“I saw a really cheap guitar online that looks awesome, should I just order it?” buying a beginner guitar
The moment you decide to learn an instrument is incredibly exciting. You go online, search for guitars, and are instantly flooded with thousands of options ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹200,000. It is incredibly tempting to just pick the cheapest one that comes in your favorite color and hit “Add to Cart.” buying a beginner guitar
However, buying the wrong first guitar is the number one reason beginners quit within their first month. At Key Tech Music School, we have seen countless students show up to their first online lesson with an instrument that is physically impossible to play. Before you hand over your hard-earned money, here is exactly what nobody tells you before buying a beginner guitar.
1. Beware of the “High Action” Trap
This is the most critical secret in the guitar world. “Action” refers to the distance between the metal strings and the wooden fretboard.
Many cheap, mass-produced beginner guitars have terrible, high action. The strings are set so high off the wood that you need Olympic-level finger strength just to press them down. This causes severe finger pain, cramped wrists, and makes the guitar sound out of tune even when it isn’t. When buying a beginner guitar, always read the reviews to see if people complain about high action. If you are buying in a store, ask the salesperson, “Is the action set low enough for a beginner?”
2. You Must Budget for a “Setup”
Guitars are made of wood, and wood warps during shipping. Even if you buy a high-quality brand like Yamaha or Fender, it might not play perfectly right out of the box.
What nobody tells you is that you should set aside an extra small budget to take your new guitar to a local music shop for a “Setup.” A professional guitar technician (called a luthier) will adjust the neck, lower the strings, and oil the fretboard. A ₹10,000 guitar that has been professionally set up will play infinitely better than a ₹50,000 guitar straight out of a cardboard box!
- Still deciding on the type? How to Choose the Best Acoustic vs Electric Guitar
3. Don’t Buy Based on Paint Color buying a beginner guitar
We get it—you want a guitar that looks cool. A glossy black acoustic guitar looks incredible on a website.
But here is the harsh truth: heavy, thick layers of paint actually choke the wood. Acoustic guitars need to vibrate to create a warm, loud sound. If the wood is suffocated under cheap, thick paint, it will sound dull and plasticky. When buying a beginner guitar, try to stick to natural wood finishes. They usually sound much richer and age better over time.
4. Size Actually Matters (Avoid the “Dreadnought” Mistake)
If you are buying a guitar for a 10-year-old child, or if you are a smaller adult, do not buy a “Dreadnought” sized acoustic guitar.
Dreadnoughts are the biggest, widest acoustic guitars on the market. If the body of the guitar is too big for you, you will have to hike your shoulder up uncomfortably just to reach your arm around it. This leads to back pain and bad posture. Look for sizes labeled “Concert,” “Parlor,” or “3/4 Size.” They are significantly thinner, much easier to hold against your body, and still sound fantastic.
5. The “Amazon Special” Warning buying a beginner guitar
Be incredibly cautious of unbranded “Guitar Starter Packs” on massive retail websites that include the guitar, a case, a strap, picks, and a tuner all for an unbelievably low price.
If the price seems too good to be true, it is. These are often essentially “guitar-shaped toys” made of cheap plywood that will never stay in tune. Stick to reputable, entry-level brands like Yamaha, Fender (Squier), Epiphone, or Ibanez. They design instruments specifically for beginners that are built to last.
- Want to skip the steel strings entirely? The Ultimate Guide: Guitar vs Ukulele for Beginners
You Have the Guitar… Now What?
Buying the right instrument is only step one. Trying to figure out where to put your fingers by watching random, disconnected videos is step two of why beginners quit.
Protect your investment by learning the right way from day one. With modern online classes, you can have a professional instructor guide your hands directly from your laptop.
Stop Guessing, Start Playing! Book a Free Online Trial Session Today.
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