Choosing a Guitar

Let’s face it, the first thing you need is a guitar. Now that may seem obvious but before you pick up that old cast-off, or buy that special offer, there are a few things I would like you to consider. For one thing, all guitars are not the same, but more to the point, neither are all players.

Let’s start with the basics. We know you want to get started on your first country guitar lesson, but which type of instrument do you want to learn on? You have multiple choices. You can choose from an acoustic guitar, a classical acoustic, an electric, a slide guitar, steel guitar, semi-hollow body, half size, three-quarter size and so on. Any one of those can be used to play country music.

Now, if you find yourself saying “it really doesn’t matter at this stage, I’m just beginning”, let me stop you right there. Your choice of guitar may well be crucial not just to your success as a player but also as to whether or not you continue to practice. No matter what your size or shape, some guitars are going to be much easier for you to play than others.

Which is why the first thing you need to do is to leave your credit card at home and visit your local guitar shop where you will simply pick up and handle every guitar that takes your eye, and even some that don’t. See how they feel. Pick a few strings and see if you like the sound. See how the fingers of your left hand (if you are right handed) fit over the strings and neck. Don’t worry that you can’t play a note at this stage, the sales people are used to that. Get one of them to play any guitar you like for you, so that you can hear what you are potentially going to sound like. Then leave, taking a mental – or even written – short list with you.

Back home, seriously think about what type of guitar you wish to learn on, which should reduce your list even further, and then think about what you want to spend. It’s a curious thing that value for money and ease of playing seem to go hand in hand with guitars. In descending order, the cheapest and easiest to play tend to be electric, then acoustic and finally classical (sometimes called Spanish). Cheap versions of the latter usually sound horrible, especially in the higher register (thinner strings). The advantage of the classical guitar, for some players, is that the strings are nylon and therefore easier on the finger tips, and the neck is wider, which can make life easier for people with large hands.

Bear in mind that if you choose an electric guitar you will also need an amplifier of some kind, which of course will involve you in extra expense.

Okay. Ready to buy now? Well, hold back just a little longer. I’ve got some more very important advice for you in the next lesson.

photo credit: Nieve44/La Luz