Table of Contents

Getting Started

Buying your first guitar can feel a bit overwhelming with so many styles, brands, and price points out there. But don’t worry! With a little guidance, you'll find the perfect guitar to start your musical journey.

Whether you’re dreaming of strumming around a campfire or rocking out on stage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Let's start with the most important parts beginners need to know.

Guitar Anatomy

A good Luthier (guitar craftsman) can break a guitar down into dozens of parts, but as a beginner you only have to know a few:

  • Frets: Strips of metal embedded into the neck. They make contact with the string to change it's pitch.
  • Head Stock: Holds the tuning machines/pegs and work with the bridge to extend the strings
  • Neck: Extends out from the body providing the length needed to separate the headstock from the bridge.
  • Fingerboard: The face of the neck against which the fingers press down on the strings
  • Tuning Pegs: The metal or plastic tab you turn in order to tune your guitar
  • Nut: A plastic strip between the headstock and the neck with grooves that hold the strings in place and space them out
  • Bridge/Saddle: The bridge is the base for the saddle, and the saddle is a plastic or metal piece that makes contact with the string and lifts it providing tesion.
  • Pick ups (Electric): Convert string vibration into electric signals that are amplified.

What to check before buying a guitar

Every guitar is a unique creation. No two guitars are alike, so It's important to inspect critical parts for defects.

These are some of the most common defects:

  • Frets: Check every fret on every string for a good clean tone. A bad fret will create a buzzing sound. This could be caused by old strings, but its better not to take a chance, as a bad fret will usually take work from a luthier to fix.
  • Head Stock: The pressure caused by the string when tightened can crack the headstock at the base where it joins with the neck. The guitar is essentially unplayable, and the whole neck needs to be replaced.
  • Neck: Make sure the neck of the guitar is straight by looking down it's length as if you are checking a piece of 2"X4" or aiming. The strain of the strings will cause the neck to bend over time and cause can cause fret buzzing and un-even tuning (Some spots on the fingerboard will be in tune but not others)
  • Fingerboard: The face of the neck against which the fingers press down on the strings
  • Tuning Pegs: Make sure the pegs are firmly set and don't turn on their own
  • Nut: if you're buying a used guitar, make sure the nut is holding the strings securely and not worn out.
  • Bridge/Saddle: Same as the nut, if you're buying used make sure the plastic or metal isn't loose or worn out.
  • Pick ups (Electric): Convert string vibration into electric signals that are amplified.

Should I choose Acoustic or Electric?

Electric and Acoustic guitars are essentially the same instrument, but there are key differences that will make certain styles or techniques impractical when switching from one to the other.

Some of these include:

  • Effects: Want cool effects and weird sounds? Go Electric
  • Genre: Genres like Folk, Country and Classical are typically played on Acoustic, while others like Rock and Jazz favour Electric.
  • Gear: Electric Guitars need much more additional equipment and space to play, such as amps, power cables, and access to electricity at a minimum.
  • Techniques: Because Acoustic strings have to project without assistance they tend to have higher tension and this makes techniques like tapping or bending harder than electric.

Features of a Guitar That Could Stop You from Learning

Choosing the wrong guitar can actually hinder your progress, making it harder to stay motivated. Here are a few things to watch out for that could potentially frustrate you as a beginner:

  • Too-Thick or Uncomfortable Neck: Not all necks are the same. Although there are standard sizes, they vary in just about every way. A neck that doesnt conform to your hand makes learning certain chord shapes feel impossible and could lead to frustration. Choosing a guitar with a comfortable neck size is crucial.
  • High String Action/Tension: Action refers to the tension of the strings. As a beginner you'll need something with low action. You should be able to press down on the strings with little effort
  • Bad Tuning Stability: A guitar that is out of tune can cause confusion and frustration as you try to figure out why your riffs don't sound the same as when your favorite guitarist plays it. Now imagine having to retune your guitar every five minutes. Cheap tuners, poor-quality strings, or deformed necks can cause tuning issues. Always check reviews or ask for advice to see if the guitar you want is known to have tuning issues.
  • Uncomfortable Size or Weight: Always go for a guitar that fits your body well. An acoustic guitar with a large body, like a dreadnought, might feel overwhelming for smaller players. Similarly, heavy electric guitars can tire out your shoulders and arms quickly.

A guitar that’s uncomfortable or difficult to play will make learning frustrating and could even make you quit. Avoid these pitfalls by choosing a guitar that feels comfortable, plays easily, and stays in tune. When you have the right instrument, learning will be more fun, and you’ll stay motivated!

How much Should I spend?

Good news! You don’t need to spend a fortune on your first guitar. Most beginner guitars range from $150 to $300, even a $100 guitar could be enough to get you started.

Something to consider is that just about every manufacturer offers a bundle pack that includes a lot of extra equipment that you'll likely end up buying anyways like tuners and cases.

Conclusion

That's it! You now know all you need to buy your first guitar. Remember, a guitar that’s uncomfortable or difficult to play will make learning frustrating and could even make you quit. Avoid these pitfalls by choosing a guitar that feels comfortable, plays easily, and stays in tune. When you have the right instrument, learning will be more fun, and you’ll stay motivated! Good Luck!