Rock and metal wouldn’t be the genres they are without electric guitars, which is why it is essential that any budding rockstar finds the perfect one to kick-start their musical ambitions. But, with so many options to choose from, deciding where to begin can prove somewhat daunting.
Point Blank Music School talks us through five basic points to consider when going to purchase your first electric guitar.
- Pick your body Style
For the beginners amongst us electric guitars might all look the same, but in actual fact there are several basic body styles which each suit certain genres of music better.
Solid-body guitars, like a Gibson Les Paul, are weightier and sturdier, being made from a single piece of wood. These are played with amplifiers, making them the electric guitar of choice for those wishing to make punk-rock and metal. On the other hand, hollow body guitars have a large resonating chamber which mean they are great for playing jazz, blues and rock’n’roll music. Semi-hollow bodied guitars are more versatile and can adapt to most genres.
, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a body style to suit a particular genre of music – it is really about what you feel comfortable with and your personal playing style.
- Make sure it feels comfortable
Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing your first guitar is that it feels easy to use and is comfortable in your hands, without the need for several adjustments. Although you might only be a beginner, it’s a good idea to test the instrument out and see how comfortably your fingers are able to move between strings. If the first one doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to ask to hold, plug-into an amp and play a few more, before you come to a decision.
Purchasing a guitar may not come cheap, but ensuring you buy one which you are comfortable and happy with will be a great long-term investment.
- Look for starter packs
For beginners who are buying their first electric guitar, starter packs are often the best and most affordable route to take. These typically contain all the essentials you will need to begin playing your guitar, such as the instrument itself, an amp, guitar strap, tuner, picks, strings and manual.
- Do your research
Venturing into a shop armed with several key questions ensures you are well-prepared and will not be taken for a ride. It is, therefore, a good idea to equip yourself with some basic knowledge of guitars (or bring a pal with you who understands ‘guitar speak’) before you enter the shop and begin testing them out.
- Only buy from authorised dealers
It might be tempting to purchase a cheap, second-hand guitar on a website like eBay or Gumtree, but for novices, who might not be particularly well-versed in what to look for, we recommend only purchasing from authorised dealers. That way, you can guarantee you are getting a high-quality, genuine product, which will also be covered by buyer warranties.
