7 Tips When Purchasing A Beginner Guitar

Are you a beginner looking to purchase your first guitar?

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. But don't worry, we're here to help. Here are our top seven tips to consider when purchasing a beginner guitar:

1. Set a budget: Determine how much you can spend before starting your search. Guitars come in various price ranges, so having a budget in mind will help you narrow down your options. Most decent beginner instruments are between $120 - $280 AUD.

2. Choose the right type of guitar: Decide which type of guitar you want to play, classical (nylon string), acoustic (steel string) or electric (one that plugs into an amplifier). Consider the music you want to play and what sound you prefer.

3. Look for a comfortable size and shape: Make sure the guitar feels comfortable in your hands, especially if you have a smaller build. There are different sizes and shapes of guitars available, so try a few out to find the one that suits you best. A good rule of thumb is that when you hold the guitar, the strumming arms' elbow shouldn't be above the shoulder. 

4. Check the action: The action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A guitar with a high action can be challenging to play, so look for one with a comfortable action.

5. Inspect the guitar's construction: Check the quality of the guitar's construction, including the materials used and the craftsmanship. Cheaper guitars will be made of ply-wood while better instruments with greater reverberation and resonance will be made of hard-wood. Tuning keys with better mechanisms will stay in tune longer and be easier to tune.

6. Consider the brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand that offers good value for money. Some popular brands for beginner guitars are Ashton, Valencia, Yamaha and Katoh.

7. Read reviews and get recommendations: Research online reviews and ask for recommendations from music teachers or experienced guitar players. We're more than happy to chat to you over the phone.

For basic beginner guitars, we recommend the Ashton and Valencia brands. For more upmarket instruments, we recommend the Katoh and Yamaha brands. There are also some really cool electric guitar packs which include a practice amp, guitar, lead and tuner.

Remember, the most important thing is to find a guitar that you enjoy playing and that inspires you to continue learning and growing as a musician.

At Alison Glew Guitar and Ukulele School, we understand that purchasing your first guitar can be confusing. That's why we offer our expert advice to help you make the right decision.

If you have any questions or need help selecting a guitar, please don't hesitate to contact us. You're even welcome to borrow a guitar at your first trial lesson!