So, you’ve decided to buy your first acoustic guitar — an exciting moment. Choosing the right one is key to your musical journey, but with so many options available out there, where do you start? In this beginner’s guide to buying your first acoustic guitar, you’ll find all the relevant information to help you make the final decision.
1. Set Your Budget
As soon as you start browsing, you’ll find a lot of different options, so before beginning that journey, set your budget. Good entry-level acoustic guitars typically range from $200 to $300.
It may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but investing a little more in a well-built guitar can make learning more enjoyable and rewarding. Many popular brands offer quality beginner guitars with great sound and durability.
2. Choose the Right Body Style
Acoustic guitars come in different shapes and sizes, each affecting sound, comfort and playability. These are some popular types:
● Dreadnought: Known for its full and rich sound, the dreadnought’s best attribute is its versatility. It sounds great in any genre, from bluegrass or folk to rock or country. A dreadnought guitar is a great companion for beginners who enjoy trying different styles.
● Concert and grand guitar: These have smaller bodies with a brighter tone, ideal for fingerpicking and smaller hands.
● Parlor: A vintage-style, compact guitar with a warm, balanced sound. It’s also great for fingerpicking style. Guitar players often describe the sound of a parlor guitar as bright and clear.
● Jumbo: It is large and powerful, offering great sound volume and projection. The jumbo is a great choice for those who like solo performances or are playing to a larger audience and don't have an amplification. Because of its depth and richness, it’s perfect for recording future songs in a studio — just in case you’re thinking about it.
Try different shapes to see which feels best for your body and playing styles. In the end, it’s about what you prioritize.
3. Understand the Wood Types
The type of wood used in an acoustic guitar significantly affects its tone. Some common tonewoods include:
● Spruce: You’ll recognize it as a light wood with a subtle grain pattern. It’s a popular guitar top choice because it offers a bright and balanced tone.
● Mahogany: This dark wood combination offers an aesthetic charm. It produces a warm, rich sound with good midrange tones.
● Cedar: It’s softer than spruce, giving a warm tone that’s great for fingerstyle players.
● Rosewood: This is often used for the back and sides, providing deep bass and sparkling highs.
A solid wood guitar generally offers better sound and quality than laminate but is more expensive, so it depends on your budget.
4. Decide on Acoustic vs Acoustic-Electric
Acoustic guitars don’t have electronics, so if you want to amplify their sound, you need to put a mic in front of them. Acoustic-electric guitars combine natural resonance with a built-in tuner and equalizer. The advantage of this feature is it gives you control over the sound.
Do you plan to play live or record music? If so, an acoustic-electric guitar might be a good choice. These guitars have built-in pickups, allowing you to plug into an amplifier or PA system. A regular acoustic guitar will do fine if you’re just playing at home.
The classic acoustic guitar is cheaper, so consider that for your final decision. Choosing an acoustic or an acoustic-electric guitar depends on your needs and budget.
5. Consider Playability and Comfort
A guitar that’s comfortable to play will keep you motivated to practice. Here are some recommendations when buying your first acoustic guitar:
● A low action: This refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. It means the strings sit closer to the fretboard, making it easier to press them down to reduce finger fatigue so playing is smoother.
● A neck size that fits your hand: Some guitars have thinner necks, which is more comfortable.
● A lightweight body: If you plan to play for long periods, a lighter instrument helps reduce strain on your arms and shoulders, making those sessions more comfortable.
6. Try Before You Buy, If Possible
If you can, visit a music store and test different guitars. Play a few chords, check for fret buzz and see how it feels in your hands. It can take several years to reach an advanced level of play, so you want your instrument to be a natural fit. Asking a specialist will help you make a more informed decision. If you choose to shop online, carefully read reviews and check return policies in case the guitar doesn’t meet your expectations.
7. Get the Right Accessories
These are some of the essentials when choosing a guitar:
● Guitar picks: Get a variety of thicknesses to see what you prefer.
● A tuner: Clip-on turners are great for beginners because they’re automatic and easy to use.
● A gig bag or case: Use this to protect the guitar and take it with you.
● A strap: If you plan to play standing up, consider buying a guitar strap for support.
● Extra strings: Eventually, strings break. Having an extra pack is always a good idea.
8. Learn Basic Maintenance
Taking care of your guitar will keep it sounding great for years, so consider some things you can do to help it live a long time:
● Keep it in a stable 40%-60% humidity environment to prevent warping. Use a humidifier in a dry climate to protect the wood.
● Change the strings when they sound dull or leave a green residue on your fingers.
● Clean the fretboard and body with a soft cloth after playing.
Enjoy Your New Guitar
Once you have your guitar, start learning basic chords and strumming patterns. There are tons of free online lessons and tutorials to help you get started. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles of music.
Your first guitar is the beginning of an exciting musical adventure. Take your time choosing the right one, and before you know it, you'll be playing your favorite songs with confidence. Enjoy the journey and have fun making music.
