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what guitar should I buy?

The likelyhood is that if you are buying for a child a music store will direct you to a junior size nylon string guitar. I’ve always considered this to be a mistake. Why? Because the style of music that can be played (and taught) is so limiting. Especially if the buyer wants to play music other than classical or finger style music. The reason this seems to ‘be the norm’ is because nylon strings are kind on the fingers and therefore easier to play. In my 60 years of teaching this simply is not true! I’ve experienced more times than I can count a young potential student (or adult) will come along for a lesson and produce a nylon string guitar that produces very low output (meaning you have to struggle to hear anything), the strings are far too high above the fret board so the fingers have to force the strings down which prevents playing anything smoothly and quickly, and when I ask what sort of music would he/she like to eventually play the answer is usually anything BUT classical or folk music!

When I question why they purchased this type of guitar a common response from an adult is “That’s what the store suggested” or from a parent “Well, we will see how he/she gets on and whether he/she takes to it”. Uurgh! The likelyhood is, (whether adult or child) before long, they will get bored learning to play music that’s too difficult to physically play, and the limited type of tunes one can teach. As always there are two sides to a story. Some kids and adults like playing classical, folk, flamenco etc and thats great and fun to teach, but they are very few. The most common answer to my question “what would you like to play after learning the basic’s?” is “I don’t mind - whatever”, and thats good, because it opens the door to so many tunes and styles. Go Electric or Steel string Acoustic from the begining! The guitar has evolved over the years into a ‘front line’ instrument. In the days of big band music (20’s and 30’s) the guitarist job was mainly to play rhythm. It was such a quiet instrument it stood no chance against the brass and other band instruments. Along came guys like Les Paul who set about experimenting with ‘pick ups’, and amplifiers. By the 50’s Guitars were as loud (or louder) than any instrument - they had come of age! Now at last ‘modern’ Guitars can play anything the owner aspires to. Flatpicking, Chordal Melodies, jazz, Blues, Rock, Fingerstyle etc…etc. AND they are much easier to play. Electric guitars for instance have much lighter strings which lay close to the fretboard so easier to press and make chords as well as faster solo runs. Plus volume and tone controls allow for a variety of sounds, and available in many shapes and colours. Acoustic ‘Steel String’ guitars are also much easier to play, just like Electric they have low string height making them suitable for lightning fast solo’s as well as comfortable chord playing. Pick ups can be fitted (or made including them) turning them into Semi Electric guitars. Both Electric and Acoustic guitars are available in ¾ size versions for small kids. Thanks to modern mass production you can buy an Electric guitar ‘bundle’ which includes Guitar, Amplifier, Strap, Gig bag, Cables etc on-line for as little as £120.This is ideal for the beginner on a budget. On the other hand buying from a Music store may be a little more expensive but you get the benefit of expertise and the opportunity to try different guitars first. Acoustic Steel string guitars can also be purchased including accessories at very reasonable prices.

So if you are a looking to buy a guitar, unless you or your child is very tiny try going electric or semi acoustic from day one.

Whatever you choose - well done! A guitar can become a life long friend, open doors socially, and a wonderful hobby or even a career path. It’s a win win!