Buying A Guitar

When choosing a guitar, the style of music you want to play and the size of your hands are key factors to consider. Here's a breakdown of how these aspects can influence your choice:

1. Music Style:
Electric Guitar: If you're into rock, metal, pop, or jazz, an electric guitar would likely be your go-to. They offer more versatility in tone and can handle a variety of playing techniques like bending, shredding, and fingerpicking.

Recommended Guitars: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Ibanez RG series.

Acoustic Guitar: If you’re drawn to folk, country, blues, or singer-songwriter styles, an acoustic guitar is perfect. They have a natural, resonant sound that doesn’t require an amplifier.

Recommended Guitars: Yamaha FG series, Taylor 314ce, Martin D-28.

Classical Guitar: If you want to play classical, flamenco, or certain types of jazz, a classical guitar with nylon strings is your best bet. It’s more forgiving on the fingers, and the wider neck is built for intricate fingerstyle techniques.

Recommended Guitars: Cordoba C5, Yamaha C40.

2. Hand Size:
Smaller Hands: If you have smaller hands, you might find it more difficult to stretch your fingers on a larger neck or press down on thicker strings.

Guitar Neck Width: Look for a guitar with a slim neck profile. Fender Stratocasters and Ibanez guitars tend to have narrower necks that can be easier for smaller hands to navigate.

Shorter Scale Length: Guitars with a shorter scale length, like Gibson Les Paul or PRS SE, can also make it easier to press down on the strings as the frets are closer together.

Light Gauge Strings: Lighter gauge strings (like 8-38 or 9-42) can be easier on the fingers and help with playability.

Larger Hands: If you have larger hands, a wider neck with more space between the strings can offer greater comfort, giving you more room to manoeuvre your fingers.

Guitar Neck Width: Guitars like the Gibson Les Paul or a Fender Telecaster have slightly wider necks compared to Stratocasters.

Longer Scale Length: Guitars with a longer scale length, such as a Fender Stratocaster, can offer more string tension, which might feel more comfortable if you have larger hands.

3. Other Considerations:
Budget: Prices vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and whether the guitar is handcrafted or mass-produced.

Body Type: Consider the body size if you're leaning toward an acoustic or semi-hollow guitar. Smaller-bodied guitars like a parlour or concert guitar are better suited for those with smaller frames.

Playability & Comfort: Ultimately, the best guitar is the one that feels most comfortable to play. If you can, try out a few guitars in-store to see how they feel in your hands before making a decision.

Do you have a specific genre or style in mind? Or would you like recommendations based on a certain budget or brand?

Ultimately if you need further help and advice contact us.