Buying a guitar can be an exciting experience, whether you’re picking up your very first instrument or upgrading to a professional model. However, navigating the wide array of options may feel overwhelming. This guide will help you make informed choices to find a guitar that fits your needs, saves you money, and ensures an enjoyable playing experience.
Why This Guide is Important
Many beginners and even experienced players struggle with choosing the right guitar. From avoiding low-quality instruments to ensuring you’re not overpaying, understanding the basics of guitar buying can save time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned guitarist, this guide is here to help.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Guitar
Your skill level and goals are essential to consider before purchasing a guitar.
Beginners
Beginners should focus on a quality instrument that is easy to play. Avoid toy-like guitars sold by department stores and online retailers that do not specialize in selling musical instruments, as they often have poor sound quality, don’t stay in tune, and can be difficult to play.
For beginners, starting on an electric guitar is often easier. Electric guitars have thinner bodies, require less finger pressure, and can be used without being plugged into an amplifier, making them quieter than acoustic guitars for practice.
Avoid buying classical guitars unless you specifically intend to play classical music. These guitars feature nylon strings, wider necks, and a completely different feel compared to traditional steel-string guitars.
Starting with a reasonably priced, well-made beginner guitar ensures a smoother learning process and a better playing experience.
Advice for Experienced Players
For those already playing, it’s crucial to avoid purchasing solely based on price. Choosing inexpensive, low-quality instruments often results in dissatisfaction and a cycle of buying and selling similar-quality guitars without ever finding what you are truly looking for.
Don’t buy an instrument just because a famous player endorses it or uses it. Players are paid to endorse guitars and often do not use the guitar you see in the ad when they perform live. Even if they do play the guitar, it may not feel right in your hands. I’m not saying to avoid trying an artist’s signature model, but that should never be the sole deciding factor when buying a guitar.
Experienced players may also want to consider adding specialized guitars to their collection for specific genres or tones, such as a semi-hollow body for jazz or a 12-string acoustic for fuller soundscapes.
Experienced players who are committed to playing for the long term will benefit from investing in a higher-quality instrument right away. Invest in the highest-quality instrument you can afford. Although it may require some saving, in the long run, this investment will not only save you money but also prevent frustration. A superior instrument enhances your experience and performance, making every practice session more enjoyable and effective.
Don’t settle for less—choose wisely and give yourself the best chance to succeed.
The Style Of Music You Want To Play Does Matter
The choice between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar depends on the type of music you want to play. Acoustic guitars are ideal for folk, country, or classical music, while electric guitars are perfect for rock, blues, and jazz. Keep in mind that you will eventually need to buy an amp for your electric guitar, but you don’t have to do that right away. Still, this is something you should consider so you can budget for the eventual additional expense.
Budget
Budget is another crucial factor. Beginner acoustic guitars usually range from $250 to $400, while beginner electric guitars and amplifier combos are priced between $400 and $750. Professional models can exceed $2,000, but these investments often maintain their value longer and provide superior playability and tone.
New Or Used
New instruments from reputable manufacturers typically come with warranties and the opportunity to test them in-store, ensuring you choose one that feels right. Used guitars can offer savings but require careful inspection for damage or wear. If possible, have a luthier or an experienced guitarist evaluate a used guitar before purchasing. Be aware that used guitar sales are often cash-only transactions. Know what you are buying, as many sellers attempt to charge nearly new prices for instruments with noticeable signs of wear.
Top Electric Guitar Brands and Customer Favorites
Popular Brands:
- Fender:Known for iconic models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, Fender guitars are versatile and widely loved for their quality.
- Gibson:Renowned for the Les Paul and SG models, offering rich tones and premium craftsmanship.
- Ibanez:Favored by metal and rock players for their fast necks and modern designs.
- PRS (Paul Reed Smith):A favorite for smooth playability and stunning aesthetics.
- Epiphone:Offers affordable versions of Gibson models, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Brands With the Most Positive Reviews:
- Fender and PRS consistently receive high praise for craftsmanship and playability.
- Yamaha is highly regarded for its affordable beginner models.
- Schecter and ESP/LTD are top picks for metal enthusiasts.
Top Acoustic Guitar Brands and Customer Favorites
Popular Brands:
- Taylor:Known for bright, articulate tones and unmatched playability.
- Martin:Famous for its rich, full-bodied sound and long history in acoustic craftsmanship.
- Yamaha:Offers excellent quality and value, especially for beginners.
- Gibson:Produces high-end acoustics with warm, resonant tones.
- Seagull:Known for their affordability and exceptional sound quality.
Brands With the Most Positive Reviews:
- Taylor and Martin dominate the high-end market with consistent praise for tone and build quality.
- Yamaha is highly rated for beginner and intermediate models.
- Seagull and Breedlove offer exceptional value for mid-range budgets.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Guitar
When selecting a guitar, it’s important to think beyond the type and brand. Here are some critical features to consider:
Guitar Body Styles
Guitar body styles affect not only the sound but also the playability and comfort. The main types include:
- Dreadnought: A large-bodied acoustic guitar with a bold, balanced tone, ideal for strumming and flatpicking. Dreadnought guitars often do not have cutaways, making access to higher frets more challenging.
- Concert and Grand Concert: Smaller body sizes that are comfortable for smaller players and emphasize clarity in fingerpicking. These often feature cutaways, which allow easier access to higher frets.
- Jumbo: Oversized with a booming, resonant sound, perfect for big, open chords. Jumbo guitars may or may not include cutaways.
- Solid Body (Electric): Common in rock and metal, offering great sustain and minimal feedback. Many solid-body electrics include ergonomic designs and cutaways for excellent fret access.
- Semi-Hollow and Hollow Body (Electric): Known for warm, rich tones and used in jazz and blues. Some models have cutaways to make higher frets more accessible.
Consider your playing style, physical comfort, and desired sound when choosing a body style.
Pickups
The type of pickup on an electric guitar significantly influences its sound:
- Single Coil: Known for their bright, crisp sound, single coils are commonly used in rock, blues, and pop.
- Humbucker (Double Coil): These pickups offer a warmer, fuller tone and reduce unwanted noise. They’re popular in rock, jazz, and metal.
- Active Pickups: Powered by batteries, active pickups provide a high-output signal and are favored by metal players for their clarity and punch.
Each pickup type caters to different musical styles, so consider what sound you want to achieve.
Neck Shape
The neck shape of a guitar greatly affects comfort and playability. Common shapes include:
- C-Shape: A rounded, versatile shape suitable for most players.
- V-Shape: Features a prominent ridge, offering a vintage feel and great thumb placement.
- U-Shape: A chunkier neck ideal for players with larger hands or those who prefer a solid grip.
The neck shape is one of the biggest factors in how comfortable a guitar feels, so it’s crucial to try it before you buy.
Another important consideration is how the neck is attached to the guitar. Bolt-on necks are common in electric guitars and allow for some customization and easy repairs. Set-neck and neck-through designs offer smoother transitions, making it easier to access higher frets.
Number of Frets
Guitars typically have 21, 22, or 24 frets. Players who enjoy solos or play in higher registers may prefer guitars with more frets to access extended ranges.
Type of Bridge
The bridge affects the guitar’s playability and tuning stability. Types include:
- Fixed Bridge: Simple and reliable, offering excellent tuning stability and sustain.
- Tremolo Bridge (Floating Bridge): Allows pitch modulation but may require frequent tuning adjustments.
- Locking Tremolo: Common in metal and shred guitars, these bridges offer extreme pitch bending while maintaining tuning stability.
The bridge type is essential for determining whether the guitar suits your playing style.
Tuners
While the quality of tuners can impact tuning stability, replacing tuners is a relatively inexpensive and easy upgrade. If the guitar meets all your other criteria but has lower-quality tuners, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
The Importance of Guitar Cases
If you are buying a new guitar, getting a guitar case is essential for protecting your instrument. There are three main types:
- Soft Cases (Gig Bags): Lightweight and affordable, gig bags are great for casual use. They’re easy to carry and provide basic protection against scratches and minor bumps.
- Hard Cases: These provide excellent protection against drops and impacts. They are ideal for transporting your guitar safely to gigs or lessons.
- Flight Cases: Designed for air travel, these cases offer maximum protection with reinforced materials and padded interiors. They are heavier and more expensive but essential for frequent travelers.
Investing in a good case helps preserve your guitar’s condition and resale value.
Final Thoughts
A great guitar is one that inspires you to play. It should look good, sound good, and feel good. By taking the time to find the right instrument and accessories, you’ll set yourself up for a fulfilling and enjoyable playing journey, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist.
About The Author
Brian Fish is a professional guitarist who has been dedicated to helping other guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the Guitar Playing Transformation Specialist, instructor, mentor, trainer, and coach at Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also assisted people from around the globe in developing a solid sense of timing and enhancing their creativity through the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.
If you live in Geauga County or Northeast Ohio and are still unsure and need advice on buying your new guitar or are seeking guitar lessons, click the link below to contact me, and I will do my best to assist you.
