Buying A Guitar
So you've been thinking of learning how to play the guitar for quite a while now and finally decided to take the first step? Great, now you're totally confused about which guitar to buy... right?
If you do take the time to become a guitar player it's quite likely that you'll own many guitars over a period of time, so don't lose sleep over which one to buy first... just go out and buy one. Here's a few things to think about.
- What style of music do you like?
- How much can you afford?
Most styles of guitar music can be played on either acoustic nylon string, acoustic steel string or electric guitar in the initial stages of learning, but as you develop you'll find it's easier to play on the guitar which is particularly suited to the style of music you are playing. (One of the above.)
Nylon String Guitars
Acoustic nylon string guitars are used for Classical and Spanish music, but are a popular guitar to begin with in all styles because they're the cheapest guitar on the market.
Steel String Guitars
Steel string acoustic guitars are used for folk, blues, country, acoustic rock and popular styles. These guitars usually have a truss rod adjustment (to bend the neck concave or convex) so you can bring the strings closer or further away from the fret board. (Very handy.)
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars are used for rock, blues, grunge, heavy metal, country and popular styles of music. They are quite versatile because you can select different sounds from your amplifier and effects pedals (e.g: distortion for heavy metal). The guitar itself will cost no more than an acoustic steel string of the same quality, however you will need to buy a guitar amplifier to hear what you are playing.
Secondhand Guitars
I should also have a quick word about second hand guitars. Quite often a second hand instrument will be as good as or better than a new one of the same manufacturer. You can pick up a bargain this way IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR. So my only advise here is to take someone with you who knows something about guitars.
Which one to buy?
Once you have weighed the pros and cons of each type of instrument, spend as much as you can afford. You will play better and develop quicker on a good quality guitar. If you are shocked by the price of these instruments at your local retailer, don't buy the bottom of the range. These guitars will usually have problems with uneven frets or bad action. Instead, spend a little bit more and buy the next model up.
When you've got yourself a guitar go to the next page and I'll show you how to play it!