Guitar Shopping Lies: The Brutal Truth for Beginners

Introduction: Choosing your first guitar should be exhilarating, not excruciating. Yet, a recent survey by MusicRadar found that 68% of beginners regretted their first guitar purchase. Why? Because they fell for pervasive myths that plague the industry. This guide dismantles those falsehoods, arming you with razor-sharp insights to make a choice you'll cherish, not curse.

Myth Category 1: The Price Predicament

Myth: Quality Guitars Have Luxury Price Tags Reality: Price and quality often play in different bands.

Buddy Guy, blues legend, recalls: "My first guitar cost less than a week's groceries. But it got me started, and that's what matters."

Why it matters:

• Playability trumps pedigree: A $300 guitar you can play comfortably beats a $3000 wall ornament.
• Diminishing returns: The difference between a $200 and $500 guitar is often vast; between $1000 and $2000, it's often negligible for beginners.
• Inspiration factor: The right guitar makes you want to play, regardless of price.

Action steps:

1. Set a budget between $200-$500. This range offers the best value-to-quality ratio for beginners.
2. Play guitars at various price points. To test intonation, play a chord at the first fret, then at the 12th. If it sounds off at the 12th, move on.
3. Ignore the price tag during your initial testing. Choose based on feel and sound, then consider cost.

Myth Category 2: The Style Stumper

Myth: You Need to Commit to a "Style" Before Buying Reality: Musical tastes evolve. Versatility is your best friend.

Brian May of Queen notes: "I started on classical, moved to blues, and now I'm known for rock. Your first guitar should be a blank canvas."

Why versatility matters:

• Exploration is key: You might think you want to be the next Ed Sheeran but end up channeling Eddie Van Halen.
• Resale value: A versatile guitar is easier to sell if your needs change.
• Skill development: Different styles teach different techniques, making you a more well-rounded player.

Action steps:

1. Try guitars with different neck profiles. A "C" shape is versatile, while "V" or "U" shapes cater to specific styles.
2. For electric, consider an HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration. This means a humbucker pickup in the bridge position for thick, meaty tones, and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions for brighter, clearer sounds. This versatile setup offers a wide tonal palette, from crunchy rock to clean jazz tones.
3. Choose a body style that's comfortable both sitting and standing. Your future self will thank you during long practice sessions.

Myth Category 3: The Acoustic Assumption

Myth: Serious Beginners Start on Acoustic Reality: Start with what sparks your interest.

St. Vincent, electric guitar virtuoso, states: "I started on my dad's acoustic, but I always dreamed of playing electric. Don't let convention dictate your choice."

Mateus Asato, virtuoso guitarist and social media sensation, adds: "Your first guitar should be the one that makes you want to pick it up every day. For me, that was an electric, even though everyone said to start on acoustic."

Why this myth persists and why it's wrong:

• Outdated thinking: This advice dates back to when electrics were prohibitively expensive for beginners.
• Ignores personal preference: Playing what excites you increases practice time and progress.
• Overlooks genre specifics: If you're into metal, starting on acoustic can be discouraging.

Action steps:

1. Play both acoustic and electric guitars. Pay attention to which one feels more natural and exciting.
2. Consider your living situation. Electrics with headphone amps can be apartment-friendly.
3. Think about the music you love. Choose a guitar that can produce those sounds.

Myth Category 4: The Brand Blunder

Myth: Stick to Famous Brands or Suffer Reality: Quality often hides in unexpected places.

Session guitarist Tim Pierce reveals: "Some of my favorite guitars are from brands most people have never heard of. Don't let logos limit you."

Why lesser-known brands can offer great value:

• Lower marketing costs: These savings often translate to better components at lower prices.
• Innovation incentive: Smaller brands often take risks with designs and materials to stand out.
• Quality control: Some smaller operations offer better attention to detail than mass-produced instruments.
• Innovative designs: For example, Strandberg Guitars revolutionized ergonomic design with their headless, multi-scale 'Boden' model, challenging traditional guitar shapes and playability.

Action steps:

1. Research brands like Alvarez, Sire, or Harley Benton. They often offer features of higher-priced guitars at budget-friendly costs.
2. Check fret quality: Run your finger along the fret edges. They should feel smooth, not catch on your skin. Any roughness indicates poor finishing.
3. Read user reviews focusing on long-term experiences. Pay attention to comments about durability and customer service.

Myth Category 5: The Accessory Avalanche

Myth: You Need a Mountain of Gear to Start Reality: Start lean, grow your gear as you progress.

Bonnie Raitt advises: "A tuner, a strap, and a pick. That's all I had for years. The rest is just gravy."

Why this myth is harmful:

• Financial drain: Unnecessary gear purchases can deplete funds better spent on lessons or a better instrument.
• Overwhelm: Too many accessories can distract from the fundamental goal: learning to play.
• False sense of progress: Buying gear feels like advancement, but only practice truly moves you forward.

Essential accessories and why:

• Tuner: Crucial for developing your ear and ensuring you're playing in tune.
• Strap: Promotes proper posture, even when sitting.
• Picks: Variety helps you find your preferred thickness and material.
• Extra strings: Because strings break, often at the worst times.

Action steps:

1. Budget $50-$75 for essential accessories.
2. Resist the upsell for fancy cables, effects pedals, or expensive cases initially.
3. Invest in a basic guitar tool kit for simple maintenance, ensuring your instrument stays playable.

Conclusion: Choosing your first guitar isn't about finding perfection; it's about finding inspiration. The right guitar makes you want to play every day, whether it cost $200 or $2000. Remember, Jimi Hendrix didn't become a legend because he had the best guitar – he became a legend because he never put it down.

Your Next Chord: Armed with this myth-busting knowledge, you're ready to make an informed decision. But choosing the guitar is just the opening riff of your musical journey. Set a goal to learn three songs in your first month. Join an online community like JustinGuitar forums for support and accountability. For inspiration on those first three songs, check out Justinguitar.com's beginner song list. It offers a great mix of genres and difficulties, all with detailed tutorials.

Most importantly, play. Every. Single. Day.

In six months, revisit this guide. You'll be amazed at how much your perspective has changed – and how grateful you are for starting your journey on the right note.