Sometimes this is easy, and sometimes this is hard. First, try not to second-guess a feeling when you know you’ve found the right guitar. All too often a person laments the guitar that got away, so when one inspires you in a way that you know is right, act on it.
Now, if that doesn’t come to you, and you’re shopping for a guitar among many options, try to define what the guitar is meant to do for you.
- Is it a one-time purchase to solve all your guitar needs for life, or
- is it a guitar to fit a particular musical style or desire?
Most people have multiple guitars because they have multiple needs and play many styles. For instance,
- a small-bodied guitar might be perfect for fingerstyle, but
- you might want a larger guitar for strumming
This is where people get confused. It’s so much easier if you try not to make each guitar solve every musical problem, especially if you’re a person who already knows you need more than one guitar. However, even with these challenges, you will eventually like one particular guitar more than the others, and when that happens, go for it!
A guitar’s body shape + the tonal properties of woods + player technique = guitar tone
In other words, a guitar’s dimensions generate the guitar’s fundamental sound, the types of woods used for the guitar help flavor that sound, and the way one plays interacts with those tonal attributes.
The idea is to choose a body shape and combination of woods that respond well to the way you play.
For example,
- if you’re a lively strummer who wants a lot of volume, a small-bodied guitar may not be right for you
- if you’re a fingerstyle player who craves a warm sound with rich overtones, maple probably won’t cut it
Working out your own personal tone equation will help you find some great model options.
Questions to Ask Yourself before choosing a guitar:
What is my playing style?
strumming
flat picking
fingerstyle
other
What do I want it for?
Versatile use
Specialist use
Solo
Band
Where will I play it?
Home
Gigs
Studio
{ 0 comments }