Electric Guitar Buying Guide for the Beginner

So, you’re looking to buy your first electric guitar for yourself, or perhaps a gift for a young budding musician. Buying your first guitar can seem like a daunting task. With so many different brands and models available today it can be difficult to decide which guitar to purchase. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the best choice.

I can’t stress enough how important it is for new guitar players to start out with a good quality instrument that is easy to play. Electric guitars, in general, are easier to play than acoustic guitars because of their lighter gauge strings and lower playing action. They require much less hand strength to fret the strings and are much easier on beginner’s uncalloused fingers. A quality guitar will assure maximum comfort and ease-of-play while beginners are starting out. Otherwise, young players can easily get discouraged with an instrument that is hard to play and painful on their fingers.

For consistency in quality I would recommend sticking with a well-known brand name guitar rather than a cheap knock-off or reproduction. Spend a little more money to invest in a quality instrument. Many of the bigger guitar brand names will offer affordable lines of guitars specifically targeting beginners. For example, the Fender guitar company offers their Squire line of guitars. The Gibson guitar company has their Epiphone guitar models. These guitars look and play like their more expensive counterparts but are much more affordable, often hundreds to thousands of dollars less. Other popular brands such as Ibanez, Jackson, BC Rich, Gretsch, and many others offer lower-end affordable models alongside their premiere models. Good brand name guitars will also hold their value should you ever want to sell them.

Consider buying a used guitar. Unlike computers or electronics used and older guitars don’t become obsolete. You can find some fantastic deals on lightly used guitars that may have some light cosmetic signs of wear but will perform just as well as a new instrument. Some people even feel that a used guitar has been ‘worn in’ and will play even better than a new one. Most of these guitars will have already been set up properly and ready for play. Another advantage of buying used guitars is that you may find instruments that have been upgraded by their former owners: new pickups, strap locks, and custom graphics to name a few.

Another great option in guitar value is to consider Factory 2nd and refurbished guitars. These guitars may have slight cosmetic blemishes or factory repairs that prevent them from being sold as new instrument. They usually sell for significant discounts from their new counterparts. Besides minor blemishes you are practically getting a brand new guitar.

Seek the advice of someone you may know who plays guitar. Most experienced players will be familiar with the various brand names and can help guide you in your decision. Guitarists love to talk about guitars, and this is a great way to get some honest advice without the pressure of the salesman pitch.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to find an affordable, great quality guitar that will provide you with reliable performance and music for years to come. Visit http://www.2ndstringguitars.com/ for the best value in new and used guitars, factory 2nds, and refurbished instruments at cheap guitar prices.

E. Lucktong

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