The guitar is an instrument that is a focal point for a wide range of music, including rock, country, blues, jazz and folk. A talented guitarist can play virtually any style of music, but most will settle on one or two different styles as a specialty. Before any mastery can take place, a guitar must first be chosen. As with many types of purchases, choosing guitars can be tricky, especially if you are relatively new to the instrument. Brand names, different styles and different stories you've heard can all help push you in one direction or another when choosing guitars.
Before you even start looking through guitars, decide on the type of guitar you want to play. If you are in love with heavy metal, looking at classical acoustic guitars would be a waste of time. Some people will tell you that when it comes to guitars, you should start with acoustic regardless of your tastes, but if it's an electric guitar that excites you, go for an electric. Looking at the types of guitars that your guitar heroes play is usually a step in the right direction. Starting off with guitars that don't motivate you to play is a sure way to get bored and give it up. Once you decide on the type that you want to play, it's time to get out and actually do the choosing.
If you are involved in guitar lessons, your instructor will likely be able to give you a list of guitars that would make a sensible purchase. If you don't have an instructor, a friend, acquaintance or even knowledgeable salesperson at the store can help to point you in the right direction. The best way to know if you like a guitar is to play it. In fact, play a lot of different guitars until you find one that fits perfectly in your hands and sounds the way you want it to. Aside from finding a guitar that fits your body well, guitars with a lower 'action' are also a wise choice for newer players.
Guitars with a 'high' action have the strings high above the fretboard and may cause problems in the wrist and forearms of someone not used to playing. Even a seasoned player may fall victim to guitars with high action, so it's wise to make sure the strings are as close to the fretboard as possible. Your budget will be a determining factor to a certain extent, but try to keep as many of the qualities you like in guitars as possible, while staying within your budget.
It's important to choose guitars that you enjoy playing and going to maintain your interest as you go along. If the guitar doesn't get you excited to make music everyday, you probably have the wrong one. It's also a good idea not to spend much more than necessary, just because you're able. Pick a maximum price you're willing to spend when you start searching for guitars, and stay within it.
Before you even start looking through guitars, decide on the type of guitar you want to play. If you are in love with heavy metal, looking at classical acoustic guitars would be a waste of time. Some people will tell you that when it comes to guitars, you should start with acoustic regardless of your tastes, but if it's an electric guitar that excites you, go for an electric. Looking at the types of guitars that your guitar heroes play is usually a step in the right direction. Starting off with guitars that don't motivate you to play is a sure way to get bored and give it up. Once you decide on the type that you want to play, it's time to get out and actually do the choosing.
If you are involved in guitar lessons, your instructor will likely be able to give you a list of guitars that would make a sensible purchase. If you don't have an instructor, a friend, acquaintance or even knowledgeable salesperson at the store can help to point you in the right direction. The best way to know if you like a guitar is to play it. In fact, play a lot of different guitars until you find one that fits perfectly in your hands and sounds the way you want it to. Aside from finding a guitar that fits your body well, guitars with a lower 'action' are also a wise choice for newer players.
Guitars with a 'high' action have the strings high above the fretboard and may cause problems in the wrist and forearms of someone not used to playing. Even a seasoned player may fall victim to guitars with high action, so it's wise to make sure the strings are as close to the fretboard as possible. Your budget will be a determining factor to a certain extent, but try to keep as many of the qualities you like in guitars as possible, while staying within your budget.
It's important to choose guitars that you enjoy playing and going to maintain your interest as you go along. If the guitar doesn't get you excited to make music everyday, you probably have the wrong one. It's also a good idea not to spend much more than necessary, just because you're able. Pick a maximum price you're willing to spend when you start searching for guitars, and stay within it.
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