High end guitar: What song should you be capable of

[jklotz]

This. Note for note at tempo. If you can play it 3 times in a row without a mistake, only then are you worthy:

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by DBW

I would say once you realize that you are serious about playing and are not going to quit, then you should feel comfortable buying whatever guitar you want and can afford.

Just what I was thinking.

[Shortfinger]

Happy Birthday. Three chords.

If you got five large to blow on a guitar, play whatever you want.

I see housewives in Ferarris out on the streets, and never wonder if they can compete at Le Mans.

[Cachecropp]

I’ve been going back and forth about songs that would meet the inner criteria in my mind before I would purchase a $5k guitar. I could afford one now, if I wanted. I’d have to save some and budget for it, but I could do it within any given year. However, personally I would feel a little bit like a fraud, because I’m not that good. So is there a single song out there, that should I develop the skills to play that song well, I would think to myself, I don’t feel like a fraud playing a $5k guitar anymore.

So I’ll offer one song that I’ve been considering.

Freight Train - Doc Watson
this was written by Elizabeth Cotton, but I like the Doc version better.

[jklotz]

Originally Posted by Cachecropp

I’ve been going back and forth about songs that would meet the inner criteria in my mind before I would purchase a $5k guitar. I could afford one now, if I wanted. I’d have to save some and budget for it, but I could do it within any given year. However, personally I would feel a little bit like a fraud, because I’m not that good. So is there a single song out there, that should I develop the skills to play that song well, I would think to myself, I don’t feel like a fraud playing a $5k guitar anymore.

So I’ll offer one song that I’ve been considering.

Freight Train - Doc Watson
this was written by Elizabeth Cotton, but I like the Doc version better.

Maybe, but here's another take - get what truly inspires you now. You'll play more and reach your goals more quickly because you'll be more motivated to play.

[wguitar]

I would say Song of Joy ! If playing any guitar brings you joy then go for it. If you overspend then your joy will likely be diminished.

Happy strumming,

Cheers!

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Cachecropp

...I would like to know what song do you feel a guitarist should be able to play and play well, from beginning to end, before the purchase of a high end guitar makes sense...

So let’s say a $5000 guitar from Huss & Dalton, Bourgeois or Collings...

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by jklotz

This. Note for note at tempo. If you can play it 3 times in a row without a mistake, only then are you worthy:

Interesting to note that a Maton TE Signature model doesn't even cost $5K. So I guess he has a way to go before he can get a better guitar.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by Cachecropp

This is a completely subjective question. I would like to know what song do you feel a guitarist should be able to play and play well, from beginning to end, before the purchase of a high end guitar makes sense.

NOTE: We’re not saying who can and can’t spend their own money. We’re simply asking ourselves, is there a song that would make you feel like, “ok, I’m in that league.”

So let’s say a $5000 guitar from Huss & Dalton, Bourgeois or Collings.

Please provide name of song and which version (if performed by more than one guitarist).

Which song? Well, when I find a $5000 guitar that makes my singing 10x better than a $500 guitar I'll buy it! Until then, I'll just stick with my cheap guitar.

[BrunoBlack]

[j3ffr0]

The kid with the $500 guitar who smokes most of us will still smoke most of us even if we agree on song to justify our purchases and all go learn it.

Guitar is like golf, computers, boats, guns, cars, etc... We don't have to be any good at any of it to spend money on it and have a lot of fun.

[raysachs]

Mary Had A Little Lamb.

[jklotz]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Interesting to note that a Maton TE Signature model doesn't even cost $5K. So I guess he has a way to go before he can get a better guitar.

Au contraire mon frère. TE's guitars are custom made for him in the custom shop. My guess is, IF you could get one, it'd be up there.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

A decent rendition of James Taylor's, "Fire and Rain".

I have no idea why I said that, it's just what popped into my head.

I did this on a $4,000 (ish) guitar... hope it's good enough!

[jp2558]

Well since the OP asked I’m going to throw out Classical Gas as done by Tommy Emmanuel. (Edited to add I posted my reply before seeing CG was already suggested!)