Adult Tips for Buying Your First Guitar

Congratulations! You've made the decision that you are ready to learn an instrument. Guitar is an excellent choice for a beginner. In a short amount of time, you'll be playing songs that you recognize. Deciding to pick up the guitar is a big commitment. To play well, you will need to set aside practice time and stick to the plan. The more effort you put in, the sooner you'll be playing full songs and sounding great.

Now it's time to pick out your first guitar. There are a few important things to think about before you head out to the store and make the purchase. Buying the wrong guitar can result in your frustration and possibly premature quitting. You've come this far to realize this is something you want to do, so take the time to make sure you buy the right guitar for your needs. Follow these tips and you'll be rockin' in no time.

Acoustic or Electric
Think about what style of guitar you would like to play. Acoustics are wonderful if you are envisioning campfire sing-a-longs or relaxing playing sessions. They are well suited for Folk, Religious, Jazz and Country styles of music. Acoustics are nice because you can literately grab it and play. There are no wires or amplifiers to worry about. They are quiet, but can be played loudly.

Acoustic guitar necks are thicker and wider than Electric. Their body's are also wider. Generally smaller people with shorter arms and smaller hands and smaller fingers will have a harder time reaching the strings. Making chords can be difficult as well because the strings on Acoustics are usually heavier and harder to press down on.

Electrics are great if you want to be rockin' and rollin'. They are a good choice if your intention is to play solos, riffs or distorted heavier music. They do require that you also have a cord and a small amplifier, so they will take up a little more space. Electrics have thinner necks and are strung with lighter strings. This allows for much easier playing. The strings are easier to press, making playing chords much smoother to learn.

Any song can be played on either style of guitar, but it is smart to think about what you will be playing more of before choosing.