A Guide for Finding the Best Guitar for You: “Let the Music Move You.”
If you’re a serious musician, or if you’re just starting out and you’re looking for the perfect guitar to get you started, you’re likely overwhelmed with all the options out there. From price to type to size to sound, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying a guitar. Here’s a guide that can help you narrow down your choices and find the guitar that works best for you.
First things first: find your budget. When you’re looking for a guitar, you want to make sure you’re getting one at the right price. It’s easy to blow your budget on the latest and greatest gear, but the truth is you don’t have to in order to get a good guitar. Most brands have models at different price points that still sound and play great. Figuring out the most you’re willing to spend right off the bat can help you narrow down your choices and save you time in the long run.
Next, decide on the style that best suits your sound. Different types of guitar deliver different tones, so it’s important to consider a few different types to narrow down your search. For example, a classic acoustic guitar is great for strumming chords, while an electric guitar works better for soloing and lead playing. Though both types of guitars work great for a variety of styles, a Les Paul style electric guitar is more suited for rock and heavy metal, while a Jazzmaster style electric guitar is more appropriate for jazz and blues.
Choose the tone you want to achieve. With so many different types of guitars, it’s important that you have an idea of what tone you want to achieve before you start shopping. Think about the type of music you want to play and use that to guide your decision. You can also look at the pickups on the guitar, as they can greatly affect the tone of the instrument. A single-coil pickup is usually associated with the bright, twangy sounds of classic rock, while a humbucker delivers a warmer, thicker sound.
Pick the neck that fits your playing style. Adjusting the feel of your guitar is just as important as finding the right sound. About 80 percent of the time, people playing guitar will be on the neck, so it’s important to make sure that part of the guitar is comfortable for you. Different neck styles can also influence your playing, so there are a few variations to consider when looking for a guitar. If you prefer more precise playing, a thin neck is better for you. For more aggressive playing styles, however, a thicker neck might be more comfortable.
Factor in size. If you’re buying a guitar for a child, there are plenty of smaller, more manageable options out there. The same is true for travelers; there are models that are small and portable, so you can still practice while you’re on the go. But if you’re an adult looking for a full-size guitar, it’s also important to pay attention. Not all full-size guitars are the same – some are designed to be smaller than others, so make sure you’re comfortable before you buy.
Look for quality. Quality is always key when it comes to finding the right guitar; you want an instrument that will last you a lifetime. Look for guitars that have solid pieces on the necks and good electronics, as these are key to a good sound. However, quality doesn’t always mean expensive; there are plenty of brands that make great guitars at budget-friendly prices.
Finally, try a few out and go with your gut. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices and found a few that look like good fits, take them to your local music store and play them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get a feel for what each guitar has to offer. Try to find one that resonates with you and gives you that “wow” feeling. It’s important to find the guitar that speaks to you, not just the one that checks off all the boxes on your list.
Finding the perfect guitar for you can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can do your research and find the one that works best for you. With a little bit of guidance, you can find the guitar that will let the music move you.