Buying Your First Guitar
Wich type of guitar should a beginner choose;
Acoustic, Electric or a Classic guitar?
You can start on either a acoustic,electric or classic guitar.
All three are available in different sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full size). For each type there are advantages and disvantages and you should weigh them to decide which one will fit your style and personality and the kind of music you'd like to play.
The sound of an acoustic guitar dependents on the vibration
of the guitar's body and the air within it.
An electric guitar's sound is largely dependent on a electrical signal, generated by the vibration of metal strings near
sensitive pickups (magnets wrapped with coils of very fine wire).
This signal is sent through a cable to a amplifier.
The Advantages and Disadvantages for each type of Guitar:
Classic guitar
Classic guitars have nylon strings, that are less hurtful for your fingers
in the beginning (painful fingers can be a reason to practice less and sometimes even quit at all).
The guitar is very portable because there is no amplifier required.
The small handed beginner may have difficulty due to the wider neck.
If you want to play popular music this guitar may not match your expectations.
It has a mellow sound wich may affect the motivation to play.
Acoustic guitar
The acoustic guitar has a narrow neck compared to the classic guitar, wich makes playing easier
for people with small hands.
If you´d like to play popular music, the sound of this guitar is the right sound for you.
This is the guitar that is used in this kind of music and this may help you with your motivation to play.
If you prefer the electric style and sound, the acoustic guitar will not be a good fit,
wich may result in a lack of motivation .
This guitar is also very portable because there is no amplifier requiered.
Steel strings are harder on the fingers than nylon strings, so (until callouses are formed) your fingers
become sore if you practice too long or too much. Some people give up their guitar playing for this reason.
However, from the moment the callouses are formed the pain will disapear completely and most people are
able to work through this period by shorter practising sessions. Another option is putting on lighter strings.
Electric guitar
Electric guitars are good guitars for beginners, especially those who like rock or metal.
For that group of players it can be an extra motivation because the sound comes up to their expectations.
Electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic guitars because the strings are closer to the fretboard.
You can practise without disturbing others if your amplifier has a headphone jack.
Compared to classic and acoustic guitars, electric guitars and amplifiers are a more expensive.
The requirement of an amplifier makes this guitar less portable.
If you prefer the acoustic style and sound, the electric guitar will not be a good fit,
wich may result in a lack of motivation.
Tip:
You can buy lots of nice used guitars online.
This way you'll most likely have a better and more expensive guitar for your money!
The best would be if someone who is experienced in guitars could go with you and give some advise.
Crutial Conditions:
- The frets need to be in shape
- The guitar´s neck should be straight*
- The action should be low*
- The strings should be fresh and thin*
(* This condition can be corrected by a good guitarshop in most cases!)
The type of pick and strings you use make a big difference in the sound of your guitar! read more
Used or new, the most important thing is that you like the sound of the guitar you're buying!
Once you've found your "dream-guitar" you'll need to clean it sometimes.
You can find some great cleaning tips here.
