Starting to be a guitarist, whether for leisure or actual training to become a pro, one will need to have the right guitar perfect for beginners. There are a lot of considerations in finding the perfect acoustic guitar. Here are a few tips on how you can find the ideal stringed instrument to fuel your passion as an aspiring guitarist.
1. Decide on a budget
The first decision on most buying guides that would significantly affect buying out the perfect acoustic guitar is the price range. There is no right and wrong decision for having the right budget, as long as you are willing to shell out that money in honing your guitar playing skills.
Most people would recommend not to spend too much on the first guitar for many reasons. Some believe that you may outgrow it and get bored with playing in the future. While some also believe that having the basic one will only be a stepping stone to buying an actual guitar that's worth spending your money on.
Deep pockets won't have difficulties in shelling out the most expensive ones as the first acoustic guitar for beginners. However, it is also reasonable to spend wisely with a midrange acoustic guitar for learning the basics.
You can go as low as $100-300 on your first acoustic guitar. You can set a spending ceiling on your first guitar and work your budget around that. Most guitars above $1200 are nothing less than for highly skilled guitar players, but can also be for beginners who value having a high-end guitar as their first instrument.
2. Body style that suits you
If the body style is new to you, getting to know a guitar's anatomy will help you figure out what body style works your liking. The body comes in three standard shapes, and each can produce a distinct sound.
The classic body style is named after its common usage, the classical guitar playing. It makes a lot of clarity, so most guitarists enjoy fingerpicking in this body style. Dreadnaught guitars produce what is known as a boomy sound and is commonly played by songwriters and folk artists. Jumbo guitars bridge the gap between the classic one with shape and quality and the Dreadnaught with its loudness and size.
3. Electronic considerations
Looking into the possibility of plugging your guitar in an amplifier is an excellent thought you should ponder on. Acoustic-electric guitars are well-designed to have an electronic system that allows you to play at a better volume. They are more expensive than the regular acoustic ones, but they also have a built-in tuner. If you will play many times in a band or a crowd, it is best to consider getting an acoustic-electric guitar.
4. Wood type preferences
The decision on the wood type for your acoustic guitar mostly depends on how you will use your guitar and the tones you will likely play with it. Different tonewoods have sonic signatures and this tonewood will help you out in buying the perfect acoustic companion for flourishing your abilities.
Spruce is a common material for tops, more specifically the Sitka Spruce. It is best for playing high velocity of sound. The mahogany used as guitar top has a low response rate and overtone, making it best for playing country blues.
Cedar is a famous top wood for light playing as it gives off a balanced warm sound. Maple is standard as a lot of its species can be used as a top wood. It gives off a more acoustically transparent sound because of its lower response rate.
Rosewood is famous for having a broad range of overtones and is known for its complexity and strength at the bottom.
5. Looking into brands
A widespread consideration that will help you choose the best guitar as a beginner is looking into the brand. Popular guitar brands have models that fit every budget, while some brands are known to have high-end guitars on their line. Yamaha and Fenders are brands that have models highly regarded for beginners within a budget. Takamine, Epiphone, and Washburn all have acoustic guitars best for intermediate guitar players with an extended account. Taylor and Martin have high-end acoustic guitars but are reasonably priced with their quality and name.
6. Shop deliberations
The last thing that would be part of your deliberate decision on having an acoustic guitar is to consider where to shop for it. Regional music stores or general instrument shops can let you have a wide range of guitars you can choose from. They also carry it on hand, so you won't have to wait for a pre-ordering one.
Specialty guitar stores offer you various guitars that you cannot source out from general music stores. They carry lines that are high end, and most of their personnel can also lend out their knowledge in helping you choose. These stores will likely have unique acoustic guitars and, sometimes, customized ones because it is more specific.
7. Personal Taste
On the day you ought to buy your first guitar, bring a friend who is knowledgeable in guitars or has played the guitar. This will help you out on which one is best for your skill level and intentions. Asking someone in the store can also help.
Try playing out the guitar you laid your eyes on and check the intonation. Knock on the body to check if it has a more powerful bass. Check how far the strings are from the fretboard; this is known as the action height. Before checking out the guitar, check for damages as well. Play every note you already know, and check for the overall connections of the guitar.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect acoustic guitar can be a headache, especially which the market has a lot to offer for beginners. If playing the guitar sparks interest, having one can be a stepping stone to being a musician's endless possibilities. Playing the guitar can be an outlet on your hectic day, a hobby, or for when you will be playing for a band. Whatever your intentions are, having a list of the considerations and thoughts before buying one can help you choose the perfect acoustic guitar for beginners.
I would recommend starting with cost. And then choose the best option among this class for your needs and requests . And then moving on!
The more money you invest, the more you get. Remember that! And then moving on!
Yamaha Jr2 is a solid guitar for young beginners as well as an awesome travel guitar!
Also, don’t overlook the importance of string gauge. I think beginners are often better off using lighter strings until they build up the necessary muscle mass in their fingers to play on heavier strings.
My best guitars are all old ones from the 70´s / 80´s which I found on eBay or in some music stores.
They all have already a personality / special sound character from being played long time. You can find some really cheap deals and surprising treasures, it doesn’t always have to be the famous brands. Yamaha is an affordable and good brand though if you want to go for a new instrument.