Guitar Buying Tips: How to Pick the Right Guitar for You

Buying a guitar can be confusing. New players often focus on looks and miss what matters: feel, sound, and playability.

Start with the style you want to play. Choose acoustic for singer-songwriter and folk, classical nylon for fingerstyle or classical study, and electric for rock, blues, or heavier styles.

Set a realistic budget before you shop. For beginners, $150–$400 usually gets a playable acoustic. Electric starters often range $200–$600. Buying used can save money, but always check neck straightness, fret wear, body cracks, and electronics.

Feel comes first. Play several guitars and test basic chords and single notes. Check action (string height), neck profile (thin or thick), and whether frets buzz. A comfortable neck beats a pretty finish every time.

Know the basics of tonewoods and pickups. On acoustics, a spruce top gives brightness and clarity, while mahogany leans warmer. For electrics, single-coil pickups sound bright and clear; humbuckers sound thicker and cut feedback.

Ask about setup and intonation. Many guitars benefit from a professional setup. Ask the seller if one is included. Check intonation by playing the open string and then the note at the 12th fret; they should match an octave apart.

Test electronics and hardware. Plug into an amp and move switches and knobs to listen for crackles or dead spots. Wiggle the cable and jack lightly to check for loose connections.

Try different body sizes and scale lengths. Smaller bodies and shorter scales are easier for small hands. Dreadnoughts and full scales project more for strumming and heavier playing.

Remember extra costs. Budget for strings, a tuner, a strap, picks, and a case or gig bag. Cheap cases won’t protect a valuable instrument in transit.

Buying online? Read return policies and seller reviews. Ask for exact measurements: nut width, scale length, and current action height. Request clear photos of the headstock, frets, and body.

Think about resale and brand reputation, but focus on condition and playability. A well-kept lesser-known guitar can beat a neglected name brand.

Quick Buying Checklist

Try before you buy. Check neck straightness, action, fret condition, electronics, and basic intonation. Confirm return policy or setup options. Factor in accessories and a case.

When to Get a Setup

If a guitar feels stiff, buzzes, or won’t stay in tune, a setup from a luthier will likely fix it. New strings and a proper setup can transform playability and are worth the cost.

Simple maintenance keeps any guitar sounding better for years. Wipe strings after playing, change them every few months if you play often, and keep the instrument in stable humidity. Learn to loosen the tremolo before travel and store the guitar in its case. For used buys, ask for a recent setup record and any repair history. If the seller can’t provide that, budget for a full setup and possible fret dressing. Small repairs are normal; plan for them so the purchase stays a joy, not a headache. Play it every day.