Don't buy a guitar without me.. 5 questions to ask before buying

By: Jake Randal

Buying a guitar is a very important, and potentially expensive,
decision. There are so many makes, models, styles, and colors,
that it becomes almost impossible to choose unless you know what
you're looking for. The question is, which one is right for you?
You could easily buy a poor quality guitar thinking you got a
deal, or you could get a decent guitar for a price that just too
high. Here are some questions to ask before you actually buy
that guitar.

1. Budget.

With so many guitars available, you shouldn't have a problem
finding one that fits your budget. The key is to know your
budget. You do get what you pay for and you should keep in mind
that you will be spending hours and hours practicing so you
should look for one you will enjoy playing. That said, remember
your budget. If you're just starting out and you're not sure how
you'll take to it, set aside an amount that's right for you. You
can always upgrade later if you want. Once you've set your
limit, do not waste time looking at guitars that don't fit into
your price range. The trick is to find something you can be
satisfied with and is right for YOU.

2. Music Style.

Your guitar should depend on your style of music. Rock music
should be played on an electric guitar for the maximum effect.
If you want to play blues and jazz you could get a semi-acoustic
guitar. An accoustic nylon string guitar is probably the best
choice for classical music. While you basically need some of the
same skills to play the different styles, if you know what style
you want to play before you start, you can begin to sound like
what you want to sound like a lot sooner if you buy the right
style of guitar.

3. Age.

A 1/2 size or 3/4 size guitar is perfect for a child. Because of
a child's limited reach, a regular guitar might not work and
could even stop the child's interest. If you can afford an
electrical guitar, you could buy that for your child because
they have a small neck and thin strings and are easier to play.
Necks vary greatly and the one you find needs to be right for
YOU. Some are round, some are v-necked. Thin necks tend to be
easier for small hands like a child's. Thick necks tend to be
stronger. A 7-string will have a thicker neck than a 6-string
guitar.

4. Guitar tone and woodtype.

For the most part, the lighter the wood the lighter the tone and
the darker the wood the richer the tone.

5. What experience do you have?

Electric or an acoustic guitar with nylon strings are typically
the best for beginners. However, students with small hands may
find the wider neck of a classical guitar or acoustic guitar
hard to play because of the reach. Again a 1/2 or 3/4 acoustic
would be perfect. For intermediate and advanced players, more
depends on your style of music and specific interests.

What now?

The most important thing is sound, not looks. The sound that
comes from superior craftmanship is what you should look for to
give you the extra edge. Some of the best prices and selection
can be found at everything-instruments. Enjoy!

About the author:
Jake Randal also maintains all-great-gifts for
the best gifts online.