Choosing your first guitar is an exciting step in any music journey. Whether you're just starting out, returning to the instrument after a break, or shopping for a budding musician, the process can feel overwhelming at first, especially with all the options out there. Guitars come in different shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and finding the right one depends on your style, goals, and budget.
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Things to Consider when Buying
Your Style and Taste
Think about the type of music you like to play. Are you enjoying rock, pop, metal, blues, indie, jazz, funk or something entirely different? This is important to know because not all guitars are made the same. They all lean towards one genre more than towards others. This is because of their body style, tone and pickups.
If you’re into rock and blues you’ll need a high-quality, easy-to-handle electric guitar. Look for something with a single-coil or humbucker pickups. They'll give you rich and expressive tones. If you like playing metal and hard rock music, you’ll need a guitar with high-output humbuckers and fast necks. For jazz and funk, a semi-hollow or hollow body guitar delivers warm, clean tones.
Guitar Body Types
Talking about guitar body types, there are a few, and you should get familiarised with them before making a choice. They come in three main body types: solid, semi-hollow and hollow. Solid-body guitars are very common and versatile. They're made of slabs of wood and will work for almost every genre.
Semi-hollow body guitars have a solid centre block but hollow wings. They offer a warmer, resonant tone and are popular with blues, jazz, and indie players. Hollow-body guitars are fully hollow on the inside. They have a more acoustic-like tone and are very suitable for jazz music. But keep in mind that they are prone to feedback at higher volumes.
Pickups
Understanding the pickups is very important when buying a guitar. They're the heart of the sound. They’re the magnets that “pick up” string vibrations and turn them into an electric signal. Single-coil pickups are bright, crisp and clear. They work perfectly for pop, classic rock, funk and blues.
Humbuckers are thicker, warmer and have more power in them. They work with metal, jazz and hard rock. P90s are something of a mix between the previous two types. They're gritty and punchy and are used in blues, punk and garage rock.
Playability and Comfort
A guitar should feel good in your hands, especially if you’re going to be practising regularly. If you want to feel comfortable holding it, there are a few things to consider. The first one is neck shape and size. Some necks are slim and fast, others are thicker and more traditional. If you have smaller hands, a slim neck profile might be easier to handle.
Another thing to consider is scale length. This refers to the length of the strings between the nut and the bridge. A shorter scale means less string tension and smaller fret spacing. If you’re a beginner, this might be uncomfortable. Weight and body shape are also important. Of course, some guitars are heavier than others, and it can be hard to hold them for a long time.
Upgrades
As you progress and become better, you might want to upgrade parts of your guitar instead of replacing it entirely. That’s where a well-built starter electric guitar comes in handy. It should be one that allows you to swap out pickups, tuners, or the bridge as you develop your sound. Some models are easier to modify than others, and many players enjoy customising their guitar as part of the learning journey.
Try It Before You Buy It
It's nice to feel the guitar in your hands before buying it. Head to a local music store and try out a few guitars. Even if you’re a beginner, holding different guitars can help you get a sense of what feels right. People working in these stores can help you find the right balance and guide you through some options. If you decide to buy online, read reviews and comments and buy from reputable sellers and brands.
Accessories
When you choose one from the variety of electric guitars for sale, it’s time to get some accessories as well. There are some essentials that can help your journey in becoming better each day. An amplifier, for example, is a good starting point. Start with a small practice one and you can level up as you get better.
Get a high-quality cable to connect the guitar to the amplifier. Invest in clip-on tuners. They're affordable and easy to use. An adjustable strap can be of great help during practice sessions and live jams. It takes the strain off your hands and makes holding the guitar much more comfortable.
Guitar picks are also a must. They come in different thicknesses. Try a few and see which one works best for your hands and grip. A case for your guitar is also a must. It'll keep it safe and protected during transportation. You can find hard and soft cases. These are just some of the accessories that can make your learning process simpler and easier.
Electric vs Acoustic
Electric guitars are often easier to play because they have lighter string tension and smaller necks. They're perfect for rock, metal, jazz, pop, and blues, and they're usually more comfortable for beginners who want to play amplified or with effects. However, they do need an amplifier and cables, so keep in mind you'll need a bit more gear to get started.
Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, are self-contained. You don’t need an amplifier, and they’re great for singer-songwriters or people who want to play unplugged. They’re a bit tougher on the fingers at first, but they build strength and finger technique quicker than you think.
In Summary
Choosing an electric guitar is a personal decision, and there's no single "right" answer. What matters most is that it feels good to play, suits your style, and inspires you to keep learning. Take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the process. Your first guitar isn’t just an instrument, it’s the beginning of your musical story.
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