How To Choose A Guitar
Musicians who are contemplating the purchase of a guitar should bear in mind the complexity of such a choice and the impact the right guitar can have on your playing. Guitar players as well as those in the instrument retail business are the ultimate authority on how to choose a guitar.
Purchasing a guitar not unlike weighing the pros and cons of buying a new car. There are many different models, makes, and designs to pick from. Each guitar has its own unique quality that is rarely duplicated. In order to find the right type that will suit your musical needs, an understanding of the styles of guitars will be helpful.
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The Acoustic
An acoustic guitar is generally the model many budding musicians choose for their first guitar. Acoustics come in many different sizes, styles, and capabilities. The species of wood that is used in the making of an acoustic is particularly important in outlining the sound. Some of the choices available are:
Six/Twelve String
Nylon/Steel String
Dreadnought Body Style
Grand Auditorium Style
Concert Style
The acoustic also can be designed on a smaller scale for children who are learning to play, yet are not big enough to handle a full-size guitar. Some acoustic guitars are sold as a combination of acoustic/electric as well. The styles and varieties are endless, depending on your individual taste.
A few of the major Acoustic guitar manufacturers are Taylor, Gibson, Martin, Washburn, Ibanez, Takamine, , and Epiphone.
The Electric Guitar
There are many styles of electric guitar to fit all genres of music. Rock, Country, Pop, R&B, Classical, Jazz, and Blues are several musical variations that will weigh heavily on how to choose a guitar. A few of the available models are:
Stratocaster
Telecaster
SG Standard
Double Neck
Les Paul Style
Hollow Body
Popular guitar manufacturers such as Fender, Paul Reed Smith, Gibson, and Schecter have been designing guitars for decades. Each electric guitar has a special sound all its own. The distinct flavor of the guitar has as much to do with the quality and type of pickups along with the type of strings used.
Another specification that guitar players take into consideration when choosing a guitar is the neck style. The way a guitar neck is designed can dictate how smoothly the instrument is played. Hand and finger comfort are also important aspects in the neck style. Most guitar necks have a C shape to them.
The type of wood that the fretboard is comprised of will also alter the overall sound of the guitar. Lighter woods will bring about brighter tones and darker woods tend to be a bit deeper.
Whether or not a guitar player has been playing for six months or 60 years, how to choose the right guitar is vital in order to maximize your playing potential. The proper guitar for the proper job makes the difference between a good sounding guitar and a great guitar player.
