Since time immemorial, (almost) countless people have bought guitars, or received them as presents, hoping to become the next "axe maestro." However, many guitars are not at all suitable for beginners. For those serious about learning to play, or buying a guitar for someone else, the following information should help in choosing the right instrument.

Is it Playable?
A good playable action is the essential aspect of any (and particularly a learner's) guitar. The strings must be close to the fretboard so they can be pressed easily. When the strings are too high, the learner usually quits in frustration, as they find it too difficult. The quickest and easiest way to check for the proper string height is to stack two ten-pence pieces under the first string (the thinnest) at the twelfth fret (two dots). The optimum distance should be equivalent to 1� ten-pences. Two that just fit, without lifting up the strings, is the maximum acceptable height. Anything else is definitely too high.

Tuning
The next critical step is tuning the guitar. Superior tuners are die-cast and completely encased. If the strings are too high at the nut, the guitar will sound out of tune, even when played properly. This is a common problem with very cheap guitars.

Types of Guitar
The choice is whether to buy an acoustic or electric guitar. Though they look substantially different, the finger positions for chording and strumming are identical. If you can play an acoustic, then you can play an electric and vice-versa.

Guitar Bodies
The differences between acoustic and electric guitars lie in the guitar body. An acoustic guitar has a hollow body, needing no amplifier. The topboard, if laminated, must have each layer made of solid strips of wood. The cheapest variety has particleboard for the middle layer. This does not provide the proper support for the strings, which will soon become too high, and the guitar unplayable. Electric guitars should have a body of solid wood. They are designed for use with an amplifier. "Experts" will tell you that it is better to learn on an acoustic guitar. However, you can begin on either. "Loving" your guitar is an incentive to practice more.

Size and Finish
There are several different sizes. A three-quarter size acoustic has a smaller body, so is ideal for younger people aged eight to twelve years. The "folk" or "parlour" size is an adult guitar that is a touch smaller than a full size and is well suited to young teenagers and women. The full size is comfortable for anyone who is an adult or young people of adult size. At the entry-level stage of playing, a guitar's woods and finish are the least important, providing they meet the previous criteria. Naturally , it makes no sense to buy a guitar of which you like neither the sound nor look, but this only comes after assessing the playability and tuneability.

Buying
For those really wanting to learn the guitar, the best buying source is a music shop. They are staffed by qualified musicians, who can provide expert advice on a good beginner's instrument. If you are buying a used guitar from a second-hand store, pawn shop or privately, grab a guitar-playing friend and take them with you to see the guitar. Even a couple of years of playing experience will give them the knowledge of a good playable action, appropriate tuning heads, "nut" and "bridge". Experience will tell them if the guitar is generally suitable.

Cost
It is best to buy from a company making guitars that are used by professionals. Such companies know what a beginner needs for an instrument in order to succeed. For a good quality beginner's guitar, the retail price is generally between �100 and �300. In that price range, you'll get a playable guitar action as well as all of the other necessary components. Naturally, the closer to �300 the better the guitar will sound. As well, you can get complete electric guitar packages (guitar, amp and accessories) within this price range. For used instruments, the general rule is to pay about half the guitar's new retail purchase price. This includes everything, guitar, case, strap, tuner etc. Buy the best instrument your budget can afford. Select the kind of instrument you really want to play and get some decent instruction.

Buying a Guitar Tuner
It is important that your guitar be in tune. Nobody automatically knows how to tune a guitar; it is a process that is learned. Fortunately, there is a small battery-operated device available, called a "guitar tuner." By plucking a string and watching the meter, you'll tune your guitar quickly and easily. They are relatively inexpensive, starting at around �15. Remember that even professional musicians sound lousy out of tune. Use a tuner and you will always be in tune, helping to train your ear and making you sound infinitely better.

Further Help
The guitar is a great instrument. You can learn a few chords and have a lifetime of fun or you can spend your lifetime becoming a master. Numerous websites give the beginning guitarist all sorts of useful information on getting started, along with tips on guitar care etc.

Most importantly, enjoy!
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11 November 2008
Countryman 6 string acoustic guitar, mint condition, bought 6 months ago for £100 but never used. blue. will add pictures. £70 or nearest offer. .
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Electric guitar for sale with everything!! gibson les paul copy - cherry sunburst colour, in perfect condition, hardly used. comes with small amplifier in perfect condition, hardly used. fender electric guitar tuner in perfect condition, hardly used. good quality padde. .
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