5 Tips For Choosing The Right Electric Guitar

By: Al Wielder

Purchasing an electric guitar is very exciting and fun. The
process can be made more efficient by following several basic
guidelines and using several tips provided below. Are you new to
guitars and ready to make your first electric guitar purchase?
Are you a seasoned player who owns several guitars and you find
yourself adding to your guitar collection? No matter which
category you find yourself in, getting the most from your
instrument purchase is very important. It is also important to
understand the types of electric guitars available.

The choices include:

1. Solid Body Electric Guitars 2. Hollow Body Electric Guitars
3. Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitars 4. Acoustic/Electric
Guitars 5. Pedal Steel Guitars 6. Hawaiian Style Lap Guitars

Guitars, and particularly electric guitars are not created
equal. There are many brands of electric guitars to choose from.
Making the right choice when purchasing a guitar will depend on
some basic factors, including:

1. Your particular situation

2. The specific application when using the guitar.

For example, if you are a beginner, there is little reason to
consider investing several thousands of dollars into a pro level
guitar such as a custom Les Paul or a Paul Reed Smith. Another
example regarding a specific application would be if you are a
traveling musician. Traveling guitarists may want to consider a
slightly less expensive guitar to take on the road while saving
their finest instrument for a studio environment. Regardless of
your situation or the application, the bottom line is there are
several factors to consider. Understanding your position as a
potential guitar buyer will help you make the right decision and
ensure that you make an informed purchase.

Here are 5 tips to help you in choosing the right electric
guitar.

Tip 1. Evaluate your level of committment to the instrument and
the art of music.

Before you choose your electric guitar be sure you understand
the level of committment that you are prepared to invest into
the instrument. Electric guitars can be expensive and
understanding the level of dedication you plan to invest in the
instrument should play a vital role in choosing your guitar.

Tip 2. Identify your particular application for the instrument.

If you are a beginner and just learning to play the instrument,
your application will be quite different from an intermediate or
advanced guitarist who is adding to their collection. Determine
your particular situation and application for the guitar you
will purchase. Consider whether or not you will be keeping the
instrument at home or frequently traveling with it. For example,
if you plan to keep the instrument at home for recreational use,
you may want to consider including a less expensive case for the
guitar. Road cases can be costly and will not be neccesary if
you do not travel with the guitar.

Tip 3. Identify your budget and include patience regarding your
guitar purchase.

Many aspiring guitarists have wandered into the local music
store only to be overwhelmed by the vast choices and different
price ranges of guitars. As with any purchase, pre-planning and
understanding your budget is critical. Prices for electric
guitars range from a few hunderd dollars to tens of thousands of
dollars. If you are serious about playing the guitar, selecting
your instrument will be one of the most important decisions you
make. Be sure to take ample time during this stage of the
process. Patience is more than a virtue when selecting your
guitar.

Tip 4. Consult a professional to get tips on guitar quality and
performance.

It is a good idea to take the time to visit several musical
instrument dealers in your area. Retail guitar shops will be
more than happy to help you understand what to look for when
buying an electric guitar. Get several opinions if you are new
to guitars. Most guitar outlets will have seasoned players on
staff who will be happy to impart their experience and wisdom.
Ask questions. Find out what you need to consider when selecting
an electric guitar. Getting several opinions in this area will
shed light on the overall picture and will be very beneficial
information when it comes time to buy.

Tip 5. Include additional items and training resources to help
you get started playing the guitar.

Once you have made the right guitar purchase, be sure to have
additional items on hand that will be vital to the process of
learning. You will need an extra set of guitar strings, some
extra picks, a tuner and a stand for your guitar. It is also
very important to purchase some beginner books that include
chord charts, guitar tab and chord progression exercises.

Learning to play the electric guitar is fun and exciting. There
are few things in life that will provide the relaxation and
feeling of accomplishment you can experience by becoming
proficient with guitar chords, guitar tabs and guitar chord
progressions. Applying the knowledge you gain from the right
learning resources to your favorite style of music is very
rewarding. Carefully select your electric guitar. Be sure to
practice to develop skill, musical knowledge and basic music
theory concepts. Apply what you learn on a daily basis and you
will be amazed at the progress you will make with your new
electric guitar.

About the author:
Al Wielder is a host and instructor at Riff TV. Contact Al Wielder at Riff
TV.com, your source for guitar tab, guitar lessons
and free video guitar training.