How to Choose a Beginner Guitar
There are so many makes and models of guitars to choose from that the selection process can be a bit intimidating for a novice. Being armed with a little knowledge, and taking your time is the key to a successful and stress-free buying experience.
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Instructions
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Decide the style of music you're most interested in playing. If you're drawn to rockabilly, for example, it's unlikely that an acoustic guitar will be of much use to you. Conversely, an electric guitar won't help you master flamenco-style playing.
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Understand the differences between the two guitar types. Electric guitars feel a little easier on the wrist and fingers, while acoustics tend to be a little more physically demanding. Conventional wisdom was that learning to play on an acoustic is the best way to start, moving on to the electric guitar after you've mastered the basics.
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Do your homework. Use Internet search engines to research guitar models, features and prices. All of the manufacturers have websites where you can read the specifications for specific models. Visiting online guitar forums is another excellent way to read unbiased opinions about different guitars (see link below). All of this won't help you decide upon the actual guitar you'll be buying, but it will arm you with a little knowledge that will help you feel more confident when dealing with a salesperson in the music store.
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Enlist the aid of a friend who plays the guitar, and ask them to accompany you when you go to buy. Asking questions about a guitar at the music store is one thing, but having a knowledgeable friend with you will help discern between honest, useful information and an overblown sales pitch.
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Take your time and play each of the guitars you're considering when you're in the store. If you do have a guitar-playing friend with you, have them play them too. Experienced hands and ears will feel and hear things you may not.
Don't be pressured by sales staff. You want to feel good about your investment and picking the right guitar will have a big effect on your progress when learning the instrument. -
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Look for quality craftsmanship. You don't need to be a guitar expert to recognize solid construction. Check the tuners to see how securely they are attached to the neck, and do the same with the bridge. When you play the guitar, listen for a pleasing tone, but also listen for any string buzzes. Shoddy construction will become more apparent the longer you live with the guitar, so now is the time to be picky.
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Think big. Sticking with the big names in guitar manufacturers like Fender, Taylor, Martin and Ibanez is a good idea. Buying one of these models doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. In fact, many top manufacturers have budget models that are entirely suitable for new guitarists but still manage to offer the quality associated with the company's name and reputation.
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Tips & Warnings
When you buy the guitar, make sure that you buy a guitar stand, too. The guitar may come with a case or a carrying bag, but they should be used for transporting the guitar. If your guitar is sitting out on a stand, you're far more likely to pick it up and play it regularly. When inspiration strikes, the instrument is right there for you to pick up. If it's in a case tucked under the bed, you're more likely to let the moment pass. If you're in the market for an electric guitar, make sure that when you try out the guitar in the store, you plug into an amplifier comparable to the one you'll be using when playing at home. This way, you'll get an accurate representation of what it'll sound like when you get it home. A salesman will often plug the guitar into a fantastic sounding rig with top-of-the-line effects processors when you're trying out the guitar, which can give a false impression of the quality of the guitar. Make sure that you buy a tuner when you buy a guitar. As a novice, it's unlikely that you'll have the musical ear necessary to be able to tune your guitar without one. Playing an out-of-tune guitar is a sure-fire way to lose interest in practicing.
Don't settle on a guitar just because it's the cheapest one in the store. It may be easy on the wallet, but it probably won't be so easy on the ears. You'll soon grow weary of the limitations and performance of a cheaply made guitar, especially as you improve as a guitarist. While there are great deals to be found on the internet, do not buy your guitar that way. There's really no substitute for holding and playing a guitar to discover if it's the right one for you.
