How to choose an acoustic guitar: keys
Do you know how to choose an acoustic guitar and nail your decision? If you’re an expert guitarist, you probably already know how to make a good choice, but if you are learning or want to buy it for another person, you can’t decide only based on its aspect or aesthetic and your budget. Those are factors to take into account, but not the only ones. You need to know the keys to pick the right one.
You can buy luthier acoustic guitars on guitarrasfuentes.com and choose the right one, we can even custom design it. To guide you, we’re going to explain everything you need to keep in mind.
Steps to choose the right acoustic guitar
1 – Pick a style: there’s a type of guitar for every type of music
As much as some people say “I like every type of music”, the truth is that it is rarely that way and even less when it comes to playing guitar. There is always a preferred type of music, one that you prefer to play or one with which the musician feels better playing.
It is important to have a clear idea if you’re wondering how to choose the right acoustic guitar because each style has a different guitar body fit to play it. It is not the same to play flamenco than to play pop or country or jazz. It’s very common to find guitarists who have different instruments to play the different musical styles.
2 – The performer’s technique is key to choose an acoustic guitar
Do you prefer playing with your nails or with a guitar pick? Do you usually use both techniques or just one of them? That is also important when you’re thinking about choosing an acoustic guitar. To play with your nails, it’s better to choose smaller guitar bodies, and bigger ones if you prefer using a guitar pick. If you want to use both, the best choice is a medium guitar body.
3 – Aesthetics and guitar touch
If you feel comfortable with your guitar, you’ll enjoy playing even more, that’s why your feeling with the instrument is important. Like in other things in life, to fall in love with the guitar, it must draw you in visually. Don’t be afraid to seem frivolous and choose your favorite based on your personality and taste.
Its shape, touch or even smell are important., as well as its style and finishing touch. Surely you have an idea of what you want, and if you’re undecided among several, get receptive and discover what you feel when looking, holding or touching each of them.
4 – Guitar’s material: key for sound quality and the instrument’s durability
When choosing an acoustic guitar, the material is key. The quality of the sound and the durability of the guitar depend on the material, but it also affects the price, which is important to consider if you have a tight budget and don’t want or can’t go over it.
5 – Which size should you choose
This is especially important when you’re buying a guitar for a kid who’s learning. The guitar must fit their actual needs, not future ones. If you’re an adult, your arm length will determine the size more fit for you. In that case, you’ll be more likely to use a 4/4.
6 – Parts of a guitar you should pay attention to when buying the right instrument
These are the most important parts to know how to choose the right acoustic guitar
– Strings. The comfort while playing and the sound quality depend on the strings. Not only you should pay attention to the material, but also to the thickness of the strings. The thinner ones are more comfortable to play, but they break more easily and have fewer harmonics. The thicker ones are harder to play but have a better sound.
– Weight and type of wood of the neck. It has a great influence on the kind of sensations the player feels when playing the guitar. Cedar is light and beautiful, but if you’re looking for an economic acoustic guitar for beginners, there are other woods to consider.
– Distance between the strings and neck. If they are close together, it is easier to play.
– Frets. They are key to good sound quality.
– Pegs/tuners. Their quality is essential for good tuning.
– Fingerboards’ material. The agility with which the hand moves, depends on this, that’s why it’s usually soft and hard.
Now that you know the keys, are you ready to buy a luthier’s guitar? We are waiting for you!