Shopping for your first guitar

#1 Acoustic or Electric?
Make a choice between purchasing an acoustic or an electric guitar. Decide based on what
style of music you like. You don’t need to start with an acoustic.

Acoustic
Chose between a steel string folk guitar and a
classical guitar.
• Steel string for pop/rock. Most are standard
“dreadnaught size”
• Classical for classical or folk music. One size.
• The wood, inlay, and tuners are better quality the
more you pay.
Electric
Electric guitars vary in sound because of
their pickups. Notice what type of guitar your
favorite player is using!
• Single coil (Fender Stratocaster style)
• Double coil (Les Paul style)
• Although electric guitars come in one size, the feel
of the body and neck will vary greatly between
models.
• You will need a small practice amp. There is no
need to buy anything larger than 20 watts at first.

#2 Chose between new and used – rent and own

Buying used Renting to own is a good option.

If you chose to buy a used instrument, make If you like the guitar you can gradually pay it
your purchase from a music store with a return off. If you decide that you want another model
or exchange policy. Certain repairs may not be or brand, the store will usually let you apply
worth the investment. the payments to a different instrument.

Tips
• Bring a friend with you who plays. He/she can demonstrate the instruments for you.
• More expensive doesn’t mean better. I’ve played $250 guitars that I liked more than $500 guitars.
• Even if you don’t play yet, hold the guitars and see which ones feel most comfortable to you.