So you are on the search for your first guitar? (Or maybe you are trying to find a gift for someone eager to learn.) Welcome to one of the world’s most popular hobbies. In this article I will cover how to find a great, playable acoustic guitar. There are a few things to consider in purchasing an acoustic guitar. Your decision will affect your playing experience which will determine if the guitar becomes a life-long hobby.
First thing a guitar salesman will ask you…, “What’s your budget?” (I know, sales! Arggggg!) -Anyway, for your first guitar I recommend (in general but not to all) a budget of $300 or less.
Find a guitar that fits you – Support your local guitar shop, if you are lucky enough to have one in your town. (and one that preferably let’s you play their guitars). Look for how well your hand fits around the neck of the guitar. Nylon-stringed guitars tend to have softer tension and the strings are spaced further apart but the necks can be somewhat fatter.
If you are looking for a guitar for a child I recommend a half sized or ¾ sized guitar or even a travel guitar.
Find your sound – Something to consider — there are many different types of guitar sounds. Some are better suited for alternative music or a folk sound, pop or jazz. Play a lot of guitars to find the sound that echoes the style of music you enjoy.
Which brand? – I recommend sticking with tried and true guitar brands: Takamine, Fender, and Yamaha all make guitars under $300. If money is no object try Taylor or Martin. If you happen to have a guitar maker in your town it would be well worth investigating.
No two guitars are alike – Because of the materials a guitar is made of and just general physics, no two guitars are alike. It can be the exact same model guitar but each guitar will have a character all its own. That’s why I recommend playing the guitar first before purchasing. If you live in a remote location and can not easily get to a guitar shop I recommend purchasing online. There are many guitar models that have good online reviews and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase online. The “set up” of the guitar might be an issue. The strings might be too high from the fret board. This is called high “action” and makes starting to learn the guitar a chore. If you know an experienced guitar player they might be able to assist you in the set up of your guitar.
Good luck in your search. May you find a guitar that you truly enjoy playing.
