Learning how to play a guitar is fun, and can be a hobby that
lasts forever. It can become an entry into playing with a band, or
becoming a rock singer. When you first have an interest into
getting a guitar, the best bet would be to get a learning guitar, a
beginner guitar which is inexpensive. Follow these easy steps to
find the guitar that's just right for you.
Steps
- Determine your budget. If you want an electric guitar you will
want over $200 unless you want to use a used guitar which usually
have problems. If you have less than $200 then you may want to go
with an acoustic. Again, if you can find a used electric for less
than $200 then have a friend who plays guitar help you out.
- Research. Research is very important. Go on websites or ask
friends about recommendations. Send lists to them. They can help
alot.
- Take a trusted guitar-playing friend to a music store that's
large enough to have a wide variety of guitars from which to
choose. However, it's not absolutely necessary to have a guitarist
along when you make your choice.
- Ask the clerk to bring you a medium-gauge pick and a guitar
strap. Also have him show you a good-looking acoustic
(non-electric) guitar at the upper end of your price range.
- Have the clerk verify that the guitar is tuned to
concert pitch or standard tuning.
This is important!
- Make sure the guitar can be tuned and plays in tune. Ask your
guitarist friend to check it out if you can't tell. See if it stays
in tune also. Learn how to "wear" a guitar using a strap.
- Make sure the guitar feels comfortable in your hands and
against your body sitting as well as standing. If not, then choose
another model.
-
Hold this guitar, and if this one feels comfortable, hold the pick
with your dominant hand and pluck each of the six strings with a
medium-to-hard stroke while using a finger on your other hand to
press the string directly behind each fret'. (The
frets are the thin pieces of metal crossing the
fretboard. An acoustic guitar normally has 20 frets, while
an electric guitar has as many as 24 frets. "Behind the fret" means
"on the side of the fret farther from the pick.")
-
While plucking each string at each fret, listen for any noise or
non-musical sounds. You want to hear only a musical
tone. You do not want to hear any
buzzing, humming, scraping, or any other type of non-musical sound.
If you do, try playing softer. If the buzzing or noise problem
persists, return the guitar to the clerk and look at another one.
Other minor buzzes are normal for electric guitars that have not
yet been set up.
- Judge the guitar by how it feels in your hands and fingers.
Most music stores will leave the origin
