How to Buy a Guitar for Beginners

Guitars, Music
September 9, 2024

By Kristian

So you wanna riff out on the guitar hey? It is a popular choice for many budding musicians but when you’re starting off, you might be stuck on which guitar to buy. And for good reason, you’re going to be playing and learning for a long time, so it’s important to pick well. In this article, we’ll go through the different guitar types so you can find the one that best fits your needs.

Guitar Types

The wide world of guitar types might be intimidating to new players. This is because they come in so many names, types, builds, styles and even signature models, you name it. Three basic types stand out as the principal styles for beginning players.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are the classic instruments you’re used to seeing in front of a campfire or held by your favourite vocalist while playing their more laid-back tunes. These are super comfy to play with, they don’t even need electricity or power and can still get a pretty loud sound. If you wanna riff where you want when you want, then it’s a good choice for you. When selecting an acoustic, body size matters. A dreadnought will yield a full, booming sound, and a parlour guitar will be comfy for newbies.

Electric Guitars

If you dream of playing the music of your favourite rock bands, then you have to get an electric guitar. Rock and pop musicians typically prefer the electric guitar because its powerful, pure sound handles amplification and distortion well, too well, in fact, for the world of hard rock and heavy metal. The narrow, well-fingered neck of the electric guitar makes possible intricate fingerings for solos and riffs. Most rock and pop musicians, then, prefer the instrument that helps them define their sound.

Classical Guitars

For beginners just learning the art of guitar playing, the classical nylon-string guitar is a gentle and favourable option. With their wide necks, these guitars can help learners master the difficult finger positions necessary for playing many different kinds of music. When it comes to producing a sound, classical guitars have a mellow warmth that makes them ideal for casting the notes of flamenco or folk music, as well as the sonatas and concertos of classical guitar pieces.

Factors When Selecting a Guitar

When selecting a guitar, you need to look beyond aesthetics. Playability is an important aspect, especially for a beginner, since so many guitars are made for different styles, shapes and sizes of individuals. But what might be right for one person might not be good for you.

Size and Playability

You should consider the size. Guitars come in all sizes, and there is surely one that is scaled just right for you. If you can’t get a full-sized guitar, you should look at a parlour or three-quarter-sized guitar, which works for smaller individuals. You might also want to give thought to the guitar’s neck width. Pulling your fingers across a wide neck calls for greater strength and endurance than playing on a narrow neck, so before building yourself up, the narrow neck might be better.

Budget Considerations

For many novices, budget is a major consideration. While it can be tempting to go for the inexpensive option, putting money into a quality instrument can make a notable difference in your learning experience. As a beginner, you won’t need to stretch for a pricey or professional instrument, but looking at the mid-range options would be a better choice than cheap and nasty.

Where to Buy a First Guitar

The good news is you have plenty of options. Whether you shop online or in-store, you’re likely to find a good quality guitar within your budget. But let’s take a look at each purchase option for your first guitar and go through some comparisons.

Music Store

A trip to the music store affords you the opportunity to interact directly with the guitars. You can handle them, test them, and, in the end, figure out which one is the closest to your ideal. The staff can answer any of your questions and their collective knowledge about guitars, but the selection might be limited and prices higher compared to online stores.

Online Stores

Going online can give you a massive selection of guitars because you’re not limited to your local vicinity. Price is usually cheaper because online stores are usually direct to consumers, and you’re more likely to find the perfect guitar suited for you and your price range. But you won’t be able to try the guitar before you buy it, so make sure you’re familiar with the model.

In conclusion, the decision to choose a guitar should not be made lightly, nor does it spell life or death for your music career. They do some in so many varieties, so just remember to choose one that resonates with you, and don’t overthink it. No matter if you pick one up online or at a store, just ensure you’re picking the one that excites you and ignites that passion. Happy playing.