Take someone who is knowledgeable about amplifiers with you to look at electric guitars if you are unfamiliar with them.
Step2
Try out a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul if you want to play rock or blues.
Step3
Look at acoustic electric guitars if you want to play jazz.
Step4
Make sure the guitar you pick feels comfortable and easy to play.
Step5
Plug in several models and compare their tones.
Step6
Be aware that differences in tone might be caused by different amplifiers as well as different guitars. A great guitar might sound pretty awful with an inferior amplifier.
Step7
Look out for neck warpage.
Step8
Make sure the strings are neither too high nor too close to the fingerboard for comfortable playing.
Step9
Test the taper of the pickup. Listen for how fast or slowly the guitar responds when you turn the volume knob up. If it's too slow, consider another model.
Making Your Purchase
Step1
Go to a music merchant who has the ability and facility to service your instrument. Adjustments and repairs on your guitar are frequently necessary, so be sure your dealer can give you that service.
Step2
Pick a dealer who is knowledgeable about pickups, amps and guitar electronics in general. You don't have to buy your amp from him; instead, you might want to go to an electronics store that has a wider selection and better prices.
Step3
Consider renting an instrument. Many stores have reasonable rental programs.
Step4
Consider buying a used guitar. Many good deals are available in used instruments.
Step5
Keep in mind that you don't need the most expensive instrument to begin.
Tips & Warnings
What guitar you pick partly depends on what style of music you wish to play and what kind of sound you want to create.
Try out several types and models to determine what tone you prefer.
An acoustic electric guitar is essentially an acoustic guitar with an electric pickup mounted on it. Its tone is usually mellower than that of other electric guitars.
If the neck of a guitar is bowed back, the strings halfway down the neck will be too high off the fingerboard. When a reverse warp is present, the strings will, at some point, be too close to the fingerboard, and a buzz will occur.
When the nut is too high, the strings will be too hard to press down. This can be corrected by filing down the grooves holding the strings. Be careful that the strings are not lowered so much as to cause a buzz when plucked.
on 11/22/2005
If you are a beginner, buy an entry level student guitar from an established name brand. These instruments may have fewer features than knock off brands, but they will have good playability and sound. They also have a high resale value once you get better and decide to invest in a more expensive guitar. The Squire Bullet by Fender is one example.
on 11/22/2005
If you are an absolute beginner, some guitarists may suggest that you start learning on an acoustic guitar rather than an electric guitar. It is important to choose the guitar you want to play. If you want to play an electric guitar, there is no point in purchasing an acoustic one. Remember - there are no rules!
on 11/22/2005
So, you've bought one of those lovely 1000 Gibsons, but it sounds rubbish? Is that a 10W amp you're using? Buy a really good amp, no matter how good your guitar is!!
on 12/8/2005
Many musicians practice on acoustics and perform on electrics. Anything that you can do on acoustic you can do on an electric 10 times better, so getting an acoustic can get you better faster.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you are a beginner, buy an entry level student guitar from an established name brand. These instruments may have fewer features than knock off brands, but they will have good playability and sound. They also have a high resale value once you get better and decide to invest in a more expensive guitar. The Squire Bullet by Fender is one example.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you are an absolute beginner, some guitarists may suggest that you start learning on an acoustic guitar rather than an electric guitar. It is important to choose the guitar you want to play. If you want to play an electric guitar, there is no point in purchasing an acoustic one. Remember - there are no rules!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 So, you've bought one of those lovely 1000 Gibsons, but it sounds rubbish? Is that a 10W amp you're using? Buy a really good amp, no matter how good your guitar is!!
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Check pricing at competitors' stores as well as the Internet. Many dealers will match prices - including those online.
Anonymous said
on 12/8/2005 Many musicians practice on acoustics and perform on electrics. Anything that you can do on acoustic you can do on an electric 10 times better, so getting an acoustic can get you better faster.