Your First Axe - Choosing the Right Guitar & Essential Gear

Step 1: Buy a Guitar

Choosing your first guitar is a monumental step! It's about finding an instrument that feels like an extension of yourself, one that makes you want to play non-stop. Comfort is king – if it hurts, you won't practice. A great guitar should be an inspiration, not a chore.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are fantastic because you can play them anywhere, anytime, no amp needed. Whether you're chilling at home, on the move, or even performing, they're ready to go.

• Comfort is Essential: Choose a guitar that feels natural in your hands. This promotes longer and more enjoyable playing sessions. If your hands hurt, consistent practice goes out the window.
• Inspiration is Key: Rockstars want to hold their guitar 24/7, not dread picking it up!
• Recommendations for Comfort & Playability: The options below are geared towards guitars that are comfortable and easy to play.
  • Option 1: Acoustic-Electric Guitars These offer the best of both worlds: the warm, resonant tone of an acoustic with the ability to plug into an amplifier for volume and tone control.
    • Natural Acoustic Sound: Made of wood, they maintain the rich, warm resonance of traditional acoustics.
    • Perfect for Live Performances: Plug into an amp for greater projection and tone shaping (EQ, distortion, pedal effects, etc.), making them ideal for gigs and studio sessions.
    • Comfortable Playability: Acoustic-electric guitars support lighter, more comfortable strings while still delivering a strong and full-bodied sound.
    • Recommended Model: Ibanez PC54CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar – A well-balanced option with great playability, tone, and performance features.
  • Option 2: Resonator Guitars Resonator guitars feature a steel drum inside their body that amplifies sound, producing a bold, metallic tone distinct from traditional acoustics.
    • Comfortable Playability: This design allows them to powerfully project sound, even when fitted with light, comfortable strings.
    • Ideal for Blues & Slide Guitar: Commonly used in blues, bluegrass, and slide guitar techniques, offering a distinct, soulful twang.
  • Option 3: My Personal Favorite Acoustic Guitar The Ibanez AW54OPN AW Artwood Open Pore Natural Acoustic Guitar is an all-time favorite due to its beautiful design, rich tone, and smooth playability.
    • Stunning Finish: The natural wood grain gives it an organic, vintage aesthetic.
    • Rich, Warm Tone: Delivers a beautiful sound that works well for fingerpicking, strumming, and various playing styles.
    • Easy to Play: Especially when paired with light gauge strings, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike.
  • Option 4: Classical Guitars Known for their soft, warm tone and finger-friendly nylon strings, classical guitars are a great choice for certain styles and technique-focused players.
    • Nylon Strings for Comfort: Nylon strings are softer and lighter, reducing finger strain and making them easier to press down than steel strings.
    • Wider Neck for Fingerstyle Playing: The expanded fretboard width allows for complex finger patterns, making them ideal for classical, flamenco, and fingerpicking techniques.
    • Consider Neck Width for Hand Size: If you have smaller hands, be aware that the wider neck may make chords more difficult compared to standard acoustic guitars.
    • Soft, Warm, Mellow Tone: Produces a gentle, resonant sound suited for classical, flamenco, and Latin-inspired music.
    • Fingerpicking is Preferred: Classical guitars are traditionally played using fingerpicking techniques, but using a pick is always an option for certain styles.
  • Option 5: Test Out Acoustic Guitars in Person The best way to find the perfect acoustic guitar is to visit a guitar shop and try out different models.
    • Feel the Comfort: Play various guitars to find one that fits well in your hands.
    • Listen to the Sound: Each guitar has a unique tone. Find one that matches your style.
    • Check Playability: See how the neck shape, fretboard width, and string action affect your comfort.
    • Ask for Help: Store employees can offer recommendations.
    • Tip: Bring a song or riff you play often to test how each guitar responds.
  • Option 6: Research Online Ordering online can be cost-effective, but do thorough research.
    • Compare Reviews & Ratings: Learn about comfort, tone, and durability.
    • Watch Video Demos: Get a sense of the guitar's sound and playability.
    • Check Return Policies: Essential if you can't test it beforehand.
    • Look for Deals & Discounts: Online can be cheaper.
    • Be Aware of Fit & Comfort: Pay attention to neck width, body size, and string action.
    • Tip: Try a similar model in-store before buying online if unsure.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars often provide enhanced comfort due to lighter strings and lower action.

• More Comfortable Than Acoustics: Lighter string tension and low action reduce finger fatigue.
• Pickups Are the Most Important Factor: An electric guitar’s sound is primarily shaped by its pickups, which convert string vibrations into an electrical signal.
  • Two common pickups: Single Coil and Humbuckers.
  • Single Coil Pickups Emphasize high frequencies, delivering a clean, bright, articulate tone. Excellent for country, blues, funk, indie, rock, and jazz.
    • Crisp & Clear Sound: Ideal for melodic leads and rhythmic clarity.
    • Versatile for Distortion: Can still be heavily distorted for rock and metal with the right amp/effects.
    • Famous Bands That Used Single-Coil Guitars: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin (early), The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mayer, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Police, Rage Against the Machine.
    • Recommended Models:
      • Ibanez AC Series: Affordable & high quality.
      • Squier: Budget-friendly Fender alternative.
      • Fender Stratocaster: Premium choice for iconic tone and comfort.
  • Humbucker Pickups Emphasize mid-range frequencies, producing a thicker, warmer, heavier sound with reduced noise. Ideal for rock, metal, punk, and blues.
    • Rich & Warm Tone: Offers smoother sustain and less interference.
    • Perfect for High-Gain Genres: Handles distortion and overdrive exceptionally well.
    • Versatile for Blues & Jazz: Known for warmth and depth.
    • Famous Bands That Used Humbucker Guitars: Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones (later), Cream, The Allman Brothers Band, Fleetwood Mac, B.B. King, Wes Montgomery, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Green Day, The Ramones, Muse.
    • Recommended Models:
      • Ibanez Guitars (Except AC Series): Many models feature humbuckers for a modern, aggressive tone.
      • Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars: High-quality craftsmanship, versatile, with warm, articulate humbucker tones.
  • Additional Features to Consider:
    • Coil Splitting: Allows toggling between single-coil and humbucker sounds.
    • Whammy Bar: Creates pitch bends and vibrato effects. If your guitar lacks one, a whammy pedal is an alternative.

Additional Tips for Guitar Comfort

Maximize your guitar’s comfort for better playability and longer practice sessions.

• Use Lighter Strings: Easier to press, ideal for beginners, reduces finger strain. Less volume is great for home practice.
• Try Coated Strings: Smoother feel, last longer, reduce finger discomfort.
• Lower the Action: High string action is tiring. A guitar tech can adjust string height.
• Choose a Comfortable Neck: A thinner, ergonomic neck can make a huge difference.
• Tip: Visit a local guitar shop for professional setup recommendations if unsure.

Why Do You Need a Comfortable Guitar?

If practicing isn’t comfortable, you’ll stop. No practice means no progress.

• Enjoyable Practice: Motivates improvement.
• Less Strain: Longer practice sessions.
• Better Playability: Faster progress. Get a comfy guitar, love playing, and you’ll be a rockstar!

Buy a Guitar Case or Rack

Proper storage protects your guitar from damage, dust, and temperature changes.

• Option 1: Purchase a Guitar Case
  • Soft Case ($30): Best for local travel, lightweight, basic protection.
  • Hard Case ($80–$120, Highly Recommended for Air Travel): Protects against drops, bumps, rain. Ideal for air travel and touring.
• Option 2: Purchase a Guitar Rack ($20)
  • Perfect for home storage, keeps your guitar accessible and safe.
  • Tip: A multi-guitar stand is great if you own multiple guitars.

Learn to Hold a Pick

Correct pick technique improves control, tone, and playing.

• How to Hold a Pick Properly:
  • Buy a Pick: Medium gauge (0.73mm - 0.88mm) is good for beginners.
  • Position Your Fingers: Hold between thumb and index finger. Thumb perpendicular to the pick tip.
  • Expose the Right Amount: About 1 cm of the tip for precise control.
  • Strum Smoothly: Relax your hand, glide the pick.
  • Tip: Experiment with thicknesses. Thicker for lead, thinner for strumming.

Buy Chalk

Using chalk keeps hands dry, improving grip and protecting your guitar.

• Why Use Chalk?
  • Prevents Excess Finger Oil: Reduces oil/sweat on strings and fretboard.
  • Extends String Life: Less oil means less corrosion.
  • Protects Your Fretboard: Prevents moisture/grime damage.
  • Enhances Comfort & Playability: Dry hands move easier.
  • Tip: Keep a small chalk bag in your guitar case.

Get a Clean Rag

Cleaning your guitar after practice maintains its tone, feel, and longevity.

• Why Wipe Down Your Guitar?
  • Removes Finger Oils & Dirt: Prevents grime buildup.
  • Extends String Lifespan: Clean strings sound brighter, last longer.
  • Maintains Fretboard Condition: Reduces need for deep cleaning.
• How to Clean Your Guitar After Practice:
  • Use a soft, dry cloth (sock, clean rag, old cotton T-shirt).
  • Wipe strings from nut to bridge.
  • Gently clean the fretboard.
  • Store guitar in a case or rack.