Your first guitar can become a good friend that you'll have around you for many years. On the other hand, it can be something that you put in the attic after six months and basically forget about.
If a parent or loved one is reading. Dear friend, make sure the first guitar that you purchase as a gift is playable and not a piece of junk. Your son or daughter, regardless of talent, may be turned off from the git-go with a lousy instrument. Seek out an adult friend who plays guitar to go with you for the purchase.
The following refers to acoustic guitars.
If you are just beginning guitar, it's important (I think) that you get a first guitar with the following traits.
Your guitar should play easily. Since you may be beginning, it's a good idea to take a guitar playing friend with you to the music store to try out guitars. He or she can tell you whether the instrument is easy or difficult to play. Remember, you don't have to agree with all your friend says about the guitar. But he or she has been playing guitar and their input is very valuable.
Your guitar should stay in tune. In tune basically means the strings don't loosen,even slightly, on you guitar as you play it.
You guitar should sound good. When your friend is playing the guitar that you're looking at, does it sound smooth,warm-when he ends the song, does the chord seem to float for a while in the air? That's sort of what you're looking for. And for 80% of us in North America-Your guitar should be reasonably priced.
Here are some recommendations based on my own experience. They are not all inclusive and I am not endorsing a particular brand.
Low Priced Guitar-For the money, if feel that Yahama is a fine beginner acoustic guitar. I have never played a bad one. I've never played one that would slowly go out of tune as you did a gig or played more than one song.
If you got the money (or mom or pop's got it) Martin, I believe, is hard to beat. The sustain or how long the note goes on after you stop picking is incredible. The Martin tone is warm, distinct and....beautiful.Other quality instruments that I have played and that I can give my imperfect heads up are Gibson, Acoutic Fender, and the lower priced guitars made by the above companies.
Before I depart, I offer the following tips:
Buy a case with your guitar. You have made a serious investment to purchase something that should give you enjoyment for many years. It would be a shame if Bubba, the bull-dog, pushed your guitar down the stairs or left his reprocessed lunch on the guitar laying on the floor! If you don't have a lot of money, just buy a cheap case. It will give you protection for your guitar. Additionally, it's easier to carry around. Guitar picks-When you buy your first guitar, make sure you get picks. Buy one light, one medium, and one heavy. As you learn the guitar, select the pick that you like best-the one that works for you. The medium pick is a good place to start for the beginner.
Guitar tuner-These little electronic devices are relatively cheap. They allow you to turn your guitar as close to perfect as you can get. They are a good and useable investment. The recommendations above are only for steel-string, acoustic guitars. If you're in to electric guitars,you can find relevant information on the web about them.
Good luck on finding and purchasing your first guitar. I hope that you will develop your new craft and find years of enjoyment in your purchase.
Gene Smith is an essayist, songwriter and author. His songs include Mina de Plata and Silver Mine. He has published songs in the US and in Europe. He has also produced several spoken word book CDs. He lives in West Virginia, U.S.A.