5 Tips When Buying Your First Guitar
I get many questions from students who are just starting to play guitar about what are things to look for when they purchase their first guitar. Here are a list of five good tips which will help you when you are purchasing your first guitar.
Acoustic vs Electric
A common question I get from students is, should I buy an electric or acoustic guitar for my first guitar? I recommended that beginning guitar players purchase an acoustic guitar to start to take lessons with. There are a few reasons for this. One is that you do not need to worry about purchasing a guitar amp and guitar chords which an acoustic. Basically just pick up the guitar and start playing it. Secondly, on both types of guitars you need to learn the first position guitar chords which are the same on both electric and acoustic guitars. What you learn on the acoustic can later be transferred to the electric as you progress in your lessons.
Where should I get my first guitar?
I don’t recommend that you purchase your guitar online. You need to play the guitar to see if it feels right in your hands. Every guitar has a unique body, neck, sound and feel. You needs to play it too see if it feels good in your hands. If you are a total beginner then try to get a friend that has some skill playing guitar to come to a store with you to help you pick out a good guitar.
How much should I pay?
You do not need to pay $800 for a top of the line Ovation guitar when you are first starting out. As a matter of fact you may be able to find a used guitar which will work great for your first axe. As a general rule expect to pay in the $100 – $200 range for your first acoustic guitar.
Nylon or steel string?
If you are not trying to learn how to play a classical or flamenco (or some other style which needs a nylon string) guitar style then you should purchase a steel string acoustic guitar.
Get a guitar case
You should get a guitar case for your guitar. This will help you carry the guitar and keep it protected if you decide to take private lessons outside of your home. The case will also protect your guitar while you are not playing it (which is especially useful if you have small children or pets in your family).
I hope you enjoyed these short tips when you purchase your first guitar. Hopefully you can use these tips and they will help you purchase your first guitar and get you on the correct path to starting to learn how to play it.
