How to Choose a First Guitar

Your first guitar is one you'll remember forever, even as you move on to better, more expensive models. It's difficult enough learning to play guitar when you first start, so make sure your first guitar is one you're comfortable with. There are a number of considerations to take into account when you look for a first guitar. Here's how to choose a first guitar that has a good balance of looks and playability.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want an electric, an acoustic or a semi-acoustic guitar. An electric guitar requires an amplifier and cord to hear it. An acoustic doesn't need an amplifier. A semi-acoustic can be played with or without an amplifier. Each of these types of guitars come in various price ranges.

2. Consider size. You can purchase a half-size acoustic guitar for a child 3 to 5 years old. A full-size guitar is just too much for their little hands to manage. Stick with a full size for a child over 5 years old, however, even if it's difficult to play at first. The child will quickly outgrow a half-size guitar.

3. Check pawn shops. You can often find vintage guitars at reasonable prices. If you're buying an electric guitar from a pawn shop, plug it into an amplifier and check it out before you leave the store. Be sure the knobs and toggle switches work. Make sure the neck is straight.

4. Play the guitar before you purchase it. How does it feel in your hands? Can you play it comfortably standing and sitting? Can you press the strings to the fret easily? A Flying V guitar looks good, but it's a hard guitar for a beginner to play.

5. Consider price. There are plenty of cheap guitars on the market. They aren't made of the same quality wood or (in the case of electric guitars) electronic components as more expensive models. If you're just starting out and aren't sure you intend to continue playing, a cheaper model might be better to start with.

6. Look for name brands like B.C. Rich and Gibson that are made overseas. These guitars are cheaper versions of the classic guitars. The quality is relatively good, but because they aren't the made-in-America models, they cost less. The advantage is that you get a name-brand guitar of just a little less quality for a much better price.

7. Check online auction sites. You can always find beginner guitar packages priced reasonably, as well as higher-end guitars at value prices. Be cautious about buying this way, though, because you can't test the guitar before you get it, and most online auction sellers don't accept returns.

Resources

• Guitar Center