How To Pick Out The First Guitar

by Pamela Johnson

There are a few things to consider before you purchase your new acoustic beginner guitar. If you are able to afford a high-quality guitar, by all means indulge yourself and get it. The price tag may be higher but you will find that the quality will be reflected in the ease of playing and in the tone of the guitar as well.

Two acoustic guitars stand out in the high end beginner guitar category. The Seagull S6 makes a fine acoustic beginner guitar of high quality, that plays well enough to take a novice guitar player well into advanced technique. It is priced in the $400-500 range. Also in this price range is the Washburn D10S. This instrument was ranked as #1 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in a comparison of guitars under $500. While both guitars represent a significant investment for the starting guitarist, they are both very playable instruments of a quality that is capable of keeping pace with the new player’s ability as it grows for many years.

There are several good choices priced lower for acoustic beginner guitar players including the Yamaha F310, Takamine G-240 and Fender DG7. If you can only afford the cheapest acoustic model available, you should place the Epiphone DR-100 at the top of your list . Now, this particular guitar, priced reasonably at $120-$150, is truly meant for beginners and, as such, you will have to trade up to a more sophisticated option once your skills have improved considerably.

When you are looking for your first guitar, avoid the very cheap ones. These are actually harder to play and can be hard for even an experienced player. A cheaper made acoustic beginner guitar is just not made well and usually have really high action, meaning there is more space between the strings and the fingerboard than the more expensive guitars. This can make a beginner just give up.

If your budget is going to keep you from spending more than $100 for an acoustic beginner guitar, you should think in terms of a used one. Each secondhand guitar seems to have its own set of quirks. If you see two of the same brand and model in a guitar shop, be sure to try them both. Each will have a somewhat different tone and feel, which guitarists insist reflects the prior owners’ different personalities.

Ever hear the saying, “never buy a guitar from a jerk”? Whether a guitar picks up a “personality” from it’s owner is a point to be debated, however most guitar owners treat their instruments like people. So when you look for your first acoustic beginner guitar keep this in mind. Pay attention to the guitar’s “vibe”, and even if it sounds great, but doesn’t feel right somehow, pass on it.

When you are buying your first acoustic beginner guitar you should ask the salesperson to play it for you. The person selling the guitar shoud understand you can not yet play the instrument but want to hear what it will sound like when you can. You never know, maybe they are helping the next great guitar player to buy their first instrument.

About the Author:
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