How to Choose a First Guitar

  So you've taken the leap and decided to start playing the Guitar - good for you! I can honestly say that if you stick with it, it will be one of the best decisions you've ever made. And you can do it through old age - I can't say the same for jogging and my knees! However, before you start serenading, jamming, and rocking out, you need to get an axe (musician's code for an instrument). While there are many opinions out there about which guitar to get as a first instrument, there are three considerations that I think all Guitar Players can agree upon.

  One of the biggest issues that plagues neophyte Guitar Players is Ease of Play. Some guitars are just simply easier to play than others. Generally speaking, of the three main types of Guitar, Acoustic, Classical, and Electric, there are three levels of Ease of Play between the different Guitars. On average, most Guitar Players will tell you that an Acoustic Guitar with it's heavy steel strings is the hardest to play, a Classical Guitar with it's nylon strings is moderate, and an Electric Guitar with it's light,  metal strings is the easiest to play. With this in mind, there are two schools of thought in terms of why to choose one Guitar over another:

• Choose the harder guitar to play(acoustic) because once you've mastered that, everything else is easy. 
• Choose the easier guitar to play (electric or Classical) because you'll be able to succeed earlier on with basic concepts which will boost confidence.

  Another thing to consider about picking a first Guitar is of course, Price. Like everything else out there, there's a huge range in price for Guitars. From $60 for the cheapest acoustic Guitar, to $5000 for a custom electric, there are a lot of choices. So where's the middle ground right? My opinion is that for around $100, you just can't beat a Classical Guitar. They're great for everything from Classical, to Bossa Nova, to Pop Music. Ok, so playing heavy metal on a Classical Guitar isn't going to happen, but then again, you don't have to worry about blowing out a speaker either.

  The third piece of this puzzle here is Logistics. While there's nothing really complicated logistically about Playing or owning a Guitar, there are some things to think about. For starters, while Electric Guitar is my favorite, it's a little more involved than the various types of acoustic Guitars. An a Electric Guitar requires an amplifier, cables, and occasional repairs (see Jack Repair, Truss Rod Adjustment, and Intonation). Another thing to think about is that when electricity is unavailable, so is your Electric Guitar! And because of that, you can't really bring it camping with you.

  So with all this in mind, my pick as a great first Guitar is a Classical or Nylon String Guitar. They're inexpensive, easy to play, and portable. In my estimation, you just can't go wrong with one. And even though I'll never give up my Electrics, I'll always have at least one Classical Guitar. Guess what I bring with me when I travel!

 Stay tuned for the next installment of Have Guitar Will Travel.