Probably the most influencing factor in whether you become a guitarist or not is the quality of the first instrument you own. Nothing turns a beginner off quicker than a crappy instrument that is difficult, if not downright painful, to play. It's almost impossible to progress if you're hindered by a guitar that, for example, buzzes at certain frets, or whose intonation is out (meaning it will never be able to be tuned), or whose action is so high that it hurts to make a chord.

If at all possible, take some one with you to the store who knows about guitars. Remember, the salesman has his own reasons as to why you should purchase either this or that guitar. Don't jump into anything and shop around. Hopefully, you will already have played at least a bit on a friend's instrument , and you'll have an idea of what you're after.

Here are some things to consider:

* Price. You don't have to spend a fortune in this day and age to buy a very good instrument. If you're following my suggestion that you begin on a nylon string guitar, a few hundred dollars will buy you a fine instrument to start out on. The more you can afford, of course, the better guitar you'll take home with you. Remember, the better the instrument, the longer you'll have it. The first good guitar I bought (A Swedish-made Goya Nylon string) in 1967, is still with me, leaning up against the wall as I write.

* Brand. Don't worry too much about brand. Guitars are very individual. You can find a gem of a guitar of unknown brand, and conversely a dog of a well know brand. This is one of the least important factors to consider.

* Workmanship. I'm not talking about an expert opinion here, I mean look for obvious flaws, like: jagged edged frets, poor finish, tuning pegs that don't turn properly etc.

* Straight neck. It's easy enough to sight down the length of the neck. It should be dead straight. If you see any kind of bowing, twisting or warping, forget it.

* Action. A word used to describe the distance that the strings are from the fretboard. This can be adjusted to a degree, but guitars with very high action should be rejected.

* Tone. The guitar should ring when you strike a note and it should take a while for the note to fade. Brand new guitars in the shop should have new strings on them., so if they don't ring, or the note dies away quickly or suddenly, forget it. You'll probably never get it to sound good.

* Playability. The most important factor of all. Even if you know very little about playing, does it feel good in your hands* Can you slide your hand up and down the neck without feeling any nasties -- like fret edges or rough finish* Can you get some kind of vibe for it

* Could this guitar become your friend?

OK, so you've bought your guitar... now you can start your free lessons here:
http://guitarforbeginners.com

The "Guitar for Beginners" site has been created by Kirk Lorange. Kirk writes this week to let you know that all the links to sound files on the site have now been corrected and should play beautifully! Have a listen:
http://guitarforbeginners.com

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Buying a Guitar