Beginner Acoustic Guitar Players: 5 Questions to Answer Before Choosing an Instrument

Playing a musical instrument is a fantastic way to escape from the daily grind, but you’re entering a versatile world with a lot to learn. Even if you know you’ll be playing acoustic guitar, you have to pick the category apart before buying your first instrument because there are countless different styles, which impact the sound quality and much more. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of questions to answer before you go shopping. 

Where Will You be Playing the Guitar?

If you’re a casual player that’s going to sit down the majority of the time, you’ll need to find a model with a small body because they’re much more comfortable. However, if you’re going to be jamming with friends, you’ll need to choose a guitar with a larger body because it will produce more sound. Finally, if you intend to get up on stage and play live, you’ll need an electro-acoustic guitar with a decent pick-up. To leave a jaw-dropping good first impression on your audience, consider investing in one of these exclusive Froggy Bottom acoustic guitars.

What is Your Play Style?

The way you play will also contribute to your choice of acoustic guitar. For example, if you’re a little heavy-handed when you pick, you’ll need a more full-bodied instrument that packs a punch. Whereas, if you have a delicate play style, a smaller acoustic guitar will suit you just fine. Alternatively, if you sit between the two, then opt for a medium-bodied guitar that will ring softly but still deliver for those heavier strums. 

Which Genres Do You Enjoy Playing?

There are hundreds of genres out there, but folk, bluegrass, country, and rock are the most associated with acoustic guitar. Before buying your first instrument, you’ll have to decide what genres you’ll be playing because different-shaped guitars align better with some genres than others. Check out the following:

• Rock strumming: Achieve a richer sound for chords with a medium guitar. 
• Bluegrass/flatpicking: Medium to large acoustic guitar, like the dreadnought. 
• Country/blues fingerpicking: Plays extremely well on small or medium-sized acoustic guitars. 

Do You Have Specific Tones in Mind?

The tonewood and body shape of an acoustic guitar may not seem important on the face of it, but they’re actually vital for achieving sought-after tones. Mahogany is perfect for mid-tones; rosewood lends itself to lower tones; and cedar is the go-to for achieving a warm ring from fingerpicking. If you choose a small acoustic guitar, you’ll find the tonal clarity is much more appealing. Whereas, if your instrument is large-bodied, you’ll discover there’s much more bass and volume.

Will You be Singing and Playing Guitar?

Acoustic guitars are perfect for having a sing-along, but your choice of instrument will make or break the overall sound. In most cases, rosewood guitars are great for singing because they’re set to the correct frequency.

Choosing an acoustic guitar can be difficult, but you’ll have a much easier time after answering the questions above.