How to Buy a Guitar for a Beginner

Member

By A1handyman
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (12 Ratings)

Beginner Guitar

Looking for a beginner guitar? Need help in finding one that's reliable, nice sounding, and more importantly, affordable? Here are some practical things to think about when buying a beginner guitar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Test drive

HAVE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS. A beginner's guitar will not have the depth and richness of sound as higher end models. Think of this guitar as the "test drive." When purchasing a new car, we like to take a "test drive" to see if it runs to our satisfaction and fits our personality. A beginner guitar will help your budding guitarist to become familiar with how to play and make a determination if they want to stick with it.
Step 2

Cheap guitars

DON'T BE SWAYED BY BARGAIN BASEMENT PRICES. You may be thinking - "I'll buy a cheap guitar and if my child stops playing in a week, I won't be out much money!" I know where you are coming from, however, there is a difference between a beginner guitar and a TOY! Do not buy a toy. Toy guitars sell in the $50 range. There is one exception - Pawn shops. You will often find good quality guitars at excellent prices ($99 or less) at a pawn shop. Contact your local pawn shop owner, let them know what you are looking for and they will call you when a sweet deal comes in.
Step 3

Guitar action

LOOK FOR A GUITAR WITH NICE ACTION. The "action" is the space between the strings and the neck of the guitar. The higher the "action" the harder the guitarist must press to play a note. This creates very sore fingers and lots of unneeded aggrevation. Standard action is 3.2mm for the 6th string, 2.7mm for the 1st string. Most guitars bought in a retail store will have a nice standard action. If buying a used guitar in a pawn shop - check the action carefully.
Step 4

Takamine

RECOMMENDED GUITARS: Here are a few very nice beginner guitars to look for. Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar ($90-$150), Squier Standard Stratocaster (electric- $200), Seagull The Original S6 Acoustic Guitar ($350-400). All are great guitars and perfect for any beginner.
Step 5

Guitar Stand

JUST AN ADDED BONUS: I know this is an article on "How to Buy a Beginner Guitar," but I'd do you an injustice not to mention the case or stand. A good guitar case is the life of your guitar. If you can, skip the cheap nylon covers - they do no good. Instead, buy a hard shell case. When you travel the case will protect your investment. If you can, ask for the music store to make you a deal on both guitar and case together. Expect to pay $75-$150. Secondly, buy a stand and keep your guitar out where you can see it. A guitar left on the stand is more likely to be picked up and played than one left in the case under the bed!