Choosing the Right Guitar For You
Before purchasing a guitar there a several things to take into consideration. The main points are outlined below.
Which Type of Guitar?
There are basically four different types of guitar available, the nylon string guitar, the steel string acoustic guitar, the solid body electric guitar and the hollow body electric guitar. These guitars are discussed in detail over the following pages.
A nylon string guitar is mainly used in Classical and Flamenco styles.
A steel string guitar is mainly used in Folk, Country, Pop, Acoustic Rock and Traditional Blues styles.
A solid body electric guitar is mainly used in Rock, Modern Blues, Metal, Pop and Country Rock styles.
A hollow body electric guitar may be used for Rock, Pop etc. but is favoured for use in Jazz styles.
How Much to Spend?
The price of a guitar varies dramatically with many factors determining the quality and therefore the price of a guitar. Where it is made, how it is made, the materials that are used etc. For your first guitar it is not necessary to spend very much.
Most beginning budget guitars are quite well made and will certainly suffice for the first 6 - 12 months of your learning. A budget priced beginning nylon string is often recommended as your first guitar to learn on. This type of guitar is often the cheapest and the easiest to play at first. After the initial learning period of 6 - 12 months you will be able to upgrade to either a better quality nylon string guitar or change to a steel string or electric guitar depending on which style you would like to concentrate on. Different guitar types and styles will be discussed in detail throughout the following sections.
