Beginner and intermediate guitarists usually start learning guitar with a low end model and will at some point look to upgrade their guitar. The main reasons for this are: (1) To play a guitar that feels nicer to play. (2) The need to feel inspired by a new and better guitar. (3) To play a guitar closer to the sound they want - as their ability increases, so does a guitarist's ear for the sound they want to hear. (4) To gain credibility with other guitarists.
Choosing a guitar is as much about the sound you like as it is about how pleasing the guitar looks and feels. Guitars are not just for playing. They are admired and displayed as pieces of art. They have a beautiful shape and some say each one has its own personality. Here are some tips to help the aspiring guitarist to choose a new guitar to take them to a new level.
* Spend some time researching the guitars used by some of your favourite players. It's usually a good indication of the sound that you most want to play yourself. Think of the styles of music you like playing and listening to. Usually a style of music uses a specific type of guitar. If you're a Metal player then a Gibson, Ibanez or an ESP will be right up your alley. If you are a Country player you'll probably be right at home with a Fender Telecaster. Even though these examples are a pretty safe generalisation, my advice is to always do your own research and satisfy yourself.
* Browse local and internet stores for various styles of electric guitars. Guitars are works of art and you will want something that you love to look at just as much as you love to play it. The more you love it the more you will pick it up. The more you pick it up the more likely you will be to play it and improve your playing.
* Quality is generally better with established well-known brands. That said, you can find great guitars from lesser known brands if you know what you're looking for and if you get the right information. I love going and talking to my local guitar repairer or luthier. They keep up to date on which factory is pumping out various brands, who owns who, what technology is being used in the manufacture and build quality of various guitars and the specifications of a wide range of guitars. Go and make friends with your luthier!
* Tone is everything. Make sure you play your guitar through a nice amp. The last thing you want is an awesome guitar that sounds lack lustre because the amp you're playing it through is awful. Find a good amp to try out your guitar choices through and stick with it so you can get an idea of the difference in quality between different guitars. Once you have narrowed your search down to a few guitars, then it is a good time for you to try those guitars through some different amps to find your ultimate combination. Although this will take a while, it will be worth it - you have to listen to it every time you play.
Above all, go with your gut. You're the only one you have to please. If you take your time and follow your instincts you should be on your new guitar and loving it in no time.
Choosing a guitar is as much about the sound you like as it is about how pleasing the guitar looks and feels. Guitars are not just for playing. They are admired and displayed as pieces of art. They have a beautiful shape and some say each one has its own personality. Here are some tips to help the aspiring guitarist to choose a new guitar to take them to a new level.
* Spend some time researching the guitars used by some of your favourite players. It's usually a good indication of the sound that you most want to play yourself. Think of the styles of music you like playing and listening to. Usually a style of music uses a specific type of guitar. If you're a Metal player then a Gibson, Ibanez or an ESP will be right up your alley. If you are a Country player you'll probably be right at home with a Fender Telecaster. Even though these examples are a pretty safe generalisation, my advice is to always do your own research and satisfy yourself.
* Browse local and internet stores for various styles of electric guitars. Guitars are works of art and you will want something that you love to look at just as much as you love to play it. The more you love it the more you will pick it up. The more you pick it up the more likely you will be to play it and improve your playing.
* Quality is generally better with established well-known brands. That said, you can find great guitars from lesser known brands if you know what you're looking for and if you get the right information. I love going and talking to my local guitar repairer or luthier. They keep up to date on which factory is pumping out various brands, who owns who, what technology is being used in the manufacture and build quality of various guitars and the specifications of a wide range of guitars. Go and make friends with your luthier!
* Tone is everything. Make sure you play your guitar through a nice amp. The last thing you want is an awesome guitar that sounds lack lustre because the amp you're playing it through is awful. Find a good amp to try out your guitar choices through and stick with it so you can get an idea of the difference in quality between different guitars. Once you have narrowed your search down to a few guitars, then it is a good time for you to try those guitars through some different amps to find your ultimate combination. Although this will take a while, it will be worth it - you have to listen to it every time you play.
Above all, go with your gut. You're the only one you have to please. If you take your time and follow your instincts you should be on your new guitar and loving it in no time.
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