3 Tips For Choosing Your First Electric Guitar
So you've finally decided to rock out and purchase your first electric guitar. Nothing is quite as exciting as having those nickel wound strings slide under your fingers as you bend and wail. Trying to pick out an electric guitar can be a daunting task, however. There are numerous things of which you should be aware before choosing an electric guitar that's right for you.
Low Action
When choosing your first guitar, it's probably for the best if you choose an instrument with "low" or "fast" action. Action basically refers to the distance of the string from the frets. A guitar with low or fast action means that the strings are quite close to the fretboard itself. This makes playing a bit easier and less stressful to your fingers. Although the action can be adjusted on most guitars, it is probably for the best if you choose an instrument with an "out of the box", or already preset, fast action.
Style of Music
Which style of music do you plan on playing? The electric guitar you choose will largely be determined by the answer to this question. For example, Fender Stratocasters have been the go-to guitar for blues and rock and roll players for years, while more modern musical genres, like metal, lend themselves to guitars with an extremely high action and thin neck, such as a Jackson or B.C. Rich. If it's Nashville flavored country you want to play, then perhaps a Fender Telecaster will be right for you, with its rich and twangy treble-heavy tone. The Gibson Les Paul and SG have always had a warm, heavy sound that has been just right for hard rockers throughout the ages.
Budget
If you're a beginner, it is highly recommended that you do not buy an overly expensive model. Even the most dedicated of learners can become frustrated with playing guitar due to its difficulty to master. There are plenty of inexpensive models out there that are also high quality. Both of the big name guitar brands – Fender and Gibson – have budget models that are generally considered to be high-quality instruments. Take the time to try these inexpensive models out and see if they feel and sound right for you.
Choosing your first electric guitar is not the easiest task in the world. There are plenty of things to consider before settling for a model that is right for you. Hopefully, this brief article has given you an idea of what to look for in an electric guitar. Contact a company like Welch Music for more help in selecting the perfect electric guitar for you.