SELECTING A GUITAR .................................. 
One of the most basic issues at the outset of learning the guitar is selecting an instrument. The following recommendations should be helpful if you are new to the guitar.
A brief disclaimer about "classical" guitar playing: |
Assuming you won't be playing exclusively classical:
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Determine whether you wish to play electric or acoustic guitar. (Electric guitars require an amplifier, acoustic guitars are "regular" guitars that do not "plug in" to anything). All of the notes and chords are the same on both. The techniques are basically the same too. Whether you learn on electric or acoustic, you can switch to the other at any time. There is no educational concern regarding starting on the electric; if a student wishes to start on the electric guitar, that's OK.
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If playing acoustic, determine whether you wish to play a "steel string" or "nylon string" guitar. The steel string (sometimes called a "folk" guitar) is what you typically see most people playing in contemporary popular music. The nylon string (sometimes called a "classical" or "Spanish" guitar) is designed for traditional classical music, and is meant to be played without the use of a pick. However, classical guitars are used today in practically all styles of music, often played with a pick. Since nylon strings cause somewhat less pain on the fingertips, many people choose to start with a classical guitar, but play it as you would a steel string or electric (held on right leg, with a pick, etc). Others jump right into the steel string; the fingertips toughen up after a few weeks of daily playing.
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If your main concern is to minimize the discomfort on your fingertips, consider an electric guitar. Although they use steel strings, electric guitars are easier on the beginners' fingers. Generally, the electric is more comfortable than either a nylon or steel string acoustic. The next best choice would be a nylon-string acoustic guitar. However, don't make too big an issue out of this. Lots of folks, including little kids, start out on steel string acoustics and do just fine.
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Guitars come in different sizes. Guitars for full grown people are "full size" guitars. Guitars are also available in "half size" and "three quarter size", among others. There is considerable variation within each size. (There are, for example, larger and smaller "full size" guitars). Youngsters should be sized by a competent teacher or salesperson; getting the proper size is absolutely critical.
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Consider renting. You don't have to buy a guitar in the beginning. Renting an instrument is a good way to test the waters.
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Unless you're knowledgeable about guitars, avoid buying something online. If possible, you want to examine an instrument first hand. Even if you can't play yet, sit with a few different instruments to see what seems comfortable before you buy or rent.
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Count on needing some additional accessories. You can read more about that here, but at the very least, be sure to get an electronic tuner for any beginning guitar student.
I hope you find these guidelines helpful, and I wish you the best of luck in learning the guitar. ~C.C.
This website is a companion to the book Sensible Guitar, an instructional method book for all guitar students. Most of the site is dedicated to providing supplemental material for students and teachers using the book. However, the "Info & Advice" pages are offered as a service to potential students (or, more exactly, the parents of young students). All of the material is provided by the book's author and publisher, Chris Cass, a long-time music educator who teaches guitar in southern Connecticut. All recommendations and opinions expressed here are the author's own. Questions, comments, and opposing view points are welcome via email.
Copyright 2004-2009 C. Cass Music Publishing
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