Looking To Buy Your First Guitar? Here Are Your Options
If you're looking to start playing guitar, you are going to need to buy a guitar. The big decision is what type of guitar. You don't want to go out and buy an acoustic guitar and find out after a few months that you wished you brought an electric guitar. There are two main things to consider. The first is issue involved how much, or how little, is needed to play. The second issue concerns what type of music you want to play. Certain guitars are better suited for certain types of music.
Below is an overview of the 4 main types of guitars.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars require no amplification, though you can add it amplification through a device called a pick-up. However, if you want to be able to carry your guitar on camping trips, or simply not have to lug around amps, then an acoustic guitar is what you should look at.
Another factor to consider is what type of music you want to play. If you're into heavy metal, then you should avoid an acoustic guitar. Likewise, most rock, punk, and jazz is not suited to acoustic guitars. If, on the other hand, you like folk, pop, or country, then you will love an acoustic guitar. Artists such as Jewel, Garth Brooks, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Taylor Swift all use acoustic guitars in concert.
Electric Guitars
An electric guitar is engineered to be plugged into an amplifier. They are also have a thinner body then acoustic guitars, though they often weigh much more. The major hassle involved with playing an electric guitar is that you will need to use an amp. Of course, they sell small portable amps. You don't have to use a large amp that you might see at a concert.
If you like rock, heavy metal, or jazz, then you should chose an electric guitar. Some of the famous artists who have used electric guitars include Slash, B.B. King, Bonnie Rait, and Joan Jett.
Lap Steel Guitar
A lap steel guitar is a special type of electric guitar is played sitting down. The player holds the guitar in their lap, with the cords facing upward. This style originated in Hawaii and has since become very popular in Blues and Country music. Some of the notable artists who have used steel guitars include Chuck Berry, Ben Harper, Barbara Mandrell, and John Fogerty.
One downside to a steel guitar is that its sound is very limited. So, if you are looking to have a versatile instrument, it would be better to chose either a regular electric guitar or an acoustic guitar.