As a guitar instructor and college music professor, I often receive questions from parents and students looking for the best option for their first guitar purchase. For this blog, I have tried to answer some of the questions a student may have when purchasing a guitar.
What type of guitar should I purchase?
The answer to this question can be answered depending on several factors. The age of the student, the musical style the student wishes to study, and if a guitar is already available to the student. If a guitar is readily available to a beginning student I always suggest starting first with that guitar. A guitar purchase can then be made when the student learns to play some of the basic fundamentals on guitar, and discussions take place covering the musical style the student is interested in, budget, etc. If you do not have a guitar, consider the questions below and then consult with your teacher.
What if I am a beginning student and I need a guitar for lessons?
My suggestion here is to purchase a new instrument. Prices for new guitars are very reasonable and WePlay Music can assist you with this purchase.
Should I buy an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar?
This decision is often based on the style of music the student strives to play. Generally, an electric guitar is seen in styles such as rock, blues, and other contemporary styles. An acoustic guitar is great for songwriters, the student interested in learning the basics of guitar, and those who would like an option without using an amplifier. Classical guitars are the ones you see with nylon strings. They look very similar to acoustic guitars which have steel strings, but they are different in several ways. The classical style guitar is designed for finger picking. You can still use a pick on these guitars, but the strings on the classical guitar are nylon, which assists with fingernail contact when plucking the strings. The classical guitar also has the widest neck of any guitar. This separates the strings making it easier for finger picking. Classical guitars are also balanced to make it easier to rest the guitar on your left leg, as opposed to the right leg with the electric and acoustic guitars. Resting the guitar on the left leg is generally the
preferred option for classical guitarists.
Will I learn the same material on an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar?
In the beginning stages of learning the answer to this question is yes. Beginning students learn how to read music, play chords, and play scales. Lesson plans usually differ more as students begin to work on songs and more specific technical exercises which apply to a certain style of playing.
Final Suggestions
If you are unsure which style of guitar to purchase, search online for pictures and playing examples on the various options for a guitar. This will give you an idea of the different sounds and playing techniques used on these guitars. Ask your teacher and the staff at WePlay Music Online any questions you may have. We are always ready to help. If you decide after playing for a while that you really would like a different guitar, do not worry! Most guitarists play many different musical styles and eventually have at least one of each of the types of guitars I described earlier.
Summary of General Guitar Characteristics
Electric Guitar: Steel strings, solid wood body, slim neck, generally played using a pick, can be used with or without amplification.
Classical Guitar: nylon strings, smaller hollow body style, generally played by
plucking the strings with the fingers.