Yamaha CSF1M Acoustic guitar

Beginner guitarists should know a few things before purchasing their first instrument.

1. Guitar Price

Acoustic guitar prices range from Rs.3000 to 1+ lakh. Find a guitar that meets your budget. Our advice to beginners is that you should pick a good guitar that is comfortable to play and has got a great tone. As you start picking the skills you will be more knowledgeable to pick the one that will suit the style and genre you want to play.

2. Guitar Body

Acoustic guitar bodies vary. The dreadnought is a big guitar with a rich sound. The concert guitar has a mellower sound, whereas the jumbo guitar is relatively a bigger-bodied guitar with a bigger sound. If you travel often and like to take the guitar with you, choose a guitar with a smaller body size.

3. Guitar Neck

Acoustic guitar necks vary in shape. The most common neck shape is a C, which most players find comfortable. Other neck shapes include V, which is better for larger hands, and U, better for smaller hands.

4. Guitar Top

Acoustic guitar tops vary. The most common top is spruce, a softwood with a bright, clean tone. Popular tops include cedar for a warmer sound and maple for a brighter sound.

5. Acoustic Guitar String Gauges

The most common string gauge is light, which most players find comfortable. Popular string gauges include medium (pleasant for larger hands) and heavy (friendly for smaller hands).

6. Brand

When purchasing an acoustic guitar, it is also essential to consider the brand. There are many different guitar brands available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research the different guitar brands before making a purchase. The well-established brands have spare parts support that helps us in the long run and great after-sales service across the country.

7. Truss Rod

A truss rod is a rod that runs beneath the fretboard. A guitar neck is made in wood and is therefore prone to bending due to climatic changes and also due to different tension of guitar strings depending upon the gauge and tuning. The role of the truss rod is to keep the guitar neck straight offsetting or countering the guitar neck from bending. All the ten guitars we have shortlisted have a truss rod. (The cheaper guitars generally don’t have a truss rod and as a result when the guitar neck bends, the guitar loses playability.)