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AB Music Studios-Tips for buying your first Acoustic Guitar

What are some tips when buying your first acoustic guitar?

The advantage of starting out on an acoustic guitar is that you don’t need a guitar amplifier. Acoustic guitars are one of the most popular musical instruments in the world because it’s relatively easy to learn and you can take it with you wherever you go. Many of the most famous songs of all time were written on an acoustic guitar!

Should I buy a nylon or steel string acoustic guitar?

Nylon string acoustic guitars are also known as classical guitars or Spanish guitars. The advantage of nylon strings is that they are easier on your fingertips. The disadvantage is that the neck is much wider and stretching your fingers is bit more difficult. For kids under the age of ten, we sometimes recommend a ½ size or a ¾ size nylon string acoustic guitar because they fit comfortably and pressing down on the fingerboard is much easier for little fingers.

Steel string guitars are a bit harder on your fingertips but you will soon build up calluses. One advantage of a steel string acoustic guitar is that the neck is a bit thinner than a nylon string guitar and therefore easier to stretch your fingers. We recommend steel string acoustic guitars because they are used in almost every style of music – rock, pop, folk, country, indie, bluegrass and worship music etc…

AB Music Studios acoustic guitar lessons in Huntington Beach

What size acoustic guitar should I buy?

For most adults a full size acoustic guitar will fit comfortably and kids between 10-13 a ¾ size acoustic fits well. For kids under the age of 10 we recommend purchasing a ½ size acoustic guitar.

What should I be listening for when buying an acoustic guitar?

The sound of an acoustic guitar is far less important then the playability. Our guitar repairman is right next door to us. The action on a guitar is the height of the strings from the fingerboard. A lot of cheap acoustic guitars have the action set too high and this makes the playability of the guitar difficult. Don’t give up the first week you start playing  your acoustic guitar’s action is set too high!

I’ve already purchased an acoustic guitar. Can the action be lowered?

If your fingers are hurting too much and you feel that the action is too high you can have the action lowered at Pat McGrath Guitar Repair. He is right next door to AB Music Studios 714-274-3137. Lowering the action on a guitar can make it 100% easier to play! You can ask Pat to put on a set of the lightest acoustic strings. This also makes the playability of an acoustic guitar much easier for a beginner.

How often should I change the strings?

A huge part of the sound of an acoustic guitar is the strings. When the strings are old and corroded the guitar will sound dull. Changing your strings a few times throughout the year will make your guitar sound clear and bright. At a minimum try to have the strings changed once per year. We recommend that you use light to medium-light gauge guitar strings because it’s a lot easier on your fingers.

For a small service charge we can change your strings for you here at AB Music Studios.

AB Music Studios - string changes

What if I’m left handed?

If you’re left handed and you’ve already been playing guitar a little bit then shop for a left handed acoustic guitar. If you’re left handed but you’ve never played guitar before we recommend buying a right-handed acoustic guitar. The advantage is that there is a bigger selection of acoustic guitars to choose from without having to do a special order. Another advantage is that when you go to play someone else’s guitar it will probably be right handed. By changing the bridge saddle and the nut some right-handed acoustic guitars can be converted into left handed . When playing guitar you will be using both hands. In fact the left hand does more of the intricate work.

What is the most important thing to learn on the acoustic guitar?

By far the most important thing to learn on the acoustic guitar is the basic chords and strumming patterns. If you can change between basic chords and strum you can play of thousands of songs. You can learn the basic chords and strumming in your weekly guitar lessons.

Should I use a guitar pick or my fingers?

Most basic songs involve changing between chords and strumming with a pick. You can also learn to strum with your fingers but getting an even and consistent sound is a bit more challenging. Many guitarists use their right hand for fingerpicking, also know as fingerstyle playing. Blackbird, Dust in the Wind, and Landslide are a few good examples of fingerpicking songs. Ultimately you will learn to play with a pick and your fingers. Almost all classical guitar music is exclusively played with the fingers.

How long does it take to learn to play the acoustic guitar?

The answer depends upon how often you practice and how advanced of a guitarist you want to become. Within the first several weeks or months of guitar lessons you will learn the basic chords and strumming. This will enable you to play many of your favorite songs. The more you learn, the more you can see how much there is to still learn. You can always keep learning and improving on guitar throughout your whole life!

How much do acoustic guitars cost?

An acoustic guitar can cost anywhere from $50 to thousands of dollars. You may want to spend between $100 and $250 for an acoustic guitar that plays well and stays in tune. The price of an acoustic guitar is based on the quality of the wood and the overall craftsmanship of the guitar. Guitars made in the USA are generally more expensive. The more expensive brands sound, play, and look better.

You should also purchase a guitar tuner. Tuning a guitar by ear without any experience can be difficult. Simply clip a tuner on to the headstock of a guitar. Then tune each individual string to a note (EADGBE).

 Does AB Music Studios sell acoustic guitars?

Yes! We sell beginning acoustic and electric guitars for students. All of our guitars are easy playing guitars. Our guitar teachers recommended the guitars we sell to give students have a better learning experience. We also sell picks, strings, tuners, capos, straps, guitar amplifiers and effects.

AB Music Studios - Acoustic wall

We’ve been selling guitars and teaching guitar in Huntington Beach since 1981!

Support your local music store in Huntington Beach!

 

We hope this helps you in your search for an acoustic guitar!

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Here at AB Music Studios we offer a wide variety of music lessons –

Guitar, piano, vocal, drums, bass, ukulele, violin, mandolin, banjo, cello,

saxophone, clarinet, flute and more…

 

Please feel free to email us any of your questions at info@abmusicstudios.com

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Andrew Morrison (guitar teacher)

AB Music Studios

19171 Magnolia

Huntington Beach, CA 92646

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