12 Tips For Buying Your First Guitar

VIDEO - 12 Tips for Buying Your First Guitar

12 Tips for Buying Your First Guitar

Choosing your first guitar can be an exciting journey but scary journey. There are several factors to consider to ensure you pick the right instrument for you. Here's a guide on what to look for in your first guitar:

1. Type of Guitar:

   - Acoustic or Electric:

Decide whether you want an acoustic or electric guitar. Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they don't require an amplifier. Electric guitars, on the other hand, might be more versatile for various genres but require additional equipment (amp and cables).

Typically, electric guitar are easier to play. They have thinner strings that are easier to push down, or “fret.”

Do you have a specific sound in your head? Is there an artist or song that’s inspiring you to pick up the guitar? Do some research and see what that player might be using to get their sound!

2. Budget:

   - Set a realistic budget. There are good options available for beginners in various price ranges. It's important to find a balance between affordability and quality.

Don’t spend too little on your first instrument or you may end up with an instrument that will frustrate you, stifle your passion or cause you to give up the instrument all together. These days there are TONS of affordable instruments available at prices under $200 that are miles above my first beginner electric guitar.

Another fantastic way to get a good deal on an instrument is to consider getting something that’s been used already. Sometimes you can get a much nicer guitar for the same price as your new beginners guitar. This is where I’d definitely enlist of an experienced guitarist to help you. They can take a look at the instrument and identify an issues that may need to be addressed. A great local Mom-and-Pop store should be very helpful with this as well.

3. Playability:

   - Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck and action (the height of the strings above the fretboard). A guitar that is easy to play will encourage practice and learning.

When you’re buying an instrument online make sure there’s a good return policy in place and when possible have someone with more experience check out your instrument when you first get it.

Even better, get a guitar locally where you can try the instrument out in person.

4. Body Style:

   - Acoustic guitars come in different body styles (dreadnought, concert, etc.), each with its own sound characteristics. For electric guitars, consider styles like Stratocaster, Telecaster, SG, Les Paul or an off-set guitar like a Jaguar or Jazzmaster.

Most brands make variations of the guitars listed above so shop around and see what might be available in your price range.

5. Size:

   - Consider the size of the guitar, especially if you're a beginner or a younger player. Smaller body sizes are generally more comfortable for beginners.

I’m a taller guy so I love the look of a Fender Jaguar or Gibson ES-335 on my frame. People smaller in stature might look for something that’s a better fit for their body type. A Gibson SG is very slim and easy to play. Same with the Music Man St. Vincent model.

6. Tonewoods:

   - While tonewoods might not be as critical for beginners, it's still good to have a basic understanding. Common acoustic tonewoods include spruce and mahogany, while electric guitars often have bodies made of alder or mahogany.

In regards to acoustic guitar, the tonewood is critical. If possible look at online reviews or talk to a local shop to see what they’d recommend based on your desired sound. Don’t know what that sound is yet? Don’t stress! There’s is typically no “bad wood.”

In regards to electric guitars the primary driver of sound will be the pickups which will translate the vibrating strings into the sound of the guitar that travels to the amplifier.

The most common types of electric pickups will be Humbuckers which have a baser, darker (Very popular in Metal, Rock and Jazz) And single-coil pickups which typically have a thinner sound with more clarity (Very popular with Country, pPop and Alternative music)

There’s a ton of variations so try a few and see what you like best! There is no wrong type for getting started on the instrument.

7. Brand Reputation:

   - When possible, stick with reputable brands known for producing quality entry-level instruments. Brands like Fender, Squire, Gibson, Epiphone, Yamaha, Gretsch, and Guild have solid options for beginners.

Sticking with the more popular brands will also make it easier to sell if you should decide to sell your instrument or trade it for something new!

What does you favorite band play? Do some research and maybe that will get you closer to your perfect sound!

8. Action:

   - The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action is generally easier for beginners, but it shouldn't be too low to avoid buzzing.

Again when buying online make sure the return policy is good. Sometimes you’ll encounter a neck that is bowed or curved where the action needs to be adjusted to make it easier to play. Adjusting the neck is pretty easy, but as a beginner never try to do this yourself as you can break the “truss rod” inside the neck which will destroy the neck. A very expensive mistake. I’ve done it and it’s a huge bummer.

9. Tuners:

   - Consider a guitar with good tuners to make tuning easier. This is especially important for beginners who are still developing their ear for pitch.

What do good tuners look like? Ideally you’d like to get something that’s all metal where the tuning keys turn smoothly and don’t stick or feel gritty. Thankfully these can be replaced pretty easily and this is one of the first upgrades many people make to their guitars.

10. Accessories:

    - Some beginner guitar packages come with essential accessories like a gig bag, tuner, picks, and possibly a strap. These packages can be convenient for getting started.

Brands like Squire and Epiphone have these readily available to buy. While this is a great package, just remember that your budget will now include other items and will result in you getting a guitar that may not be of a high a quality. If you’re gonna spend the money, spend it on the guitar and get the amp later. A cheap amp is fine when you’re getting stated, a cheap guitar isn’t.

Picks - Grab a few different thicknesses. New players tend to prefer thin picks at first before moving into something a little heavier. See what you like best!

11. Try Before You Buy:

    - If possible, play the guitar before purchasing it. This might not be as feasible when buying online, but if you're in a store, take the opportunity to feel the instrument and listen to how it sounds.

As mentioned before, take a friend to your local store and make sure you know the return policy.

12. Online Resources:

    - Read reviews and watch video demonstrations to get an idea of the sound and playability of the guitar you're interested in.

Some of my favorite online resources are...

- Andertons Music

- Andy Demos

- JHS Pedals

- Premier Guitar

...and the YouTube channels of the actual manufactures like Fender, Guild, Gibson, etc...

Chances are if you’re looking at a specific guitar someone has already made a demo video for it!

In conclusion:

Remember that your first guitar is a learning tool, and as you progress, your preferences and playing style may evolve.

Choose a guitar that inspires you to play and makes the learning process enjoyable.

Dive in and see what speaks to you! Ask questions and have fun!