There’s hardly anything as fun as going to a music store to eye out new guitars! They’re fun to look at, a thrill to play, and before you know it hours can be spent in a store and the day is up. But before you make what can be a big ticket purchase, there are definitely some things you want to know before you walk into the store.

Is it your first guitar? Many people learn on an acoustic, but if you really love the sound of an electric then you may as well start on one. The first guitar you buy needs to be an instrument, not a toy. Only buy it from a music store that deals with more expensive models too. The salespeople will know their stuff. When it comes to an acoustic, basic entry level models are acceptable options to learn on, but if you spend more money on a higher end entry level guitar (like a better tier guitar entry level guitar), you’ll be free of some problems you might otherwise encounter. Basic guitars are liable to go out of tune easier, and sometimes the neck warps and it makes playing hard because the strings will move further away from the neck at the higher frets. This can happen to any guitar over time, but happens more frequently with inexpensive guitars. It makes it hard because as a beginner, you may think the problem is with you, not the guitar, and it can be discouraging. Imagine you’re playing a chord properly but it sounds bad-it’s because the guitar has gone out of tune while you weren’t using it, but at this early stage you don’t know the right cause.

Nicer guitars made out of a single piece of wood, opposed to a composite of plywood, so it’ll sound better as it ages. But as an instrument it needs to perform. Talk to the salesmen about these crucial aspects of a guitar and make sure you understand them before your purchase.

If you’ve played before and you’re buying your second guitar, you should be prepared to spend more. You’ll know what you want. You’ll appreciate a better action (the distance between the strings and fretboard), you’ll have a better ear for sound, and you’ll enjoy an instrument with better mechanics-from the tuning pegs to the pickups (if you have them).

On higher end models, a big feature will be the type of wood used. 90% of your sound derives from the wood used on the soundboard, from spruce to cedar to higher end mahogany, maple and rosewood. If you’re buying an acoustic you’ll learn about the different bracing systems different companies use. If you’re buying electric you’ll decide between hollow and solid bodies or the edgy sound of Fender versus the warmer Gibson. The important thing is you don’t rush the decision, and close your eyes when you make the purchase: this is a decision made mostly by the ears!

Long & McQuade is Canada’s biggest online music store offering a wide selection of professional guitar lessons and Gibson guitars all across the nation. Shop online today!

Long & McQuade is Canada’s biggest online music store offering a wide selection of musical instruments and music lessons all across the nation. Shop online today!
http://www.long-mcquade.com

Author Bio: Long & McQuade is Canada’s biggest online music store offering a wide selection of professional guitar lessons and Gibson guitars all across the nation. Shop online today!

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