How to Choose the Best Guitar for You

Summary

How to Choose the Best Guitar for You

As it has for generations, the guitar remains the most popular musical instrument in America and around the world. Light, portable and comparatively easy to master, it offers an ideal introduction to playing music, whether you wish to create your own, heartfelt compositions or bash out your musical heroes’ well-worn greatest hits.

If you feel you have the music in you, the next step is to identify which guitar is best for you. Here are a few considerations to bear in mind as you ponder purchasing that first guitar.

The Big Question: Your first task is to decide whether you want to start with an acoustic or electric guitar. Seeing as how you’re just getting into this, it’s wiser to start with an acoustic because the process is fairly simple – you can, in essence, just pick up the instrument and start playing. By contrast, electric guitars require amplification and all manner of other bells and whistles (cables, pedals, etc.) that will significantly drive up the price.

String Theory: If you chose to go acoustic, the next step is to choose between nylon or steel strings. Steel strings are the standard, but they’re harder on your hands than nylon. On the other hand, steel strengthens your fingertips and builds the calluses you’ll need to play well. Nylon-stringed guitars are easier to hold and play when you’re first getting started, but they’re often specific to classical music. Try your hand at both steel and nylon before deciding which string’s the thing for you.
Size It Up: Children interested in taking up guitar should be directed toward small-bodied instruments that better fit their size. Available in both acoustic and electric, these models often come with starter kits containing everything a young person needs to get started. Another option is to head down to your local music shop and have an employee find the right-sized guitar for you.

Avoid the Budget Blues: This is a no-brainer, perhaps, but don’t buy a guitar you can’t afford. Guitars can range from anywhere from $100 to tens of thousands and spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean the guitar is best for you. Indeed, there are few things more disappointing than spending big bucks on an instrument that doesn’t suit your needs. For a starter guitar, it’s wise to set a budget of around $300.

Looks Aren’t Everything: New guitarists often fall into the trap of getting so excited about how cool their instrument of choice looks rather than how it sounds. Always bear in mind that with your guitar the music comes first. Make sure you’re satisfied with the instrument and its abilities before considering any extra musical elements.
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