HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST GUITAR

coah
May 15, 2023
4 min read

Updated: May 16, 2023

So you wanna buy a guitar huh?

This is a big investment, so definitely take your time making this decision

Here are 5 things to consider when choosing the right guitar for you:

1. CLASSICAL, ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC

This is the big one. The crux of this decision comes down to personal taste. Electric and acoustic guitars have the same composition, so the notes are the same with standard tuning. Once you learn how to play the guitar, you will be technically able to play both, but may approach playing the acoustic and electric differently. Some people feel more comfortable starting with an acoustic guitar and try electric later, but there really are no rules! Choose whatever you are drawn to.

If you lean more towards rock, alternative or jazz genres, an electric guitar might be your best bet. It has the perfect sound for these styles and as you progress, you can begin to explore plugins and effect pedals, opening you up to the expansive world of sound design. You'll need to buy an amp as well, so that's another cost you'll have to consider.

Classical and acoustic guitars are great if you gravitate towards indie, pop, folk or country genres. Classicals have a beautiful tone. Their nylon strings are slightly quieter, whereas a steel-string acoustic is a little louder, but tougher on beginner fingers.

guitar strap hook Eastwood Faith acoustic — Strap Hook

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Think about what you need your guitar for too. If you're interested in music creation or playing live, I would definitely recommend an electric or electro-acoustic guitar. They both have pickups and a jack input, making it easy to plug in your guitar and amplify it for the masses. You can amplify classical guitars with an external microphone, but feedback can be an issue. A better option would be an internal pickup.

If you're looking to perform or play standing up, make sure your guitar has a strap button. Some classical guitars don't have one, so it's something to be mindful of. Don't worry if you're set on a guitar that doesn't have one, you can get yourself a strap hook; they're pretty cheap, usually under £5.

And lefties - I didn't forget about you! Left-handed guitars are available if you're looking for one but you can absolutely learn and play on a right-handed guitar. Due to supply and demand, LH models tend to be slightly more expensive and most tabs and chord charts are oriented for RH play. This means you'll have a little mental work to do to in translating tablature to your orientation. Don't be afraid to go to a guitar store and test out both if you're unsure which to choose.

2. STYLE

Now here's where you can have fun with it. It's a great idea to browse for inspiration before you make your final decision. Make a Pinterest board, fall head first into the Google image rabbit hole and figure out what shapes and colours you're drawn to. In some ways, your guitar is an extension of yourself, so think about what you want to express through your instrument.

It may help to get familiar with some of the guitar body types to help you in your search. There tends to be less variation across acoustic guitars in terms of shape, but plenty of colours and styles are available. Common electric body types include S-style (pink), T-style (blue), Single-cut (red-orange), Hollow-body (orange) and Alternative body (black). Use these classifications to hone in on a particular style or sound you're looking for. There are also a number of brands (eg. Harley Benton) who do great beginner guitars inspired by some of the classic shapes at more affordable prices.

3. BUDGET

Maybe you're reading this in a reality where you don't have to take out a small loan to buy a loaf of bread, but incidentally, I'm writing this post in the middle of a cost of living crisis for the history books. Price is such an important factor in choosing your first guitar. Obviously if you've got cash to splash, get the best quality guitar you can within your budget. Beginner classical and acoustic guitars start from around £60-70 while electric guitars generally start a little higher. Some of the more established guitar brands become much more affordable when you shop second-hand. You may not be able to purchase your dream guitar right away, but keep in mind you can always upgrade later when you know what you're looking for.

4. SIZE

Something to consider, but not a huge factor unless you're buying for a child or you're looking for something compact for a specific reason, otherwise I'd recommend a full size guitar.

If you are shopping for a child, here are some handy size guidelines:

AGE	Suitable Guitar Size
7 and under	1/2
8-11	3/4
12+	Full

5. ONLINE VS. IN STORE

Shopping for your guitar online allows you to price compare, watch reviews and do some pretty extensive research. Some online stores offer great starter packs with a guitar, amp and accessories for a reduced price too. Do make sure you're buying from a trusted site; a quick search for customer or Trustpilot reviews can save you the stress of an unpleasant customer experience.

There's also nothing like going to a guitar shop near you, seeing what you're drawn to and how it feels in your hands. I've never been in a music shop that didn't have lovely staff who were super helpful, plus, they really know their stuff. Most music stores have a plethora of new and pre-loved instruments. You'll have a chance to do an in-person inspection and make sure it's in good condition. They can also assist you in finding the right protective case, any accessories you need to get started, like tuners and cables and may even be able to give a small discount for multiple purchases. I bought my beautiful hollow-body Gretsch second-hand from a shop on Denmark Street in Soho - they gave me a padded case for free and offered lifetime repairs if I had any problems with my guitar in future.