I just got a guitar from someone...

[joyntkid]

I don't know what kind it is, or how to play. But first of all, can someone tell me how to tune it?

[bobcat]

Here's a place to start!

http://www.cyberfret.com/first-fret/basic-tuning/index.htm

:p

[joyntkid]

thanx, i found that right after i posted. Now i will try and start learning now that i have it tuned. And then i will venture out and try to figure out which kind it is.

[gck]

well, what do you mean with "what kind"?

Does it have 3 nylon strings and 3 metal plated --> it's a classical guitar
6 steel strings --> western guitar
12 strings --> 12 string western guitar
7 strings --> I hate those :)

Also, did you look into the soundhole? If yes, is there some kind of label with the manufacturer's brandname and/or a model number? Also, does it have a serial number somewhere (if it has one, it's a good sign because the manufacturer considered it to be at least of such a good quality that it deserves catalogization :) )

By the way, I strongly recommend to get a chromatic tuner if you're new to music in general. Your ear won't be trained so well and therefore it might be difficult and time-consuming to get it in tune. I've played other instruments for 10 years before I started with the guitar and still it takes a lot of time for me to tune the guitar... you need to get more used to the sound of the guitar.

[joyntkid]

it has six strings, but i looked in the sound hole, and didn't see anything anywere.

[gck]

hmm... steel strings or nylon strings? I think nylon string guitars are easier to start with...

If you like its sound, keep it and learn playing with it. However, if it's not sounding good (i.e. some frets cause buzzing etc...) or it's not correctly set up (intonation, action etc..) take it to a music shop and see what they recommend. Probably, they'll set it up for a small fee then...

[joyntkid]

i know this sounds pretty bad, but what's the difference in steel strings and nylon. I think mine are steel, the extra ones say D'addario or something.

[gck]

well, steel strings are put on western guitars & the like whereas nylon strings are put on classical guitars.

Nylon string guitars are usually easier to start out with, but basically you will fingerpick them and not strum them with a pick (however, it still works).

There are lots of other differences between those two types, search the web for them!

You can say wether it's a steel or a nylon string easily: the bass strings will almost look the same, but the treble strings on a nylon string guitar are made of, well, nylon and therefore are transparent. On the steel string, the treble strings are also steel and therefore NOT transparent!