Electric guitars are excellent instruments any person can learn to play. However, buying an electric guitar may be overwhelming. With so many choices today, how can a person narrow it down to one instrument?
Budget
Wouldn’t it be nice if purchasing electric guitars was something a person could do any time they wanted to? Unfortunately, that is not the case for more people. The guitar is a want rather than a need, so they must pick one instrument and stick with it. Fortunately, when they wish to upgrade, they can, as guitars tend to hold their value. Inexpensive electric guitars are unreliable, while pricey guitars have features that new players won’t use. Finding the right balance between price and quality can be challenging, so work with professionals to find this instrument.
Music Style
Music style plays a role in electric guitar selection. Clean guitars are more articulate, making them ideal for pop, country, and indie music. Rock and metal need humbuckers to provide the desired distortion with less hum.
Materials
Wood type isn’t important when buying an electric guitar. What matters is the builder’s skill. Alder, basswood, mahogany, and swamp ash are popular woods for the guitar body, and many necks are made using maple or mahogany. Fretboards are made using any wood, and any finish will do.
Neck Shape
A musician can choose the neck shape they like. A chunkier profile is ideal for chording. Think neck profiles reduce resistance when the musician plays a single-note run that moves further up the neck. Thick necks can be difficult for small hands to handle, however, as their fingers may not be able to reach all strings without stretching.
Scale Length
The long scale length is approximately 25.5″ and offers more tension. The short scale length ranges from 22″ to 24.75″. New guitarists can choose whatever they find most comfortable.
Fretboard
The radius or curvature of the fretboard needs consideration when purchasing an electric guitar. A higher number indicates a flatter fretboard. Musicians find bending and playing scales easier when the fretboard is flat. Rounded fretboards are excellent for chords. A compound radius means the bottom portion of the fretboard is rounded, and the upper part is flat.
Nut Width
The distance between guitar strings is known as the nut width. A narrower width means less space, so men and women with large hands or thick fingers may wish to avoid a narrow nut width. Individuals with small hands like a narrow nut width because they won’t need to stretch their fingers as much when playing.
Frets
Material and size are important when comparing guitar frets. Nickel frets are standard, but pricey guitars often feature stainless steel ones. Try several fret sizes to find the most comfortable one. Many people choose either 6105 or 6130 frets.
Electronics
Most electric guitars have a three-way or five-way switch that allows the musician to control the volume and tone. Additional switches may be offered for coil splitting, gain boosting, and more.
An electric guitar is an investment. Buying your first guitar is a moment you will remember forever. Take time to compare several guitars within the desired price range, and consider buying used to upgrade. You will develop a connection with the instrument, so choosing the right one is essential. Talk with an experienced electric guitarist if more help is needed. They will happily share their knowledge because they love music and want everyone to feel the same.
