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One of the important decisions you'll have
to make when purchasing a first guitar is whether you want
an acoustic guitar or an electric. Many people will buy an
acoustic, believing it's the best way to get started and
learn the basics. This is true if playing acoustic guitar
is your ultimate goal, but it may not be the best choice
if you really aspire to become an electric guitarist. The
techniques for playing an electric guitar are often much
different than those for an acoustic. Therefore, you should
probably start out with the type of guitar that you really
want to become proficient at. This can also save on frustration
as you try to play something on an acoustic that would only
sound good on an electric, or vice versa.
Although you can generally find affordable electric guitars
in the same price range as acoustics, you will also need
to buy an amplifier and cable for an electric. Keep this
in mind if your budget is very limited.
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest guitar that you can
find, but don't fall into this mindset. When you are first
learning an instrument you want to feel like you are constantly
making progress, not fighting its limitations. Cheap, or
poorly made guitars are not fun to play, and if it's not
fun, you probably won't stick with it. You don't have to
buy an expensive model, but do try to find one that feels
like it is well made. If you have guitarist friends, you
can ask them what they recommend for your budget range. Alternately,
you can find a guitar forum online and ask others what they
would recommend.
Another thing you may think about is whether you need a
brand name guitar or not. Not all brand name guitars are
created equal. The expensive model that your guitar hero
is playing won't have a whole lot in common with the entry
level models of the same brand. They may look similar, but
the comparisons will likely end there. A high priced professional
instrument will not be of the same caliber as a starter.
Because of this, don't dismiss some of the lesser known brands,
as they may actually cater to the budget market.
One way you can save some money when guitar shopping, yet
still get a good value, is to buy used. A well made used
guitar can work much better than an equally priced brand
new "starter" guitar. Check out the used section
at your local music store, or search eBay or some other
online auction, and you may find a good deal on a quality
instrument.
With these few tips and a little searching, you can find
an affordable quality instrument to get you started on your
way to becoming a successful guitar player.
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