An
Acoustic Guitar is a type of musical instrument that does not require the help of an electric amplifier to produce sound. It is played naturally through the plucking of steel strings with your fingers.
Before you embark on buying or using an acoustic guitar, there are several important factors you should consider. This will help you make an informed decision and maximise the experience that you will have with your acoustic guitar.
Learning to play guitar is easy, depending on your level of interest. The more interested you are, the easier it is. However, with an acoustic guitar, you will be required to put in more physical effort to get the quality of sound that you need.
When you want to buy an acoustic guitar, consider the following:
1 | Keep the price in mind
Most acoustic guitars for beginners are not very costly. Consider the value that the guitar will bring you and make sure that it is in good working condition before you take it from the store.
2 | Test the guitar
To identify a good model for you, you may first want to try playing the guitar to experience the feel and sound of it. Also, consider the type of music you like the most. Is it jazz, rock and roll, blues or something else? This will assist you to pick the best acoustic guitar for your taste.
3 | Consider your comfort
Always remember to be as comfortable as possible when playing your guitar. The size should be a perfect fit for you. Your hands and fingers should not hurt after playing for a long period, (after a short period of building finger strength). Also, be aware of straining your neck and back.
4 | Check on hidden malfunctions
There could be small things that you might not notice when buying the guitar. Confirm if the strings are properly fitted. The body should not have scratches or breakages around it and watch for any other defects on the guitar.
5 | Consider the design
As much as you are going to consider the price, also consider the design of the guitar. The body should be appealing to your eye. There are so many designs out there to choose from, so choose the one that you love the most.
6 | Safekeeping
Please make sure that you take good care of your guitar while it is in your custody. Keep it away from dust and any other possible damage. When storing it, ensure it is kept away from possible damage to its body. It is best to keep the guitar in a
gigbag or a case for protection.
7 | Accessories
There are several accessories that come with the guitar as a package, meaning you do not have to buy them separately. The acoustic guitar should come with a spare set of
Steel Strings, a
Gigbag, a
Tuner, and a
Guitar Strap among others. Ask if it also comes with a warranty. This is important in case you need to return it for any reason.
Some of the best acoustic guitars for beginners include...
The above is in no particular order but if you have no idea where to start from, it could give you a rough idea. With acoustic guitars, you will need to be a bit more firm with your fingers while picking. They require you to put in more effort so keep this in mind when you are buying.
For a simple way to test a guitar without prior knowledge, this chord can give you an idea of the feel:
- Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string
- Place your second finger on the third fret of the B string.
- Play starting from the D string, moving your picking hand downwards toward the floor - Try to avoid playing the thin E string.
Posture
Your posture is also crucial as you learn to play. Put your back straight to ensure that you don’t slouch. Be in a sitting position and ensure your feet are touching the ground. The neck of the guitar should be horizontal to the floor. If you are right-handed, use your right leg to hold the guitar's waist. Then begin to pluck as advised above.
It is also important to get someone who can teach you how to play the acoustic guitar in a clear manner. This way, you will learn faster and your journey will be easier. However, if this is not possible, there is lots of information online on how to handle your first guitar experience in terms of buying, keeping and learning.
Flexibility
Always be flexible in this experience. Be willing to learn and take lessons from those who know better than you. Choose the right guitar and teacher depending on what you want to get out of playing the guitar.
Pickup
Some Acoustic Guitars will have a pickup fitted. These are ideal for those who are looking to perform, record or just play amplified in future. Therefore, you might want to make sure you have an
Electro-Acoustic model. Though, you might also want to change your guitar to a more advanced one like this after playing for a while. When your level of knowledge in terms of playing gets better, the desire to have a better sounding guitar will come naturally.
Types of Acoustic Guitar
There are two main types of acoustic guitars, that is the steel-stringed one and the classical one. For classical guitar, its strings are made of nylon rather than steel. It is usually used in playing classical music, but is often favoured by beginners due to the reduced tension in the strings. Be sure to pick the right one for your needs.
Final Words
There is no beginner who would like to have a terrible first-time experience with their first guitar. So make sure you try as much as you can to get that perfect introduction to this amazing musical journey. If you get it right the first time, you will have a wonderful musical journey ahead.
