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The first thing you'll have to decide when you start playing guitar is what kind of guitar to buy. There are so many options out there you'll probably become confused about what you want. Do you buy an electric, acoustic, classical and acoustic electric?

First decide what kind of music you want to play. If you're into country you'll probably want a steel string acoustic. If you're into rock buy an electric guitar. Classical music is best played on a nylon string acoustic which is also known as a classical guitar.

If you're buying a guitar for your child, buy something smaller. One of my guitar teachers used to take a 1/2 size guitar and play the thing, it sounded really cool. So don't worry that you'll be sacrificing sound and quality, besides regular sized guitars are more difficult and frustrating for kids to play. If money is a factor and you don't want to buy a regular size guitar for them later on, check into buying an electric guitar. The body is slim and generally it's easier to handle.

The cost. If you have a regular job and are able to save up, the guitar you want won't be a problem. If you're buying an acoustic, you should consider whether you want a solid top or not. Solid tops offer a superior quality to laminate tops, but they cost quite a bit more. Laminates are used for the sides and back on most guitars, to check if the top is solid or laminate look at the edge of the wood in the sound hole. If you see lines or grain run up and down the edge, it's a solid top. If the lines run sideways the top is laminate.

If you want an electric guitar don't forget you'll need to buy a decent amp. A top notch guitar with a poor amp just doesn't work. If you're taking lessons you'll most likely be plugged into a good amp when you take your lessons, but then coming home and playing something that sounded really good but now just kinda stinks is a real practice killer. There are also many different options when it comes to buying an amp, and I won't go into detail here, but buy something that sounds good.

The bottom line is, it needs to feel good to you and you need to like it. Buy something you'll be proud to bring out and play. If you don't know where to start with make and model, find out what your favorite artist plays. Chances are it will be out of your price range, but check out the other designs in that line and see if you can't find something you like.

Joe Natt runs a blog dedicated to helping and giving information to aspiring guitarists. Visit his website now for more helpful tips.

// posted by lhtbx @ 9:39 AM