by Josh Komon

Created on: August 19, 2011   Last Updated: August 20, 2011

The most important thing to remember when looking for a beginner's electric guitar is that there is no wrong choice.  As a beginner, you are in the experimental stage, with no way of knowing for sure exactly what it is you might be looking for in an axe that is the right fit for your playing style.  If the price is right, then the guitar is right.  It is that simple.  However, there are a few other things worth looking for when picking the right beginner guitar.

Firstly, price alone does not tell the whole story.  A one-hundred dollar guitar with any major flaws is about 99 dollars more expensive than it should be.  Before buying, be sure to try the guitar out, and make sure there are a few things that definitely work as they should.  Be sure that the electronics work. Simply plug the guitar into any old amp, and pluck at a few notes.  If there is a sound coming through the amp, and not a lot of static, then this guitar is good enough for beginners.  (Note:  Static or a lack of sound may be an amp problem, and not a guitar problem.  Be sure to check all avenues before just giving up on an otherwise decent guitar.)  There are two types of tuning issues that can be troublesome with older, cheaper, or other beginner guitars.  The first issue is with the guitar's ability to hold a tuning.  Play the guitar for a few minutes to make sure that notes don't just become flat over time.  Another possible issue is with the intonation.  Play any string without any fingers on the frets.  (This is also known as playing an open string.)  Play the same string with a finger pressing on the 12th fret.  This should sound the same, only one octave higher.  If this is not the case, the guitar is probably hopeless.

Other things to consider when shopping for a beginner electric guitar are style and comfort.  Both aspects are important if you want to be continuously motivated to keep playing.  Style is simply a matter of personal preference.  Some might prefer a classic look guitar.  Others might find a Warlock or Flying-V more to their liking.  Comfort is less subjective.  The guitar should feel comfortable in your hands, resting on your lap, and strapped around your shoulders.  Run your hands up and down the neck, playing a bunch of notes along the way.  If this is not a smooth process, the guitar in question may not be the right one for you.

Most importantly, just remember that this is only a beginner electric guitar.  One of two things is likely to happen within the next year.  You will either give up and not care, or you will want to keep playing, and upgrade your gear.  In that case, you'll know exactly what you're looking for in your next guitar.

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