4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your First Electric Guitar

Woman guitarist playing a guitar in a guide on buying your first electric guitar for beginners

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Are you a beginner guitarist looking to buy an electric guitar and want some help so you don’t waste your money? Then keep reading!

Learning a new hobby can be a wonderful experience. One that many are interested in nowadays is playing the guitar. A study by Fender and YouGov estimates that 16 million people have recently taken up the instrument in the US alone.

This is no surprise, given that learning to play the guitar is a great investment of your time, especially since it promotes improved mental health, relaxation, and self-development.

On that note, learning to play the guitar needs some preparation, too. The most important of which is getting yourself an instrument. Fortunately, there are many options available if you want to purchase your first guitar.

Electric guitars, in particular, come in different sizes and various hardware sets. This diverse range means there’s a make and model for any budding guitarist.

Before you can buy an electric guitar, though, here are four important questions you should consider:

What Questions Do I Need to Ask When Buying My First Electric Guitar?

1. How much are you willing to spend?

The first thing you should ask before buying an electric guitar is how much you’re willing to spend. You certainly don’t need to break the bank to purchase a great guitar, as there are many options that fit every budget. Our previous post ‘10 Brilliant Cheap Electric Guitars (UPDATED)’ lists inexpensive ones that are ideal for beginners.

The Epiphone Dot (at $558 / £457), for one, has a high-quality build and excellent playability. If you’re looking for an elegant design without compromising the sound, you can buy the Schecter C-6 Plus for $517 / £424.

Generally, the quality of the hardware is related to the electric guitar’s price. So be mindful of the features you want your instrument to have and adjust your budget accordingly.

2. What genre would you like to play?

Different musical genres have varying nuances. As such, they demand different guitar features. For example, the podcast Learning Guitar Now illustrates that blues guitars, which were popularised by Eric Clapton, frequently use slides.

Slides can inject additional depth into the sound if you wish to play blues or acoustic songs. If you’re a fan of Depeche Mode, Atomic Tunes explains that an electric guitar, alongside a synthesiser, is ideal for capturing the quintessential New Wave sound.

Since this genre of music is known for its distortions and synth-like qualities, a solid body guitar can best capture its tone. Ultimately, it’s clear that whatever genre you want to focus on, it’s important to choose a complementary guitar.

• Been thinking about a new acoustic? Take a peek at the 10  best cheap acoustic guitarsLove gadgets? Check out these 15 awesome accessories & gadgets for guitar lovers

3. Which type of neck construction should you choose?

For beginners, the role of the guitar’s neck is easy to overlook. The neck, which consists of a fretboard and headstock where the tuners are mounted, is crucial to consider before purchasing any guitar.

After all, the neck affects overall sound and playability. When checking out a guitar’s neck, first, check if it has a metal truss rod. This enables you to adjust your strings so that you can maintain a consistent pitch while playing.

Second, seek out fretboards with position dots on the upper edge as this can offer you easier visibility. Lastly, if your hands are on the smaller side, look for guitars with narrow necks so you can stay comfortable when fretting.

Awareness of an electric guitar’s neck construction is important in making an informed purchase.

4. What kind of hardware should you look for?

Electric guitars have a wide range of hardware, all of which have different uses. If you prioritise tuning versatility in your instrument, then there are tuning machines that make changing your strings smoother.

Tuning machines that lockdown at both the nut and bridge are beneficial to beginners. They prevent the strings from stretching and slipping too much. Now, if you want enhanced playability, two components you should look into are bridges and tailpieces.

Look for bridge-tailpiece systems that allow string height adjustments so you can control your guitar’s tone. Inversely, guitar tremolo systems aren’t recommended for beginners since they can make even a single string change difficult to adjust.

Ultimately, the correct hardware can provide a more convenient experience as you play.Taking the time to run through the above questions is crucial before you can purchase your first electric guitar. Doing so means you know exactly which one will make your musical journey memorable.

Summing it Up

Buying your first electric guitar can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By asking yourself the right questions, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect guitar for you.

Here is a summary of what we have learned in this article:

  • What kind of music do you want to play?
  • What is your budget?
  • What is your playing style?
  • What are your physical limitations?
  • What kind of features are important to you?
  • What is the quality of the construction?
  • What is the reputation of the manufacturer?

Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect electric guitar for you.

Here are some additional tips for buying your first electric guitar:

  • Try out as many guitars as possible. The best way to find the right guitar for you is to play it and see how it feels.
  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The price of a guitar is always negotiable, so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price.
  • Buy from a reputable dealer. You want to make sure that you’re getting a quality guitar from a reputable dealer.

With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect electric guitar for you and start playing today!

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