| So, you're looking to buy your first electric guitar for | | | | Good brand name guitars will also hold their value |
| yourself, or perhaps a gift for a young budding | | | | should you ever want to sell them. |
| musician. Buying your first guitar can seem like a | | | | Consider buying a used guitar. Unlike computers or |
| daunting task. With so many different brands and | | | | electronics used and older guitars don't become |
| models available today it can be difficult to decide | | | | obsolete. You can find some fantastic deals on lightly |
| which guitar to purchase. Here are some helpful tips to | | | | used guitars that may have some light cosmetic signs |
| help you make the best choice. | | | | of wear but will perform just as well as a new |
| I can't stress enough how important it is for new guitar | | | | instrument. Some people even feel that a used guitar |
| players to start out with a good quality instrument that | | | | has been 'worn in' and will play even better than a new |
| is easy to play. Electric guitars, in general, are easier to | | | | one. Most of these guitars will have already been set |
| play than acoustic guitars because of their lighter | | | | up properly and ready for play. Another advantage of |
| gauge strings and lower playing action. They require | | | | buying used guitars is that you may find instruments |
| much less hand strength to fret the strings and are | | | | that have been upgraded by their former owners: new |
| much easier on beginner's uncalloused fingers. A quality | | | | pickups, strap locks, and custom graphics to name a |
| guitar will assure maximum comfort and ease-of-play | | | | few. |
| while beginners are starting out. Otherwise, young | | | | Another great option in guitar value is to consider |
| players can easily get discouraged with an instrument | | | | Factory 2nd and refurbished guitars. These guitars |
| that is hard to play and painful on their fingers. | | | | may have slight cosmetic blemishes or factory repairs |
| For consistency in quality I would recommend sticking | | | | that prevent them from being sold as new instrument. |
| with a well-known brand name guitar rather than a | | | | They usually sell for significant discounts from their |
| cheap knock-off or reproduction. Spend a little more | | | | new counterparts. Besides minor blemishes you are |
| money to invest in a quality instrument. Many of the | | | | practically getting a brand new guitar. |
| bigger guitar brand names will offer affordable lines of | | | | Seek the advice of someone you may know who |
| guitars specifically targeting beginners. For example, the | | | | plays guitar. Most experienced players will be familiar |
| Fender guitar company offers their Squire line of | | | | with the various brand names and can help guide you |
| guitars. The Gibson guitar company has their Epiphone | | | | in your decision. Guitarists love to talk about guitars, |
| guitar models. These guitars look and play like their | | | | and this is a great way to get some honest advice |
| more expensive counterparts but are much more | | | | without the pressure of the salesman pitch. |
| affordable, often hundreds to thousands of dollars less. | | | | Follow these tips and you're sure to find an affordable, |
| Other popular brands such as Ibanez, Jackson, BC | | | | great quality guitar that will provide you with reliable |
| Rich, Gretsch, and many others offer lower-end | | | | performance and music for years to come. |
| affordable models alongside their premiere models. | | | | |