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0. Set Up a Guitar

Chad

• 17 min read
0. Set Up a Guitar

Step 1: Buy a Guitar

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are wonderful because whether you're at home, on the go, or performing, they allow you to play anytime, anywhere without the need for amplification.

  • Choose a guitar that feels natural in your hands, promoting longer and more enjoyable playing sessions.
  • Comfort is essential – If your hands hurt while playing, you're less likely to practice consistently.
  • A great guitar should inspire you – Rockstars want to hold their guitar 24/7, not dread holding it!

If you're looking for an acoustic guitar, the recommendations below are designed for comfort and playability.

Option 1: Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Acoustic-electric guitars offer the best of both worlds, combining the warm, resonant tone of an acoustic guitar with the ability to plug into an amplifier for added volume and tone control.

  • Natural Acoustic Sound – Made of wood, these guitars 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 have a steel drum inside their body which amplifies sound, producing a bold, metallic tone distinct from traditional acoustic guitars.

  • 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

One of my all-time favorite acoustic guitars is the Ibanez AW54OPN AW Artwood Open Pore Natural Acoustic Guitar. It stands out for 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

Classical guitars are known for their soft, warm tone and finger-friendly nylon strings, making them a great choice for certain styles of music 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 in person. This allows you to get a true feel for the instrument’s comfort, playability, and sound.

  • Feel the Comfort – Play various guitars to find one that fits well in your hands and feels natural to play.
  • Listen to the Sound – Each guitar has a unique tone based on its wood type, body shape, and string gauge. Find one that matches your style.
  • Check Playability – See how the neck shape, fretboard width, and string action affect your comfort and technique.
  • Ask for Help – Store employees are usually knowledgeable and happy to assist with recommendations based on your preferences.

Tip: Bring a small a song or guitar riff you frequently play to test how each guitar responds to your touch!

Option 6: Research Online

Ordering a guitar online can be a cost-effective and convenient option, but it’s important to do thorough research to ensure you choose a guitar that suits your needs.

  • Compare Reviews & Ratings – Read customer reviews and expert opinions to learn about a guitar’s comfort, tone, and durability.
  • Watch Video Demos – Check out YouTube reviews and sound tests to get a sense of how the guitar sounds and plays.
  • Check Return Policies – Since you won’t be able to test it beforehand, make sure the seller offers a flexible return policy in case it’s not a good fit.
  • Look for Deals & Discounts – Buying online is often cheaper due to sales, bundles, and lower overhead costs compared to physical stores.
  • Be Aware of Fit & Comfort – You won’t know how it feels until it arrives, so pay close attention to neck width, body size, and string action when researching.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a model, try playing a similar one in-store before purchasing online!

Additional Tips for Guitar Comfort

Maximizing your guitar’s comfort can improve playability, reduce finger fatigue, and encourage longer practice sessions. Here are some key adjustments to enhance your experience:

  • Use Lighter Strings – Lighter gauge strings are easier to press down, making them ideal for beginners and reducing finger strain. They also produce less volume, which is great for home practice.
  • Try Coated Strings – Coated strings feel smoother, last longer, and reduce finger discomfort, especially for extended play sessions.
  • Lower the Action – High string action can make playing more difficult and tiring. Ask a guitar technician to adjust the string height for easier fretting.
  • Choose a Comfortable Neck – A thinner, more ergonomic neck can make a huge difference, especially if you have smaller hands or prefer faster playability.

Tip: If you’re unsure about adjustments, visit a local guitar shop for professional setup recommendations!

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars offer enhanced comfort and playability due to their lighter strings and lower action, making them an excellent choice for players of all levels.

  • More Comfortable Than Acoustics – The lighter string tension and low action make electric guitars easier to play, reducing finger fatigue.
  • Pickups Are the Most Important Factor – Unlike acoustic guitars, an electric guitar’s sound is primarily shaped by its pickups, which capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal.
  • There are two common pickups: Single Coil and Humbuckers

Single Coil

Single-coil pickups emphasize high frequencies, delivering a clean, bright, and articulate tone that excels in genres like country, blues, funk, indie, rock, and jazz.

  • Crisp & Clear Sound – Ideal for melodic leads, rhythmic clarity, and dynamic playing.
  • Versatile for Distortion – While known for their clean tones, single-coil guitars can still be heavily distorted for rock and metal when paired with the right amp and effects.

Famous Bands That Used Single-Coil Guitars

  • Classic Rock & Blues – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mayer
  • Alternative & Indie – The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Nirvana
  • Funk – Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Police, Rage Against the Machine
  • Ibanez AC Series – Affordable & high quality, great for players seeking budget-friendly craftsmanship.
  • Squier – Budget-friendly Fender alternative, perfect for beginners or those looking for a cost-effective single-coil option.
  • Fender Stratocaster – Premium choice, known for its iconic tone, comfort, and versatility.

Humbuckers

Humbuckers emphasize mid-range frequencies, producing a thicker, warmer, and heavier sound with reduced noise and hum. These pickups are ideal for rock, metal, punk, and blues, where a fuller, more powerful tone is preferred.

  • Rich & Warm Tone – Offers smoother sustain and less interference compared to single-coils.
  • Perfect for High-Gain Genres – Handles distortion and overdrive exceptionally well, making it a staple in rock and metal.
  • Versatile for Blues & Jazz – Known for their warmth and depth, humbuckers also excel in blues, jazz, and fusion styles.

Famous Bands That Used Humbucker Guitars

  • Classic Rock & Blues – Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Cream, The Allman Brothers Band, Fleetwood Mac, B.B. King, Wes Montgomery
  • Hard Rock & Metal – AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot
  • Alternative & Punk – Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Green Day, The Ramones, Muse
  • Ibanez Guitars (Except AC Series) – Many Ibanez models come with humbuckers, offering a modern feel and aggressive tone.
  • Paul Reed Smith (PRS) Guitars – Known for high-quality craftsmanship, versatility, and warm, articulate humbucker tones.

Additional Features to Consider

  • Coil Splitting – Some guitars feature a push-pull knob or switch that allows you to toggle between single-coil and humbucker pickups, allowing you to emphasize high or mid-range frequencies.
  • Whammy Bar – A whammy bar lets you create pitch bends and vibrato effects, adding expression to your playing.
    • If your guitar doesn’t have a whammy bar, consider using a whammy pedal for a similar effect without modifying your guitar.

Amplifiers

Physical amplifiers are the large speaker units often seen on stage behind rockstars. They take your electric guitar signal and amplify it into audible sound. Some amps have built-in speakers, while others require a separate speaker cabinet to produce sound.

Pros of Physical Amplifiers

  • Produces a rich, natural sound that many guitarists love.
  • Ideal for Live Performances – Designed to project sound well in large venues and outdoor gigs.
  • Live Performance Amp Recommendation – The Marshall DSL40 Watt ($400–$1,000) is a solid choice for live performances due to its powerful output and warm tone.
  • Practice Amp Recommendation – For home use, a Marshall 1–10 Watt model (around $100) is a more practical choice, allowing for great tone at low volume.

Cons of Physical Amplifiers

  • Expensive – Quality amps can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially for high-wattage models.
  • Requires a Loud Practice Space – Achieving a good tone often requires high volume, making it impractical for home use unless you have a dedicated soundproof space.
  • Limited Tone Customization – Most amps only allow basic tone control (bass, mid, treble, distortion), limiting your ability to shape your sound.
  • Additional Pedal Costs – If you want more effects and tone shaping, you'll need to invest in pedals, which range from $25 to $200 each.

Tip: If you need flexibility, affordability, and quiet practice options, you might want to consider digital amplifiers instead!