Picking out your first guitar
Many people want to play guitar, but often don’t have access to a guitar so that they can start strumming and be on their way to shredding like Eddie Van Halen! So what is stopping you from getting a guitar? Maybe you don’t know what to look for, maybe you’re broke, maybe the guitar stores are jealous of how good you’ll look when playing guitar! Whatever the issue, I am here to help you get a guitar that will serve you well!
Three main aspects of a guitar to look at when deciding which instrument to select is the size (especially if you are purchasing for a child), action (that’s the distance of the strings from the neck), and sound (different woods have different sounds to them). Getting a guitar that is too big can make it difficult to wrap your arm around or just feel awkward, anything that is a nuisance makes you want to play less. So getting a guitar that feels right will make you joyfully pick the guitar up and practice! Half (or ½) size guitars can be good for players younger than 8. Quarter (¼) size is recommended for ages 8 to 11 and full size guitars work for everyone else. Again, what size feels comfortable is the right size for you!
Action is a huge factor when buying a starter guitar, probably the biggest factor. You want the guitar strings to have a relatively low action, meaning the strings sit close to the neck. Less distance from the strings to the neck means they will be easier to press down, or fret, and will be much easier and much more fun to play. Check that the strings don’t buzz too much, and you also want to make sure the guitar doesn’t have too large of a belly under the bridge. That will cause the strings action to be high and the guitar will be difficult to play, unless you get some major work done to the guitar. And you don't want to work on your guitar, you want to play it! The final thing is not as important for a beginner guitar, but you want to get a guitar you like the sound of. Nothing beats the sound of an acoustic guitar, with no amplification, ringing into your ears. Just make sure you like how it sounds!
The main thing that will make you want to practice guitar is making sure your guitar is fun to play. Check the size and action of the guitar and make sure it feels comfortable and is pretty easy to press the strings down. Double check that you love how it sounds and BOOM! You’re set up with a great starter guitar!