You, Guitar, Fire! (But Not Literally, We Hope) - A Beginner's Guide to Picking Your First Axe in the UK
So, you've been bitten by the rock (or blues, or folk) bug and fancy yourself the next Jimi Hendrix/Eric Clapton/insert-favourite-guitar-legend-here. Excellent choice! But before you imagine lighters waving in a stadium filled with adoring fans, there's a crucial first step: picking your weapon of choice - the humble guitar.
Now, this six-stringed stallion can seem as intimidating as a dragon guarding a mountain of distortion pedals. But fear not, aspiring shredder! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to slay the confusion and find your perfect starter guitar, all without a single guitar hero controller involved.
Step 1: The Age of Aquarius...or Are You More Like Baby Shark?
First things first, consider your age (and maybe hand size). Those tiny tots rocking out to Baby Shark will need a fractional-sized guitar. Think power ranger belt buckles, not Slash's top hat.
Teens and adults can graduate to full-size guitars, but there are still choices! This is where the plot thickens...
Steel Strings vs Nylon Strings: The Never-Ending Spaghetti Western?
There are two main types of beginner guitars: the steely warrior, the acoustic guitar, and its gentler cousin, the classical guitar.
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Acoustic Guitar: This is your campfire singalong, strumming-heavy friend. It's got those bright, twangy strings that might leave your fingertips feeling like they went a few rounds with Mike Tyson in the beginning. But persevere, young grasshopper, for the rewards are great!
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Classical Guitar: This fella boasts softer, nylon strings that are kind to your fingers. It's perfect for fingerpicking and those beautiful classical melodies. Think Spanish sunshine and flamenco dancers, not headbanging.
The choice depends on the kind of music you want to play. Rock? Blues? Folk? Go acoustic. Classical? Spanish? Grab a nylon stringer.
Not sure yet? Don't worry, most acoustic guitars can handle a variety of styles, making them a versatile option for beginners.
Cash Flow Blues: How Much to Blow on Your First Axe?
Let's be honest, finances are a real concern. Don't go spending your inheritance on a guitar studded with actual diamonds (unless you inherited said diamonds from a particularly flamboyant relative). A good beginner guitar can be found in the £150-£300 range.
Remember: You don't need the most expensive axe to make beautiful music. Think of it as an investment in your future rockstar self!
Brand Spankin' New or Pre-Loved Vintage Dream?
This is a matter of personal taste (and wallet size). Brand new guitars come with that satisfying new car smell (well, maybe not exactly) and a guarantee.
Used guitars can be a fantastic option, especially if you're on a budget. Just make sure it's in good condition and holds its tuning.
Top Tip: Head down to your local guitar shop and ask about their used section. They often have starter guitars in great nick for a bargain price.
Don't Play It Alone: Test That Bad Boy Out!
Don't just pick up the prettiest guitar in the shop and walk out a rockstar (although that would be pretty darn cool). Try the guitar before you buy it! See if it feels comfortable, if the strings are manageable, and if it makes a sound that doesn't resemble a cat in distress.
Bonus points: If you have a friend who plays, bring them along! Their experienced eyes (and ears) can be a huge help.
So there you have it! With this knowledge in your arsenal, you're well on your way to picking your perfect first guitar. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. Before you know it, you'll be out there shredding solos and writing chart-topping anthems (well, maybe not chart-topping just yet, but give it time!). Just don't forget the earplugs for your neighbours...
