April 2, 2020 by Klaus Crow
photo by Orin Zebest
It took years for me to find out what guitar really suited my taste. It’s a process that you go through. Your taste changes as you grow.
When I was young I mainly wanted to shred. My world was all about Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dime Bag Darrel and all the other Shred Gods.
Obviously I bought myself a Joe Satriani Ibanez signature guitar and a Frank Gambale Ibanez signature. I also got myself an Ovation semi acoustic guitar, which sounded great plugged in.
Now 20 years further down the road I am more into singer songwriters like Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, John Mayer, Jack Johnson to name a few. My guitars have also changed. When I’m into acoustic I play my Santa Cruz OMPW Model and when I want to play blues, jazz or rock I prefer my Epiphone Dot, Vintage Sunburst, which I totally love.
It’s difficult to choose the right guitar, because there are so many. Nowadays there are a lot of great guitars for beginners, but then again there’s also a lot of crappy stuff as well. Before you go out and buy a guitar talk to fellow guitar players, your guitar teacher and people with experience. Take your time to listen and observe before you open your wallet.
To help you out on some key issues here are 12 tips on what guitar you should buy:
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1 – Style
First ask yourself the question what style of music you want to play?
(A) Do you want to play rock, blues rock or metal? (U2, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc)
(B) Do you want to play singer songwriters music? (Eagles, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, etc)
(C) Do you want to play classical music? (Andrés Segovia, John Williams, Julian Bream, etc)
If you choose (A) buy yourself an electric guitar.
If you choose (B) buy a steel string acoustic guitar.
If you choose (C) buy a classical guitar.
2 – Age
If your child wants to play guitar (age 6 to 10) I suggest you buy him or her a nylon string guitar. That would be a classical guitar. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers than steel strings, so it is much nicer for younger kids. Depending on the size of the child you can also buy a 3/4 size guitar or a 1/2 size guitar.
3 – Starting out
A lot of people have an old classical guitar somewhere up in the attic. When you are just starting out I suggest you first ask your friends, family or neighbors if they might own anything that looks like a guitar. Maybe they don’t do anything with it.
You can always go to the guitar shop later and ask if they can put some new strings on it. Take some guitar lessons for a couple of weeks or months until you are sure you want to continue. Now you can buy yourself a more expensive guitar and switch to a steel string acoustic guitar or an electric guitar if that prefers your taste.
4 – Electric guitar
Do you want to create really loud noise? Buy an electric guitar. But also for clean sounds, creamy blues and filthy crunch the electric guitar is the best choice to pick. If you want to create a lot of different sounds the possibilities with an electric guitar are endless.
If you are a beginner and want a cheap electric guitar I suggest you buy a Squier (Fender), an Epiphone (Gibson) or an Ibanez. Those are nice beginner guitars. If you are an intermediate or advanced guitar player check out the list below at #12 for quality brands.
Take into account when you are going to buy an electric guitar that you need an amp as well. Electric guitars are also expandable with a lot of different distortion and effect pedals to create more sounds. This is a hobby in itself.
5 – Steel string acoustic guitar
A steel string acoustic guitar has a rich, full bodied and clear natural sound. A cheap steel string acoustic guitar usually doesn’t sound that great, but if you are just starting out it is probably good enough.
If you are an intermediate or advanced guitar player check out the list below. If you want a real good sounding steel string acoustic guitar you are going to have to spend somewhere about 800 dollars. If you want better quality you can spend up to thousands of dollars, depending on your budget.
6 – Classical guitar
A classical guitar has a full bodied, warm and mellow sound. This is partly due to the nylon strings. A good sounding classical guitar is often cheaper than a steel string acoustic guitar. Prices range from 200 dollars up to thousands of dollars.
7 – Choose what you like
When you go out and buy a guitar listen with your own ears. What guitar sound do you like best. Which guitar feels the nicest and looks the most awesome. You can listen to what a salesman has to say, but you are the one who has to judge. Don’t rely too much on the salesman. Listen to your own heart. The sound and feeling of a guitar is about personal preference.
8 – Lower the action
Look for a guitar with a low action or ask the salesperson to lower the action if possible. The action is distance between the strings and the fret. A lower action improves the feel of your guitar so it’s easier for you the press the strings down on the fret and get a good sound out of it. It makes a huge difference.
9 – Try out
Go to different guitar shops, take your time and try as many guitars as you can. Learn to hear and feel the difference. Don’t buy immediately. Come back the next day with a fresh pair of ears and play some more. This way you’ll have a more objective view of what sounds good or bad.
10 – Pros
The electric guitar is expandable with amps and hundreds of different pedals for creating great sounds. It is fairly easy to play because of the small neck and light gauge strings. You can also play really quiet if you unplug the guitar. This way you don’t bother anyone, but you can still play.
A steel string acoustic guitar or a classical guitar doesn’t need amplification. The body of the guitar serves as an amplifier so you are all set with just the guitar. The Steel string guitar sounds great without hassle. Don’t you just love simplicity :)
A classical guitar has got nylon strings which are easier on the fingers.
A classical guitar has also got a thicker neck than a steel string acoustic or an electric guitar which is great for big hands.
11 – Cons
An electric guitar needs extras to get you all fired up. You need an amplifier, you need cables and probably some pedals to go with it.
A steel string acoustic guitar is more difficult to play than an electric guitar, but it is worth the effort.
A classical guitar has got a thicker neck than a steel string acoustic or an electric guitar which is not so great for really small hands.
12 – Famous brands
ELECTRIC GUITARS:
– asian melodies website (Rock, Blues, Pop)
– hsv dating app (Rock, Blues, Pop)
– https://www.guitarhabits.com/861196-philly-hookups/ (Shredding)
– do women prefer younger men (Rock, Pop)
– https://www.guitarhabits.com/582207-great-headlines-for-dating-apps/ (Metal)
– Gretsch (Rockabilly, Jazz, Blues)
– Washburn (Rock)
– Rickenbacker (Rock, Blues, Pop)
– Paul Reed Smith (Rock, Blues)
CHEAP AND DECENT ELECTRIC GUITARS:
– Jackson
– Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012
STEEL STRING ACOUSTIC GUITARS:
CLASSICAL GUITARS:
Also check out:
The Best High Quality Affordable Acoustic Guitars
Erwin Blondeau says
He Klaus!
Bedankt voor de tips he ;-)
Thanx for the tips hey :)
Klaus Crow says
Hey Erwin,
How are you doing mate?
I hope everything is well.
You’re welcome anytime! :)
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Alex Arrubla says
Hi Klaus, I´m sorry but I don´t speak english, I write from Colombia-South america.
I recently read your post, and I think that it awesome, is a great combination “guitarlosophy”.
One question: ¿what do you think of Silent guitar of Yamaha?
Thanx friend guitarist!
Klaus Crow says
Hi Alex,
I’m not really sure what to think of it. It’s not really my thing to be honest, but maybe I’m just old fashioned.
I had a student once who had a silent yamaha guitar but he sold rather quickly though. I don’t know why. I’ll ask him.
But don’t let that stop you from trying it out, maybe it’s really what you’re looking for.
Good luck!
Klaus Crow
Diane Fitzgerald says
I am grateful to you for approaching this with so much focus.
Sass says
Thanks for the guide!
I found it searching for advice on choosing an acoustic-electric guitar and I’m wondering what the best brands of these are?
Aron says
What’s up;)
Thanks for you guide it really helped my al lot but i still don’t know exactly what im looking for. I want a western guitar; 200 ‘300 dollars. This is gonna be my second guitar. I have a spanish guitar ( valencia cg 160 34) that my parents bought 6 years ago. But it is getting a bit small so i’m got myself a job earned some money and now I want to buy another one. I want to play some songs that i can sing along with. I can’t play good guitar because i’ve never got a teacher. But i learned some chords and songs. Hero of war – Rise Against Good riddance – green day are going pretty good. But the sound of my guitar isn’t that nice sooooo.
Joe says
Wow. This was very helpful. I’m buying my second guitar, and all the buying guides I found out there were for beginners. This was the only site that has been helpful to me.
Nitin says
please tell me if i can use a plectrum to play a classical guitar. i am mainly trying to learn to play blues and classic rock. which guitar do u think will sound more appropriate?
Selma says
Hey Mate, thanks this is a very nice thing you did here.
I play guitar preety well, been playin’ for 4 years, just started the electric (by just i mean 1 year), i own a Vintage V100 Lemon Drop, what do you think about it ?
William says
Hi there,
I’m looking for a steel string acoustic guitar with electric capabilities with a really great sound. I went to a second hand guitar shop today and tried out different guitars. I tried a few Ovation guitars and they sounded much better than some of the others. There was a Std ballad LX for about a
$1000 but it was 2nd hand. Does this sound like a good deal?
sidd says
I am beginner I want a electric guitar you can help me
Skyy says
Thanks for giving great tips! I’m hoping to get a classical guitar :)
Claudia says
I’m looking for a intermediate level guitar. The type of music I’m interested in is, “Of Mice & Men” “Memphis May Fire” “Volumes” “The Ghost Inside” and “Stick To Your Guns” (youtube them so you get my point) reply back!
john knox says
i play rock and i love to buy a guitar which will be easier to shred and need Floyd rose with that guitar.. i need a good guitar but cheap..would u suggest me plz..thx in advance
Seara says
Hey thanks soo much this really helps! Im a 15 year old girl and an intermediate guitar player but not too long ago a beginner, and i think as well my beginner guitar is holding me back from doing alot. I was wondering if there are any cheaper guitar brands with still a nice quality that you can get with expensive guitars because i have like no money. Also, do you have any recommendations on new amps or any posts about that?im also getting quite sick of my amp which is an ibanez with almost no nobs to mess around with, and my instructor says my amp is holding me back as well.
Enas says
I bought once a classical guitar and I had a problem with the neck..it was very thick to me coz my hands are very small.
but it had 3 nylon strings and 3 metals , does all the classical are the same or there is one all strigns are nylon?
Ayush says
Hey Klaus, I’ve played the steel string guitar for quite a few years now, though I’ve not really mastered it as such. Just an average player to accompany myself when I’m singing. I was wondering if I could use a classical guitar to play the same pop/rock songs, that I’ve been playing, in the style of the acoustic steel string guitar. what i’m actually looking for are not the techniques of classical guitar playing (finger-style) but the sound of it which I know is different. Do you think its worth spending some money on this experiment?
Cyrelle Whisenant says
Hey Klaus,
Im 14 and will soon be a first time guitar buyer. I was thinking about getting a steel string acoustic guitar after reading this. I was wondering which one would be best for me? I was think about maybe the Santa Cruz but I dont know. Can you give me your opinion on what I should probably get? You’ve been a great help. Thanks c:
greg says
Do you have another q&a for buying a second guitar. Just started playing in february, and a long way to go but love doing so.
Klaus Crow says
Hi Cyrelle,
I don’t want to underestimate your budget but the Santa Cruz is quite expensive.
Brand is not so much important. Important is how the instrument sounds and feels to you.
I’m also very fond of Martin guitars but still it doesn’t matter there are so many good guitars out there nowadays.
Just try out as many guitars as you can at different guitar shops. Don’t rush.
Take your time to learn what a guitar should sound and feel like to you.
It’s quite personal.
“Sound” and “feel”.
Best regards,
Klaus
Isabella says
Hi!
Thanks for this awesome article! I am 15 and just starting out. I am interested in guitar and several of my friends play. I was wondering, could you could point me in the direction of an inexpensive but good quality guitar or brand so I have a place to start looking?
Thanks!
Isabella
Logan says
Hey there, I’m looking for a good guitar, I have a really old acoustic guitar, right now I’m playing songs like not the American average (asking Alexandria), tears don’t fall (bullet for my valentine) and other songs like those, it’s quite hard to make it sound good on my acoustic but I know it’s right, I was wondering what brand of guitar (electric) I should get for those kind of songs! (YouTube the songs to see what the sound like) thanks for your help!
Adrienne says
Klaus, Thank you for all of the information I’ve been on the Internet for several days looking & researching info on getting the best classic guitar for my 11 yr. old grandson, he is a beginner.I found it almost impossible for sales people to take time to give you a lot of information.Your site has given me more of what I need to look for in a few minutes then all the time I’ve spent on the telephone trying to get help,I’m disabled &I shop online & the phone.I’ve found several guitars,I would like to have your opinion or your suggestion.these are the ones I’m considering Cordoba Dolce 7/8 size acoustic nylon string classic guitar,Manuel Rodriguez Caballero 11 cedar top classic guitar, Manuel Rodriguez 8 nylon string acoustic guitar & Ibanez IJC QuickStart 3/4 scale classic guitar pack.I would like your suggestion or your opinion on what to buy.Your info has been very helpful.Looking forward to your reply.Thank You,Adreinne
sakha says
i want 2 buy guitar so tel me which guitar shoukd i buy… i am in 3rd year … tel me which guitar will be okay 2 play songs of taylor swift, justin , atif aslam etc
Hajar says
Hey ! I am a 12 year old girl and I really got inspired by Taylor Swift to play guitar and I hope I do soon. I don’t know much about guitars because I never actually played one. I prefer a guitar which sounds great and affordable. So, can you help me?
Klaus Crow says
Hi Hajar
When you’re just starting out the quality of the guitar is not that important yet. I always recommend borrowing an old guitar from a relative or friend. Maybe you know someone who has an old guitar up in the attic that they don’t use anymore. As long as there are 6 strings on the guitar you can start to learn to play. Afer a while if you find that you really like to play you can buy a good guitar. You can always go to a guitarshop in your area and they know what’s best for you at your age.
Just want to let you know since you’re a Taylor Swift fan. She’s got her own signature guitar, Maybe it’s a good motivation to become a good guitar player.
Check it out:
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/taylor-swift-baby-taylor
Best regards,
Klaus
Hajar says
Thanks a lot! I’ll try borrowing one to know if I really want to proceed.
But I’ve heard that Taylor Guitars are so expensive is it true?. Is there any brand that has actually affordable guitars for beginners?
I have 2 more questions that I tried asking many people about but no reply so I hope you do reply :)
1. What’s the difference between a 4th strings and a 6th strings guitar?
2. What’s the use of a cappo?
Mara says
Hey Klaus! I was thinking about buying the Ibanez V70CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar. I’m no begginner, but I’m not a very avanced player either. I’ve been playing for three years now, and I would realy like to know your opinion! Please, reply! Best of wishes
Jom says
Hey there, I’m thinking of buying my second electric guitar because my first one sucks pretty bad now. I’m into Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica kind of bands so, is an Ibanez good for me or Gibson? I’ve been playing guitar for 4 years now and only started electric guitar 2 years ago. I don’t really know if my guitar sucks or my amp (the amp I’m using came as a package with a guitar, it’s just a practice amp lol) my current guitar is a stratocaster copy. Please help me out here :) thanks!
Klaus Crow says
Hi Jom,
If you’re into rock/metal music just look at what those guys are playing. Ibanez is good for rock so is Gibson. If you want a real allround guitar I prefer Fender stratocaster, but it’s all a matter
of taste. The brands are all good, but you have to walk into a guitar shop and experience for yourself what feels good in your hands and what sounds good to your ears.
Try different guitars and different amps and take your time. Don’t decide overnight but go back to the guitarshop a couple of times to get a good notion of what is out there.
Ask the seller for advice and reccomendations.
Google “your favorite guitar player” + guitar + amp and read why and how they use their equipment.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Ayush says
I’m still waiting for a reply to my question Klaus…
Scott says
So, I was thinking about a rock/metal/alternative guitar, and came up with Dean, Jackson, ESP, and Ibanez, like the list. Honestly, I care mostly for the looks of the body, and having Floyd Rose parts. Eventually, I ended up with the Ibanez GRGA42TQA (Red). Are there better guitars of this kind for 250-300 dollars? (I would love to have a different shaped guitar, too.) (I have also been playing for 4 years, and use a Fender Mustang III amp.)
gary says
Try a Hagstrom, narrow ,thin neck is superb.
Saurabh says
Hi there,
A real nice article..I play guitar more as a hobby during my weekends, have been playing steel string acoustic guitar. I am able to do quite well when it comes to playing Rhythm that is chords and all that stuff but still not very fluent at playing solos..However lately have been listening to a lot of blues and blues based rock music and i am very inspired to play such music. However should i straight away go for an electric guitar or should I wait to get a little better at my guitar playing and then switch. BTW, I actually own a semi-acoustic guitar that is an acoustic guitar with pick up.
shashank says
is semi- accoustic is a good choice ?
and how to judge that this is a good sound
Vyom says
The tips are really helpful. Till now I’ve just practiced an acoustic guitar. Now I wanted to buy an electric guitar but I didn’t know how to choose one. So these tips are going to help me a lot.
Vyom says
Can you please suggest me some electric guitar models which are good for playing rhythms?
I’d be grateful.
Paulius says
I’m choosing from two: ibanez rg370dxz or washburn x50 pro. Which guitar should i buy? I would play metal the most.
P.S. Sorry for my English. I’m lithuanian.
Paulius says
Or should i go with esp?
Klaus Crow says
Hi Paul,
That’s a difficult choice. They are all beauties. It’s all a matter of personal taste. It also depends on your guitar amp.
If you already have a decent amp, I suggest you bring your amp to the guitar shop and run the Ibanez, Washburn and ESP through your amp and listen to what you like best.
Which of the three has got the fattest en most pure sound if that’s what you’re after.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
wolf says
Hi, I would like to offer a rebuttle to your choice of a cheap guitar for a beginner;
As one of those people who have played guitar forever (who hasn’t?) I look back at the trials we go through to learn. Guitar is not an easy instrument to master; sure almost anyone can learn the basic chords, but the guitar is miles deep and there is a lot going on.
wolf says
I think a beginner should buy the best guitar they can afford. With all we have to learn, dealing with a crappy guitar is the last thing you need. I also fly radio control airplanes and am an instructor and test pilot. I tell my students to buy something that has been flown and is proven. I think the same thing applies to guitar. We have enough to learn without wondering is it’s the guitar, or is it me?
Paulius says
Klaus, thanks for your answer, but now i gonna choose just something from ESP and i have a catalog of several beasts:
ESP LTD MH-1000 800$, NT version 700$
ESP LTD MH-401QM – big discount, now it’s 500$
ESP LTD M-300FM – 620$
Is there a difference between sounds of these guitars? Forget price. I would play mostly metallica songs- solos and distortion(all-around) if understand what i mean. Please, answer in detail. In my opinion the best choise would be Mh-1000NT, cause it’s extra 100 for just tremolo. But, I found a lot of very good comments about these guitars. And I just can’t choose someone :D Please, help me!
P.S. Again, Sorry for my English, I’m lithuanian
Paulius says
Now there is another guitar:
ESP LTD EC-1000 – 800$
Melita says
Hi
Your article is really useful as I was lost in my world thinking which one to go for. I’m an adult but a beginner.But I wanna use it for a long time. Think classical would be best for me.
Million thanks for all your tips.
Josh says
Great tips! I would caution people, though, when they ask for a salesperson to adjust the action of a guitar. This is a very technical procedure that I wouldn’t trust most salespeople to do. The wrong adjustment could cause major buzzing of the strings or bowing of the neck. Be careful!
melina says
hey how you doing
I’m a intermediate guitar player and I want to find a steel string acoustic guitar but I’m confused on what I need to look out for, I mean
I want it to be full sized but that’s all I know any tips on what I need to look out for
stijn says
hey claus,
what do you think of the BC Rich Beast Platinum?
I want to buy a new guitar, I’ve got an fender squier
but it is not what I like.
i really want a good metal guitar but i don’t know witch one.
thx (:
Eli says
What about the electric-accoustic guitars? I’m thinking to buy it as it’s flexible, you can use as both. Why didn’t you mention it? Thanks.
katie says
I currently own an Ovation acoustic electric guitar, but am looking to upgrade a bit, a lot of the reson being that I am no longer that big of a fan of the bowl shaped body. I’m on a tight budget so can only spend around $300. Any advice on what guitar or brand to look at? Specifically needs to be acoustix electric.
Anand says
Great Tips!! Thanks.
Shushan says
Hi Klaus,your tips are really helpful,thanks…
I wander if it’s possible to buy an original and good guitar with 650$.And one more thing,I like PRS custom 24 and Fender Stratocaster equally,which one is the better in your opinion
AR says
Hi! I need to buy a acoustic guitar for my 10 year old girl, should I go for a nylon string one or steel string one…
Thanks
Ishita says
HI i really want to know if a robb flynn love/death bariton is good choice starting with an electric guitar?
mickey says
i know i want an acoustic guitar, but i dont know which type… any suggestions?
Klaus Crow says
That depends on your budget.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Abhishek Masand says
Hi Klaus ,
I am want to buy a electric guitar and I am thinking of a epiphone les paul 100 or ibanez grg170dx or grg270 which one would be better ?
Thanks
myrthe says
what do you think of the sigma 000m 15?
i’m left handed so this one seemed good and the only one available…
martina says
I wanna buy acoustic guitar and play pop music (by Justin Bieber, One Direction etc.) and from singers songwriters such as Cris Rene-Where Do we go From Here etc. What kind of strings and what sized guitar do I need. I’m 14years old.
Klaus Crow says
Hi Martina,
A normal size guitar is excellent for you. Famous steel string brands are “D’addario”, Elixer, Martin strings, etc.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Retr0_act1ve says
Thank you or this article and the great information. I have a question about the size of the guitar. I will be buying a cheap left-handed guitar package for my daughter, she is 15yrs old, 5’4″ and will probably not grow any taller. Should I get the full or half sized guitar?
Mike says
I am looking at the Les Paul Special II, but I am not sure which amp goes with it. I want to upgrade to a bigger amp, so when it comes to size, to me, bigger is better. Do you maybe have any suggestions for me?
Nort2011 says
I want to learn how to play the guitar (classic music/country) but i don’t necessarily want to buy a “beginner” guitar if I am going to blow past it’s quality in the first couple months. Im a reasonably fast learner. Im looking to spend as little money as possible, but wouldn’t mind holding on to a good reliable guitar for a while so maybe not the “cheapest”. Help? I have just now started shopping for my own (instead of borrowing my friends) and don’t know that much about different brands/qualities of acoustic guitars.
Jadene says
Hey,
I want to start learning to play the guitar! It’s been on my bucket list for a while so I want to go for it! I’m sixteen and I play the trumpet and stuff so strings are a completely new ground for me. Any advice on what kind to buy?? I’m after a good sound (acoustic though) but I’m worried about it being really hard to play on steel strings! :/
Thanks dude
Noelle says
Hi,
So I’m looking to pick up guitar again but it’s been a while so I’m completely new to this and I was wondering whether or not it’s acceptable to buy a low price starter kit. I’ve heard that the cheaper guitars have bad quality so I’m really curious as to whether I should broaden my budget range for this.
Phil says
Hi thanks for your guide. I am looking for an acoustic guitar and played a Faith necked series today which was really nice . Do you know /recommend the guitar?
Thanks
Phil
A says
hey, I just read this post and I have to say, even though while buying my guitar I hadn’t read this yet, I made all the right steps while doing so! I even bought a guitar of the same brand that you had spoken of which suits the type of music I play! irony isn’t it? hah anyway, I think this is a great post for both people who need help choosing guitars for the first time as well as those who have one, to learn a bit more about it.
iman says
Awesome!
Wanted to buy a guitar and I wasnt sure what type suits me but after reading your post my problem is solved.:)
And also figured out that which brand I should choose. .
Kezzia says
Hi Klaus, I’m 19 and I know how to play piano kind of and I can read basic sheet music for piano which I have been told helps when learning the guitar but I have never played guitar before. I love Rock/ pop-rock music such as You me at Six and All Time Low and it’s inspired me to try the Guitar. I really love the elctric guitar but I was wondering if you could tell me is it a better idea to start with a classic guitar or can I just go straight to an electric guitar?
Thanks for the amazing article,
Kezz.
Isabel says
Awesome tips! I’m glad you wrote about this and thankful I came across your site. It has helped me a lot on my guitar purchase decision. Thank you very much.
Devang says
Hey klaus .. Firstly.. Awesome tips man ! Thanks for writing! .. Im an amatuer guitarist and i was thinking of getting a new guitar .. Should i get an electric or an acoustic? What If i want to play onstage ? Is an electric better ? Is there any disadvantage other than the amplifier ? Does acoustic surpass electric in anything?
horan1993 says
Hi,
I’ve always wanted to play and now as I’m coming up 14 I was thinking on getting an acoustic guitar for my birthday, I have been looking and found a Martin for about £80 on Argos but I’m not sure if I should be looking there, should I be getting it from an offical guitar shop or anything better? As I will be a beginner I don’t want anything too fancy or expensive.
Thanks.
Patty Kelly says
Hi,
I need some guidance. I am looking to buy a Martin guitar for my husband. He has an acoustic guitar, a 12 string and an electric. Owning a Martin six string acoustic has always been his dream.
I look at the Martin’s and am absolutely clueless!! He plays a lot of Dylan, Clapton, Grateful Dead, Led Zepplin, a little Pink Floyd. Also, some Johnny Cash.
Could you guide me into the direction of a model that would be appropriate? I truly don’t know very much about guitars.
Thank you.
Patty Kelly
Arthur lukoff says
I have been playing for a year and can play all the chords you say are a must. For my second guitar as a step up I have been reading about the Seagull s6 for about $419 . Have you any thoughts about this acoustic guitar
Thank arr
MusicmanKenn says
I noticed you left out Ovation for the acoustic guitars. Any reason???
kahiurrahman says
Awesome!
i like the guitar As I will be a beginner I don’t want anything too fancy or expensive.It has helped me a lot on my guitar purchase decision. Thank you very much.
monty thiessen says
I have Yamaha fg 700. I have been playing for 1 year. It is an affordable guitar, its sound makes quite an impression. Not only is its sound richer and more balanced than almost any other guitar in its price range,
Alexis Wilson says
these are wonderful tips Klaus. But i think newbie guitarists should stick with the simple acoustic models for mastering the basics and then move on to the electric guitar.
ak says
Too lazy to Google!
What is a SHREDDING Guitar????
Regards
ak says
What is a SHREDDING Guitar????
Regards
sid says
hi I wanna buy acoustic guitar under 6000 which is best that I can buy
Rich says
I just finished my 1st year of guitar. I used a Fender T-Bucket 300CE. I loved the guitar. One thing I would suggest is whatever guitar you get is to get it “set up” the strings are usually high from the factory. I did not realize this until June.
I also made a month to month video. Here is what the guitar sounds like with a beginner playing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehWeiliDy4I
Klaus Crow says
Hi Sid,
Martin, Taylor, Lowden and Santa Cruz are all high quality and superb acoustic guitars.
Alex says
I`m a Hofner guitars fan. Paul Mckartney can`t be wrong )
Best regards,
Ales
The One says
I want to play pop music and I’m having a really hard time finding what kinds of instruments I need to play it.Can anyone help me?
Greg VanSickle says
Nice informative guide here. This is SUCH a confusing area for beginner guitarists, This is really amazing. I feel like I know something about guitars after I read this article even if I played a guitar once in my life. I was thinking about buying a guitar for a long time..
David says
Klaus whats the best guitar for me I’m into a lot of classic rock, rock, metal, and some blues. please reply Its important
Jon Headrick says
People should concern about their player profile (especially beginner) while buying a guitar. What they play, where they play- these are also some big issue.
Thank you, Klaus Crow, for sharing this excellent and informative post.
RadRich says
If you’re just starting out with an electric guitar, I suggest you buy an amp like the Fender Mustang I, II, or II (v2 models). These have presets that pretty much eliminate the need for external pedals as the sound you’re looking for are built in! Look on Craigslist, Ebay, or Guitar Center for great prices on used models.
RadRich says
Whoops, meant to say Mustang I, II, or III (v2 models).
Pamela Tibbs says
Music is life for me. I cant pass a single day without listing music or playing guitar. I have guitar since 2013. Now I want to buy new guitar. Thanks for sharing this information.
Julia says
Hi, thanks for the good advice. I am beginner and want to buy steel string acoustic guitar. I don`t really know which brand is the best for me. But, how about Yamaha f310? It is cheap and I also heard that it is suitable for beginners. What do you think?
Also, I play with my left-hand and is it okay just to buy random guitars?
Hope you will reply to my questions :)
Ibrahim Riaz says
Hey u’re doing great buddy
I wanna ask that I’m 13 and I live in Pakistan. I wanna have a guitar but really cheap one. Can u recommend me one ? Well I kinda like acoustic guitars. Can u recommend me company plz?
I’ll be really greatful
Thx
Jason says
One of the best tips I heard about buying a guitar for someone else (particularly your child) is despite any research you might have done let them guide the decision. If they seem particularly awestruck with any particular guitar in the shop (within budget obviously) then they are far more likely to practice regularly when they are at home with it.
jvkghwyuiz says
zjejlsvmtflfcqspckggkrfnfhgyou
dtoooqfmuc says
azhbnhaqqirnjwpjfwkpyimhagnaue