Picking Your Perfect Guitar: A Guitar Buying Guide For Adult Beginners

As an adult beginner over 40, you may be feeling a bit intimidated when it comes to choosing the right guitar to learn on. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

However, choosing the right guitar is essential to your success as a beginner guitarist. In this guide, we'll explore the factors to consider when choosing a guitar and provide tips to help you find the perfect one.

Before purchasing a guitar, it's important to consider your goals as a musician.

Do you want to play acoustic or electric guitar? Are you interested in playing a particular style of music? Knowing your goals will help you narrow down your options and choose a guitar that is suited to your needs.

Another thing to consider is, that even though nylon string guitars, are softer on the fingers, when you start strumming them, they can sound very clunky. If you're looking to strums songs for fun around the fire, or at parties, then a steel string acoustic will best suit your needs. 

Sore finger tips are a rite of passage. And it is only short term. If you start on a nylon string to toughen up your fingertips, they are still going to be sore when changing over to steel strings.

Guitars come in a wide range of prices, so it's important to determine your budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that a more expensive guitar may not be the best choice for a beginner. Instead, look for a guitar that is affordable and has the features you need to learn.

Obviously, common sense must prevail here. Even though the more expensive a guitar is, doesn't necessarily mean it is the best fit for you, the quality of the materials used in building a guitar, will make a difference in the playability and ultimately your playing enjoyment.

This would have to be the most important factor in choosing a guitar.

As an adult beginner, you may find that some guitars are too large or too small for your frame. Look for a guitar that is comfortable to hold and play. A smaller body guitar or one with a narrower neck may be more suitable if you have smaller hands.

The size of the guitar neck, in proportion to your hands, cannot be emphasised enough. This is where your hand is going to do a lot of work, as it is in constant contact with the guitar. How comfortable it feels in your fretting hand is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a guitar.

Likewise with the shape of the guitar body against your body. Females, I have found, don't like dreadnaught, (full-size) acoustic guitars, as it lifts their strumming shoulder to high. This is due to most females having smaller body frames than men.

Different guitars produce different sounds, so it's important to choose one that sounds good to you. Acoustic guitars produce a more natural sound, while electric guitars can be amplified to produce a louder sound. Listen to different guitars and choose the one that produces a sound that you enjoy.

The best way to choose the right guitar is to try it out before you buy it. Visit a music store and try out different guitars to see which one feels most comfortable to play. A guitar that feels good to play will encourage you to practice more and improve your skills.

If you live on the Gold Coast and a looking to purchase a guitar, here is my recommendation for the best music store to help you with that. They are a great team of people that will steer you in the right direction without seeing you as $$$ dollar signs when you walk through the door.

When starting out as a beginner, it's a good idea to look for a complete package that includes everything you need to get started. This may include a guitar, a case, a strap, picks, and an electronic tuner. A complete package will save you time and money and ensure that you have everything you need to get started.

 

In conclusion, choosing the right guitar as an adult beginner over 40 is a matter of finding one that is comfortable to play, produces a sound that you enjoy, and meets your budget.

By considering your goals, trying out different guitars, and looking for a complete package, you can find the perfect guitar to start your musical journey. Remember that the most important factor is to choose a guitar that inspires you to practice and learn, and have fun!