CHOOSING THE RIGHT
GUITAR
This is a guide for anybody buying their first guitar
There are a number of options, so lets take a look…..
Electric
Most people think that this is the guitar you move on to after you have learned to play on an acoustic guitar, but for some people especially children this can be the best option for their first guitar. The neck on an electric is not as wide or deep than that of an acoustic guitar so is easier for smaller hands to play. The strings are also closer to the fretboard so do not have to be pressed down quite so hard.
One thing that should be considered is that you will need an amplifier (amp) with the guitar. This usually makes the electric guitar option a little more expensive. The best bet for the beginner would be to buy a complete package that includes the guitar and amp. These will usually also include extras such as stands, bags and instructional dvd or book. This way you have everything you need to start all in one purchase.
Note should be made that the electric guitar is best suited to Rock, Metal, Blues and Jazz.
Acoustic
Unlike the electric guitar the acoustic is able to amplify the sound without the aid of an amp. It does this through its hollow body constrution and is projected out through the sound hole. This makes the acoustic guitar a pick up and play anywhere instument, and therefore great to show off your new found talents at BBQs and parties. The acoustic guitar can be suited to play all kinds of music (there are acoustic versions of countless Rock songs) and so is a real all rounder.
acoustic guitars are available with nylon or steel strings. Nylon strings are primarily used in classical guitar playing, so unless this is what you intend to play steel strings are the option to go for.
Electro-acoustic
If you want all the advantages of the acoustic guitar but with the ability to further amplify your music the electro-acoustic is the option for you. It is basically an acoustic guitar but with the added option of plugging into an amp. Electro-acoustics can also be brought as a package including the amp and extras.
Bass guitar
If you have chosen to play bass guitar you will need to decide what kind of bass guitar you want.
By far the most popular bass is the 4 string electric bass, which just like the electric guitar needs an amp to amplify the sound. This is the amp you will here on most records and live performances. As before these can be brought as a package that includes everything needed to start.
Bass guitars are also available as acoustic or electro-acoustic but are far less popular and to get a good sounding bass a high end more expensive acoustic bass would be required.
The bass is also available with 5 & 6 strings and provides more range to the instrument but adds difficulty so 4 strings is recommended for beginners.
Ultimatley choosing a guitar is down to personel taste and the question of which guitar is best has no right or wrong answer, but i hope this information will help you in making that choice.
Thanks for reading
Chris Harrison