3 Important Things To Know When Shopping For Your First Guitar

Have you ever had the desire to pick up a guitar and play your favorite song? Most of us have probably thought about this at some point but then realized we don’t know the first thing about playing this instrument.

Learning how to play this beautiful instrument starts by investing in your first guitar. Since not all guitars are created equal, it’s important to understand the type of sound you want to produce, among other factors.

Keep reading for three essential things to know to make a wise buying decision. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to know which type of guitar is right for you.

1. Type — What Sound Do You Prefer?

There are many guitars to choose from, a few being acoustic, electric, and bass. The right one for you depends on the type of sound you want to produce.

An acoustic guitar, for instance, will produce a full-bodied sound. This is due to their big hollow bodies. Many individuals who opt for an acoustic guitar tend to play folk and country music genres.

Electric models are most commonly identified in rock music and produce different sounds. Unlike an acoustic guitar, electric models don’t have chambers, which help amplify the sound produced.

There’s also a bass guitar which can be either acoustic or electric. These are larger and produce deeper tones. If you’re already set on a bass guitar, here’s a great place to get started.

2. Size — Make Sure It’s Comfortable To Play

It’s very easy to get caught up in the appearance of a guitar. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it’s right for you. It’s important to “try on” the guitar before purchasing to ensure it’s comfortable.

Some guitars have long necks, for example. This is the portion of the guitar where the strings are located. A guitar with a long neck may not be ideal for someone on the smaller side with shorter arms. This could make playing and supporting the guitar difficult.

Before deciding on a guitar, make sure you see it in person to ensure it’s the right size.

3. Brand — Where Should You Purchase From?

There are many ways to get a hold of guitars. You can shop for one online or in person. First, decide on the brand you want. This will require research but will ensure you go with a durable guitar that will last you a lifetime.

We’re not too keen on ordering online until you’ve seen the instrument in person. You need to be able to see, hold, feel, and hear the instrument in person before you buy it. Otherwise, you may receive a much too big guitar or one that doesn’t produce the sound you thought it would.

We highly suggest going to a guitar shop to browse through some options. Then, if you can find it cheaper online, by all means, order it online. Another benefit of shopping in person is that the salesperson can help answer any questions you may have. This is great for beginners who don’t know what they’re looking for.

The Takeaway

Shopping for your first guitar is an enjoyable process. However, when you don’t know what to look for, the process becomes difficult. The last thing you want is to purchase a model you’re unhappy with.

To prevent this from happening, decide on the type you need, the right size, and figure out the brand that you want. Having this in mind will get you one step closer to your guitar-playing goals!