What to look for in an accoustic guitar?

Question:I have never played the guitar before, but have always wanted to learn how to play the accoustic guitar. What should I be looking for in a good starting guitar before deciding on one? And any other tips you may have for getting started learning :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have never played the guitar before, but have always wanted to learn how to play the accoustic guitar. What should I be looking for in a good starting guitar before deciding on one? And any other tips you may have for getting started learning :)

1. Have a guitarist play the instrument for you as you listen to the sustain, the volume, and the resonance.

2. Check the feel of the neck--too wide, too narrow?

3. Check that the 'action' is suitable for you, i.e., the strings are not a half-inch above the fretboard at the 12th fret.

4. A guitar strap is not necessary. You'll do most of your practicing sitting so you maintain control of the instrument while concentrating on the lesson before you.

5. You'll have to decide what sort of guitar pick to use: flat pick, thumb pick, or no pick at all. As you learn the chord formations a pick isn't essential for the strumming so long as you can hear the strings at your chord formation.

6. If you are of medium build, a dreadnought guitar may be your best choice. If you are small in stature, consider a parlor-size guitar.

7. Many different brands of guitars are available. Choose one with a sound that is pleasing to you and costs around $300.

8. Purchase a beginner's guitar book that has chords, instructions on tuning, basic music theory for the guitar, and exercises in notation. Don't depend on tablature to build your guitar expertise. Music notation is the best way to go.

Thank you, Ace, for selecting my reply as best. Good luck with your new challenge. Getting past the sore fingertips and building calluses is your first hurdle. After that, learning becomes as dessert.

Other Answers (3)

Show:

="shown">

by albarada

Member since:: October 04, 2007
Total points:: 9 (Level 1)

="network">

Add to My Contacts

Block User

wood

straight neck, strings not too high, no fret buzz anywhere on the neck, tuning keys that dont slip once theyre tightened, make sure theres a strap and thats all i look for.

Good tone, there's a certain sound I listen for rather it's a steel or nylon strings. I also look at the tuners . . . if they're trash and won't hold a tune, chances are they cut corners and quality elsewhere. Anymore you can expect to pay upwards of 500 usd for a starter guitar that's half way playable. I bought a Takamine at Guitarcenter that I liked the tone of but immediately changed out the tuners that weren't real good. I am happy with it now although i prefer how it sounds UNplugged than plugged in. At the time it was 600usd but now goes for 1200.