Your guitar selection can have a dramatic impact оn your success as a musician. A poorly sized оr misadjusted instrument may impede progress and even discourage further musical exploration.
If you’re new tо playing guitar, it’s important tо take beginner guitar lessons tо learn the proper techniques and build a strong foundation for your musical journey.
So how can you select an ideal guitar? There are three criteria you need to keep in mind.
Size
There are various methods for measuring guitar length, but for kids and smaller-framed beginners it’s best to opt for scale length as their preferred measurement. This refers to the neck’s overall length; students with smaller hands find it much simpler to secure their grip around shorter necks than longer ones. When shopping for students always ask them to hold and check that all frets can comfortably be reached by them before purchasing an instrument.
If they cannot comfortably reach all ranges of the guitar, it may be too long and should be replaced. While some tables exist that give approximate estimates as to the optimal guitar size for students based on height, ultimately what feels comfortable is best; for example, standard dreadnaught guitars may offer bigger sounds while feeling great in your hand – however size alone doesn’t determine quality instruments.
Weight
Today it is relatively straightforward to find an inexpensive yet perfectly decent guitar. Even major manufacturers provide beginner models at reasonable prices; plus there are plenty of places offering fully wooden instruments at prices within your budget.
But it is equally important to consider other important details when purchasing a guitar for beginners, including weight – guitars that are heavier may not be comfortable for young players who play standing up, while heavier guitars often feature denser wood types that produce darker and warmer sound than lighter models.
Consider that the guitar you purchase for a beginner may become their main instrument over time – or even their only guitar! As such, selecting one that will inspire them to pick it up and play can have as great an effect on ongoing practice as choosing musical genre they enjoy playing.
Sound
Finding an instrument that inspires players is vital in order to make practicing enjoyable and sustainable. When they find an instrument they see themselves playing for many years to come, practice time will become easier to commit to.
The type of guitar chosen will have an enormous influence. Beginners should start off on an acoustic model; these don’t require amplifiers and can be quite cost-effective. Nylon strings on these instruments tend to be gentler on fingers and facilitate easier fretting; having lower action on neck can also aid younger players who might find wider necks and higher string tension more challenging than desired.
At this stage, it’s wise to opt for guitars made of quality materials rather than cheaper models with poor craftsmanship or that are difficult to play – as this could make the learning process more frustrating and deter them from practicing and improving further.
Comfort
Guitarists who feel at ease playing their instrument will likely practice more frequently and become better musicians overall. Selecting an instrument that feels right in their hands as well as fits with their physiology is key.
For example, if you have short arms it’s essential that you select a guitar with a shorter neck in order to stretch your fingers across the fretboard without experiencing pain. Furthermore, light-weight guitars may be needed so as not to impede your playing when using a strap.
Considerations should also include the type and musical genre you are most drawn to when taking guitar lessons. For instance, an electric guitar might be best suited to newcomers looking to discover rock guitar. Conversely, for those wanting to discover folk or fingerstyle music playing a steel string acoustic could be more suited.
