When it comes to choosing the right guitar for you, the most important point to keep in mind is what kind of music are you looking at playing?
Rock or Blues Guitar Music
If you are looking at playing rock or blues music, the best guitar to go for is an Electric guitar. The key here is to start small and grow big. I have seen so many people go out and buy the most expensive equipment before they can play anything. You may have your heart set on getting big names like a new Gibson Les Paul or a Fender Stratocaster, but the prices are pretty steep.
When choosing your first electric guitar, the best thing to go for is a copy of an original i.e. Plywood. The sound between an original Solid Wood compare to Plywood is a lot better, however plywood is much cheaper. My suggestion is to go for small brands like Legend, Onyx or Orion for now. Once you have mastered the basics, then it is the time to upgrade.
Second hand guitars are another option to go for. There are some great deals going in the local papers. When looking for a guitar, make sure you plug it in and try it out. Grab the strap if need be and put the guitar around your neck. Get every possible bit of information you can before making a decision.
Tips: Keep in mind that when you go for an electric guitar, you will also need an amplifier. There are some great deals going whereby you can choose guitar, amplifier and lead in one package. One final tip is when choosing your guitar; REMEMBER to plug it into an amplifier similar to what you are buying. There is no use testing your guitar through the most expensive amplifier in the shop. It will not sound the same when you play through your own amplifier at home. Choosing the right amplifier is important; therefore it is covered in the next lesson.
Classical Acoustic Music.
The best guitar to go for if you are looking at playing Classic Acoustic music is either Spanish Classic Acoustic Guitar or Steel String Acoustic.
Spanish Classic Acoustic Guitars are extremely light and having nylon strings which are very soft on your fingers. They come in a range of different sizes even very small size for young kids. Spanish Classic Acoustic guitars are also a lot cheaper and easier to maintain than Steel String Acoustic Guitar.
Steel String Acoustic Guitars are a little more expensive compare to Spanish guitars. Again, with acoustic guitars, there is no need to go for big brands when you are first starting out. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable playing it. Also, make sure your fingers fit around the guitar neck and it is not too big for you to play. It depends on you as to whether you want to pickups or not. But remember to test it first before you buy.
There are many possibilities when comes to choosing a guitar. Whether you decide to choose an electric or an acoustic, the fundamentals are the same.
Ask yourself. What style of music are you looking at playing? Classical Acoustic music or Rock music? How keen are you when comes to playing the guitar? How serious are you? What is your budget? Are you looking at getting the best equipment from the beginning or looking at starting small and then upgrading gradually? It is a little difficult to tell at this stage, so your best bet is to keep expenses low and your music education high. Choose a guitar that fits you, suits you, and makes you look good!
Z Roberts is the founder of 50 Blues Studios. If you are a blues guitarist, take a look at the 12 bar blues backing tracks available at 50 Blues. Jam to over 50 blues backing tracks and create killer blues guitar riffs effortlessly.
