret because they are softer than metal strings even when the guitar is tuned higher (i.e. strings are tighter). They also last longer because they do not get rusty (duh!).
This is just one area of learning when it comes to being a guitarist. There’s of course way more that you will want to learn such as tuning your guitar, playing chords, improvising and such like. You will find that there are many ways that you can learn this instrument and it really depends on how much money you have and how much natural talent you posses. If you don’t have much money but are determined to learn then DVDs and books should be fine. However if you have the money to spend and want to learn as quickly as possible then guitar lessons in Glasgow will be a better option for you.