Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Buying Their First Guitar
Buying your first guitar is an exciting step in your musical journey. However, many beginners make common mistakes that can lead to frustration, wasted money, or even discouragement from playing altogether. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first guitar.
1. Choosing the Cheapest Option
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest guitar you can find, but low-quality instruments can have poor sound, uncomfortable playability, and tuning stability issues. A cheap guitar might discourage you from practicing if it doesn’t sound or feel good. Instead, opt for a well-reviewed beginner-friendly model from a reputable brand.
2. Ignoring Guitar Size and Comfort
Guitars come in different sizes and shapes and picking the wrong one can make playing uncomfortable. Beginners often choose a full-size guitar without considering their body size or hand reach.
3. Not Considering the Guitar Type (Acoustic vs. Electric)
Many beginners buy a guitar without considering the type of music they want to play. Some start with an acoustic guitar thinking it’s mandatory, even if they love rock or metal. Others buy an electric guitar without realizing it requires an amp to play properly.
Tip: Choose a guitar that suits your musical interests. If you love rock, blues, or metal, an electric guitar might be better. If you prefer folk or singer-songwriter styles, an acoustic guitar may be the way to go.
4. Skipping a Guitar Setup
Factory-made guitars often need adjustments to play smoothly. Many beginners don’t realize that poor action (string height), intonation, or fret buzz can make playing unnecessarily difficult.
Tip: Have a professional set up your guitar after purchase to adjust the action and tuning stability. This small investment can make a huge difference in playability.
5. Forgetting About Essential Accessories
Many beginners focus only on the guitar and forget about necessary accessories like tuners, picks, a strap, or even a gig bag. Some electric guitar buyers forget they need an amp and cables to actually play!
Tip: Budget for essential accessories such as:
A tuner (clip-on or digital app)
Picks (various thicknesses for different playing styles)
A strap for playing while standing
A gig bag or case for protection
An amp and cable (for electric guitars)
6. Not Testing the Guitar Before Buying (If Possible)
If you’re buying from a physical store, it’s important to play the guitar before purchasing. Many beginners buy a guitar just because it looks nice but later find it uncomfortable to play.
Tip: If buying in-store, try out different guitars to see how they feel. If buying online, check return policies and read reviews before making a decision.
7. Rushing the Decision
Impulse buying can lead to regret, especially when purchasing a musical instrument. Beginners sometimes buy based on appearance, brand hype, or a sales pitch without doing proper research.