How do you choose the best acoustic guitar for a beginner?
Choosing your first acoustic guitar can certainly seem like a daunting task. Amongst the seemingly endless choice of brands, models, and styles at your disposal, it's only normal to feel a sense of uncertainty. However, fear not, our team of guitar experts are on hand to make this important decision a much simpler one for you. Consider the following tips when choosing your very first acoustic guitar:
1. Price
It’s an exciting time when choosing your first guitar, however, it's wise not to get carried away and overspend on a guitar at the outset. The good news is that this isn't a necessary. There exists a huge selection of reasonably priced acoustic guitars available, ideally suited for those taking their initial steps. A decent introductory guitar can be yours for anywhere between £100 to £300.
2. Size
Acoustic guitars are available in a broad range of sizes, spanning from compact parlour guitars to the larger jumbo models. When you’re just starting out, it's important to opt for a guitar that feels comfortable above all else while playing. If you have a smaller frame, going for a smaller option like a parlour or concert-sized guitar could well be the best choice. Alternatively, if you're of a larger frame, a dreadnought or jumbo guitar might be a more suitable selection.
3. Playability
As you’re just starting out, choosing a guitar that’s easy to play should be of prime consideration. Seek out a guitar with low action, meaning that the strings are positioned close to the fretboard. A guitar with low action enables smoother chord and note execution, this means you won’t have to press down too hard on the strings which can often times be quite uncomfortable for the newer player.
4. Sound
The actual sound a guitar produces is clearly something you’ll want to factor in too. You'll want a guitar that has a sound you enjoy and will be fun to play. The kinds of wood used in the guitar will have a big impact in determining the sound it makes, so it's worth doing some research to figure out which woods create the sound you’ll find desirable.
5. Brand
There’s a huge choice of acoustic guitars aimed at beginners to choose from, many from very reputable and trustworthy brands. Popular choices for beginners are offered from brands such as Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone. These brands provide budget-friendly guitars that are also beginner-friendly and sound superb!
So, what is the best acoustic guitar for a beginner?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and is something worth shopping around for to find the right one for you. This being said, some popular choices for beginners include the Yamaha FG800, the Fender CD-60S, and the Epiphone DR-100. These guitars are affordable, easy to play, and sound great.
To summarise, choosing the best acoustic guitar as a beginner is an important decision. By considering factors like price, size, playability, sound, and brand, you can find the perfect guitar to kickstart your musical journey. Finally, it’s important to bear in mind that are guitar you find enjoyable and fun to play will keep you inspired to keep picking it up again and practicing!
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