subject: The Key Steps in Choosing Your First Guitar [print this page] Choosing your first guitar can be an exciting experience; with a huge range to choose from it is the instrument most people want to own. Both new and used, many models are available that are extremely affordable.
As this can be a major investment a good start is to set your budget. With so many makes and models, guitars are one of those items that are available to buy costing, between several thousands of dollars down to less than a hundred.
Knowing how much you want to spend you are now ready to decide which guitar is for you. One thing to note at this moment, that as a beginner you may not need to buy the most expensive you can find, in the future when you are more experienced you can do this, you will then refine your choice with a better idea which direction you are taking your guitar playing.
Ok then, what type of guitar do you want? Electric or acoustic there are so many to choose from and you do need a clear idea which way to go.
Are you still unsure? Then maybe a good choice is to buy an acoustic guitar.
Generally, an acoustic guitar has six strings although twelve string versions are available (perhaps a choice for the future). They are usually made of wood. The type of which together with, the manufacturing process will play an important role in the quality of the sound made by the guitar.
Although price is an important factor, it has to be said that many of the best and most well known guitar makers are renowned for the quality together with affordability of their acoustic guitars. A lot of the more expensive guitars are made with solid wood for the tops, backs and sides.
Many guitar teachers advocate the acoustic to begin playing. If electric is still a passion for you keep in mind, anyone who can play well on an acoustic, can sound like an expert very quickly and easily on an electric. These choices made, spend your money on a quality new acoustic guitar, not one from an auction or second hand store unless you have the help of an experienced player guiding you.
Something else to bear in mind is it can be a mistake to buy a 'beginner guitar', these guitars are available, quite often these are designed to be slightly smaller in size. The theory may be that this makes then easier to play. Often this is not the case; in fact it can be much harder strangely enough especially for a beginner!
So you have gone through these choices and your heart is still set on an electric guitar another consideration could be an acoustic-electric guitar, for many this is an ideal choice the best of both worlds! It is an acoustic guitar, for all your needs, but with the addition of amplification technology already inside. You will of course need to buy an amplifier and lead to use in electric mode but without them it still is an acoustic guitar.
Whatever you decide, if you are very inexperienced about guitars it is always good advice to take someone who is knowledgeable about guitars with you. They can help sort out the sound quality ease of play and ultimately the best buys.
