How to Get the Beginner Acoustic Guitar That's Right For You

By: Joe Serpico

When you're out looking for an acoustic beginner guitar, you
have to know what kind of music you'll be playing on it.
Latin and certain kinds of pop and folk melodies sound right on
a classical guitar with nylon strings. Rock, bluegrass, and
other kinds of pop and folk tunes work better on a guitar with
steel strings. The only way you can really determine which of
the two is right for you is to actually play both of them.

Most teachers will recommend purchasing nylon guitar strings for
the person just learning to play as they are a little easier on
the fingers. However, this may not be a good idea if the student
wants to learn to be a rock star or if they don't care for the
classical style music as the nylon string will never sound just
right.

If you want to learn to play the type of music that's made by
steel strings, then the obvious choice is a steel-string guitar.
Yes, your fingers are going to hurt at first, but you'll develop
calluses after a couple of months of regular practice. The
reverse is true if you wish to play classical guitar music.
Don't be persuaded to get a steel-string instrument if all
you're interested in is classical music.

Here are some pointers for you when looking for a classical
nylon-string guitar. The distinct features of classical guitars
are their small bodies and wide fingerboards, and most
importantly, their classical sound. Despite similar physical
features, each classical guitar will have it's own feel and
tone, so try several to find the classical acoustic beginner
guitar that best matches your taste. A six-string dreadnought is
the most commonly purchased acoustic starter guitar. There are
only slight size variations among dreadnoughts, and they offer
the kind of tone that is popular with guitarists who are just
starting out.

The kind of wood your acoustic beginner guitar is crafted from
affects the tone of the guitar. Many of these guitars come with
a spruce top. Make sure you select a model made from solid
spruce and not one with a two-piece top. A solid top will be
longer lasting. When it comes to the back and sides, your
options will generally be mahogany, rosewood or spruce. If you
want a lighter tone, look for guitars that have back and sides
of mahogany. You will get a heavier tone from a guitar that
features rosewood back and sides.

Looking for a guitar with relatively low action is something
else to think about when you are a new guitarist. The space
between the string and the neck is called the action. An action
that is too high it can be not only a distraction, but a
hindrance to learning.

When you finally settle on your choice of acoustic beginner
guitar, an accessory you really need to buy is a good electronic
tuner. As a novice you most likely haven't yet developed an ear.
The tuner will allow you to tune up faster and easier, leaving
more time to spend practicing and playing.