Given all the choices available in the guitar market today, for a beginner, choosing an acoustic guitar might be a bit overwhelming. Be sure to do some homework before making what is hopefully a life altering purchase. It is critical to understand the things you need to consider in making this big decision, and to realize what features your first guitar needs to have. Odds are that you’ll end up with the best beginner acoustic guitar for your needs if you buy that guitar after you’ve done some research.
For starters, why the best beginner acoustic guitar? Why not the best beginner electric guitar?
You actually can learn on an electric guitar, however it will mean that you need to also buy an amplifier. This will add to the cost and will mean you also need to learn not just the guitar, but how to run the amp as well. Learning on an electric guitar requires a bit more commitment up front: you will need to invest in an amplifier, and in addition to learning how to play the guitar, you’ll need to learn how to work the amp as well.
A frequently used strategy is to pick out the best beginner acoustic guitar for starters, and then move to an electric guitar once the guitar basics are mastered. And because an acoustic guitar is much more portable, you will very likely continue to use it over the long run. You will very likely continue to use your acoustic guitar over the long run, simply because it is much more portable than an electric guitar.
What differences are there between guitars, other than the cost of the guitar?
Take a look at these critical factors when selecting a beginner guitar, they are important whether you buy new or used.
PHYSICAL CONDITION * The tuning pegs should be connected firmly to the guitar headstock. * Be sure that the bridge is glued firmly to the body of the guitar * Be sure that the base of the neck connects tightly to the body of the guitar * Check the quality of the gluing and the finish — if it looks shoddy, there maybe shoddy workmanship that you can’t see.
GUITAR SIZE * A full size guitar is about 40 inches long. A 3/4 guitar is 2-3 inches shorter. If you are small, consider a small guitar.
PERFORMANCE * Be sure to check the performance of the guitar on the open strings, low frets, high frets, and all frets in between! * There should be no buzzing when played, from the lowest to the highest frets. If there is buzzing, the “action” may need to be adjusted (“action” is the term used for the distance between the fret and the string when it is played). If you are shopping at a music store, ask them to make this adjustment before you buy. * The tone should be pleasing, all the way up the fretboard. Tone is a matter of personal preference, but if you don’t like the sound of the guitar in the store, you’ll only like it less when you get it home.
CONSTRUCTION * Tuning pegs should be made from metal or high quality wood. Stay away from plastic tuning pegs. * Beginner acoustic guitars will be made from wood or wood laminate. Go for the wood if you can. There are many different kinds of wood, but the all-wood construction is the secret to a guitar that has a nice pleasing tone.
Okay, so now that you know what you are looking for, how should you go about buying the best beginner acoustic guitar?
Given how many good deals you can find online for guitars, you might think you can do a bit of online reading and then pull the trigger. You’ll need to take a different approach, however, if you want to find the best beginner acoustic guitar. Why? The checklist above gives you that answer.
Unless you actually play a guitar before you buy it, you might be disappointed. But take advantage of the internet to do your homework. Use the internet to educate yourself about:
* What is a realistic price range for a beginner guitar * How to evaluate a guitar * Which guitar manufacturers are “big” names
You are ready to visit a music store in your area, try out some beginner acoustic guitars, and choose the best one for your needs once you complete this basic background research. Your local music store is your best option – they can help you with their expertise and support you after you buy the guitar. If you go to a general department store (like Walmart or Target) you won’t get any expert help.
Once you are in the store, here are a couple of tips to get the most from your shopping trip: * Have the sales associate tune the guitar before you play it. * If the guitar buzzes, ask the associate to see if someone can adjust it. * Use the checklist above to evaluate each guitar * Any guitars in your price range are fair game. Try them all.
Sometimes one guitar just feels better than another, so there really is no substitute for trying out a guitar for yourself. If you can’t or won’t play in the store, then either bring a friend along who can and will play, or ask the store to have someone help you who can demonstrate each instrument. The person playing each guitar should showcase the full fret board. And be sure that the demonstration is slow enough that you can hear and evaluate all the notes.
Check out Same Day Music if buying in person is not a good option for you. You can get help in making your guitar selection from the knowledgeable musicians on their customer service team. They guarantee the lowest price, ship for free within 2 days and have a 60 day money back guarantee. Plan to carefully open the packaging for your new guitar when it arrives, and save the box along with the packing materials, so you will be prepared if you decide to send it back.
No matter how you go about finding the best beginner acoustic guitar, once you have it, you will be well on your way to a life time of enjoyment.