How to choose the right guitar?

By: Anze Sustar

Choosing the right guitar may be a problem for a large number of
guitarists out there. Luckily there are some tips and tricks
that can help you choose the one that will suit you the most.

If you are a total beginner in the world of guitar-mastery, I
would strongly recommend that you take a look in the direction
of acoustic guitars. Because of their narrow necks they are
relatively easy to play. The drawback might be those sharp
strings, but you can always change them for nylon strings -
which is another thing I would really recommend to the
beginners. Anyhow, your fingers will definitely tell you when
you've had too much of guitar-playing for the day, at least at
the very beginning. Nylon strings are going to be much easier on
them, allowing you to play at least two to three hours a day,
making it possible for you to become better relatively fast. And
this is the most important part - you need to be able to see the
progress you are making along the path, since this will boost
your motivation and help you get even better. Without that kind
of stimulation, a lot of guitarists come across a lack of
motivation ...

Once you learn the basics, you might be ready to try other kinds
of equipment. You might want to try the classical guitar if you
like rich, soft sound and if you are a fan of sensual, slower
music. When it comes to those, keep in mind that they are
difficult to play from the 12th fret downwards - they are
definitely not something you can practice your rock solos with.
However, they turn out to be a great instrument for all the
finger-pickers out there and they do have that unique, almost
Spanish sound, which makes every note seem just a bit more
romantic.

If you prefer rock music and faster tunes, you should take a
look towards the electric guitars. First you need a good
amplifier, but don't get distracted by those huge numbers about
the power. You really don't need anything more than 20 watts at
home, trust me on this one. Don't buy some cheap 100 watt piece
of equipment, you will be much better off with a quality 20 watt
amplifier.

When it comes to the guitar itself, I would recommend that you
get yourself one of the Stratocaster guitars - they are really
easy to play, they have great necks and usually quite solid
magnets. One more thing: go to the store and try out many types
of electric guitars ... The acoustic ones are quite similar to
each other, but the electric guitars are a completely different
story. Try at least 10 guitars before you make a decision. It
should take you more than an hour, but coming home with a guitar
that you are going to use with pleasure makes up for that,
believe me.

You need to buy a capodaster as well, it is a great piece of
equipment and once you get used to it, you can't really do
without any more. Just put it on the 2nd fret and - voila - your
guitar is tuned two semitones higher. And that makes it a lot
easier for you to sing along, you really should try that.
Capodasters can be used with any kind of guitar, so they really
are a good investment.

This short article should help you make an informed decision ...
and once you become a great guitarist, I hope you'll help
someone else to make their informed decision about guitar
equipment. Have fun!