How to Buy Your First Guitar

Buying your first guitar is one of the most important steps a beginner makes, and here you will learn what to look for and what to watch out for when making such an investment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Local Guitar Store
• Hands-on Play Time

1. Decide on whether you want an acoustic, classical, or electric guitar. Classical guitars use nylon strings and are made for fingerstyle music. Acoustic guitars are abundant and are versatile: from rock, to pop, to the blues. Electric guitars are extremely versatile but require the extra investment of an amplifier. Electric guitars, by nature, are easier to learn on because of the action (low string height), the smaller body styles, and ease of the fretboard.

2. The next question on your list should be to set a budget on how much you are willing to spend. If you are serious about learning the guitar as a profession, side gig, or hobby, consider this for what it is -- an investment opportunity.
   
   Though even the cheapest guitars today can be far superior to those found twenty or thirty years ago, it is in your best interests to spend at least $300-400 on a first acoustic or electric; moreso if you want a classical. In general, the motto 'you get what you pay for' holds true with musical instruments.

3. If you chose an electric, the next step is to decide what kind of guitar body you would like: solid, semi-hollow, or hollow. Solidbody guitars are good for general rock and blues music; semi-hollow and hollow for jazz.

4. Do some research. Look online at suppliers and read reviews on guitars that interest you right from the get-go. Even though you should NEVER buy your first guitar online, this process helps to clarify for yourself exactly what you are looking for in a guitar as well as what you're not.

5. Find a local guitar store and try guitars out. Try to steer clear of large chains such as Guitar Center for more favorable, private, small stores. The most important part of the buying process for any guitar player is to find the guitar that fits you like a glove and looks, sounds, and feels right in your hands. Try and direct your attention at finding models you were interested in, but keep your mind open to anything.

6. If purchasing an electric guitar, remember that the guitar in itself is only half of the equation. At least 50% of your tone quality comes from the amp and how it interprets the vibrations of your guitar. Because of this, don't plan on spending any less then $150-200 for a practice amp.

7. Finally, once you have found the right guitar for you that fits your price range and style, figure out what accessories you will be needing. You should consider a guitar case for your instrument, some picks, an electronic guitar tuner, and a strap.

Tips & Warnings

• Never, ever buy a guitar online if you are a first-time guitar player. It is even more important for beginners to get their hands on lots of guitars to find out what they like best and what body style suits them. You may end up wasting your money on a guitar that doesn't sound good or feel right.
• Guitar playing is ultimately an investment. It is an investment of your time, your patience, and more noticeably your wallet. The more you are willing to put into a guitar, the more you will get from it. Although an expert guitarist can make a Walmart guitar sound decent, it doesn't mean a beginner ever will with minimal experience. Pay more upfront to reap more down the road.

[aksister99654]

on 2/3/2009 It also helps to take a friend who is a good guitar player with you. They can try out the guitars and find problems that a begining guitarist might not notice. Store employees will demo guitars for you, but usually are good enought to make any guitar sound good. You need someone who will tell you if the guitar action is too high or the strings buzz at higher frets.