Your first guitar buying guide.

So you want to play the guitar but don’t know where to start? You might have questions like what kind of guitar you should get? How much you should ideally pay for it? From where should you get it? You know stuff like that. It can be a really tiring process considering that in Pakistan you don’t have much options keeping all the variables in mind. At times the schematics alone become the reason for you eventually giving up.  However there is a jugaar for everything. So what if you don’t enough to spare, doesn’t mean you don’t give this new found passion shot.

So here’s a guide of sorts that can help you out if you’re on the market for a guitar:

Before thinking about anything else, first ask yourself, what is it that you are trying to achieve with a guitar?

Now, this doesn’t mean that you actually map a trajectory for yourself before you even pick up a guitar. Surely you keep on progressing as musician the longer you play the instrument. But there is this vague idea as to why you’re actually picking up the guitar. What kind of music do you wish to play? Do you want jam with other musicians and create original work or  just wanna play a few songs just to pass the time?

These questions basically help you in understanding the specific guitar type, if any, you are looking for and how long do you plan to keep the guitar.

As a beginner it is highly recommended that you start off with an acoustic guitar

Even if you are a fan of heavy metal and one day want to shred as fast as John Petrucci, starting off with an acoustic is always recommended because it allows you to develop a better understanding of notes without distraction.

Now if you just want to learn a few songs in front of your buddies, chances are you might not keep the instrument for long. In that case, you don’t need to spend that much money on the guitar. You can easily buy a second hand acoustic china made from OLX for Rs 3000 – Rs 4000

For those who want to take it seriously, you have to make sure that by the time you develop a command over the instrument you don’t have to change your guitar because it broke or was a beginner type

Try getting your hands on a second hand branded guitar, perhaps a Yamaha F3-10 that can cost around Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000. This will allow to save money in the long run. If you can’t find a major brand in this range, try to look for more economical brands such as Hofner, Aria Pro or even a Chinese one.

If you are hell bent on buying an electric guitar I would suggest two options

For those just buying for the sake of buying you can opt for a starter kit wherein a small amp comes with the guitar. You can get a Behringer one for as less as Rs 23,685.

A guitar amplifier (or guitar amp) is an electronic device or system that strengthens the weak electrical signal from a pickup on an electric guitar, bass guitar, or acoustic guitar so that it can produce sound through one or more loudspeakers, which are typically housed in a wooden cabinet.

Once again if you want to make an investment try to a low / mid-tier Ibanez which will be in the range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000. If you opt for a second hand one you can save a few thousand rupees. For the amp you can check out electronic ‘landa bazars’ from where you can actually get a good amp for Rs 5000 which just needs a bit of servicing. In Karachi there is one such bazaar called Pathan gali that is right opposite Empress Market, be sure to check it.

While buying the instrument be sure to check these things

Check if the action is suitable for your fingers and you don’t have to stress them that much. For those of you who don’t know action basically refers to as the distance between the strings and the neck. It shouldn’t be that high but it shouldn’t be that low wherein it causes the sound to buzz. Also check each fret individually if it doesn’t make a buzzing sound. If you are buying an electric especially if it’s a second hand model be sure tap on the pickups to check if they produce a feedback. If so then you are good to go.

Once you’ve got the guitar, you can then look for some YouTube lessons or find yourself a real-life teacher and shred away.

Cover image via: ted.com