Guitars Buying Guide Part 1

October 20, 2017

Whether the goal is to become the next Jimi Hendrix, lead a bonfire sing-along, or simply pursue the challenges and rewards of learning a musical instrument, there is a vast array of guitars and accessories to help aspiring musicians build a unique sound and playing style. Because playing a musical instrument can be an expensive endeavor, making smart purchases on quality items will enhance the playing experience and provide years of enjoyment. This guide covers the basic information related to the purchase of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, acoustic-electric guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories.

Choosing the Right Guitar

There are five important factors involved in buying a guitar. Musical preference, performance location, guitar size, price, and brand should all be considered while shopping. This will reduce the overwhelming selection of guitars and accessories available down to a manageable group and help define the buyer's desired style of play.

Musical Preference

As with any instrument, different types of guitars are capable of producing very different sounds. Before shopping for a guitar, decide what type of music it will be used to play. Here is a list of some popular musical genres, along with the stringed instruments most often associated with them.