Choosing a Guitar
Decide whether you want an acoustic or an electric guitar.
Decide whether you buy a new or used guitar.
Go to guitar shops.
Don't be swayed by popular brand names.
For acoustic guitars, a spruce or cedar top is ideal.
A cheap, badly made guitar is no fun to play.
When you sit down with the guitar in a normal playing position, you should be able to reach the soundhole easily.
The strings should be at a comfortable height from the frets.
The frets should be even, and none of them should stick out more than the others.
If you have thick fingers, a wider neck will make it easier for you to play.
If you have small hands, a narrow neck is more comfortable.
On an electric guitar, all the switches and knobs should work smoothly.
In a electric guitar the controls should be in a convenient place.
Good electric guitars are usually heavy as a result.
Have someone else play the guitar for you before buying one.
If you buy a good guitar and you never play it, you can always sell it.
Essentials
A flight case or hardshell case.
A strap.
Something to tune with.
Strings.
Picks.
Book of songs with simple chord diagrams.

Guitar Checklist

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