You’ve heard it said before, and we’ll say it again now—learning the basics of guitar playing is best done using a classical guitar. For one, it doesn’t offer as many playing styles, making it less complicated than others.
Then again, a time will come when you want to switch to a different, more advanced instrument. This is where an electric guitar comes in. In that case, how much should you spend on your first electric guitar?
If you’re considering buying a classic/acoustic, you might want to spend at least $150 but don’t go over $250. For an electric guitar, spend at least $200 but stay within $400. If you’re tight on money, you can always go for a budget-friendly electric guitar as well.
When To Buy Your First Electric Guitar
Again, you’ll most probably start with a classical guitar, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t begin your journey with an acoustic or electric guitar. Like any hobby, you should only shell out cash on your first guitar once you’re sure you really want to learn it.
You can do this either by trying out a friend’s guitar or taking a guitar lesson or two. The good thing about hiring an instructor is that you can be sure you will have learned to play something by the end of the session.
Before scheduling a lesson with your trusted guitar instructor, make sure to tell them that you don’t own a guitar yet. Tell them you wish to experience the instrument and the music first. This way, they can give you professional advice once you’ve decided to buy your own.
Once you have attended a few guitar lessons and have familiarized yourself with the instrument, you’re ready to invest in an electric guitar. If anyone says you need to master the acoustic or classical guitar before moving on to electric, pay no heed. Follow your desires. Whether you’re into country music, classical, or rock, an electric guitar can meet your needs.
What To Look for in Your First Electric Guitar
With electric guitars, you can play several types of music. These include country, pop, metal, rock, heavy metal, hard rock, and even blues. No matter which genre you like, any electric guitar will do the trick. Of course, it would be best to get a cheaper electric guitar to start your journey.
So, what should you look for in your first electric guitar? As mentioned, don’t spend too much on your first electric guitar. Spend a maximum of $400, but don’t go below $200, or you’ll just be throwing your money away. Keep these pointers in mind when shopping for your first electric guitar:
1. Buy from a quality brand.
Always go for a well-known brand. This way, you can rest assured that the guitar is of good quality and won’t die on you any time soon. Do some online research or ask a guitar expert for advice. You can also read online feedback and comments from users, and you’ll have a shortlist of the best cheap electric guitars.
2. Consider your comfort.
Chances are, you’ll be playing the guitar for long periods. As such, your guitar must be comfortable to hold and play for hours on end. You can do this by sitting in different positions to see which way is the most comfortable.
Also, check if the fretboard allows you to move your fingers easily. You will want to note the weight of the guitar, too. Is it too heavy? Will it be possible to put a strap on it so that you can carry it while playing?
3. How does it look?
If you don’t like how the guitar looks, don’t buy it! Guitars should look cool, so make sure to choose one that catches the eye. Looking good and feeling great about it can motivate you to continue playing.
4. Think about its longevity.
When buying your first electric guitar, check its build quality. It should be solid and firm. If it feels flimsy and shaky, chances are things might get loose and fall off. In such cases, you might be better off moving on to another one.
5. Check the sound quality.
The most important aspect of all is the quality of the sound it produces. Try playing on different electric guitars to check which one gives the best output.
For beginners, this might not be easy to judge. Check the electric guitar, both plugged-in and plugged-out. If you have a friend who has some experience with electric guitars, they can help you out here. You can even ask your guitar instructor for guidance in this regard.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a basic understanding of electric guitars and how much you should spend on them, you’d be able to make an informed decision. Remember, if you don’t want to waste your money on your first-ever guitar purchase, spend a maximum of $400 but don’t go below $200!
