How to Shop for a Guitar (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Buying a guitar should be exciting but for a lot of students and parents, it quickly turns into confusion:
Why are some guitars $100 and others $1,500?!
They all look kind of the same… right?
How do I know if this is a good one?
Here’s the truth:
The “right” guitar isn’t about brand names or price tags, It’s about finding an instrument that feels good to play, one that makes us want to pick it up.
Let’s walk through how to make a great choice without overthinking it.
1. Prioritize Playability Over Everything
If there’s one thing to get right, it’s this: The guitar needs to be easy to play.
A guitar that’s difficult to press down, uncomfortable to hold, or awkward to fret will slow progress fast. It can also be one of the biggest reasons we lose interest early on.
Here’s what to look for:
Low string height (action): Strings shouldn’t feel hard to press
Comfortable neck: Not too thick or bulky for our hands
Proper size: Younger kids may need a smaller body guitar
No buzzing or dead notes: Every note should ring clearly
A well-set-up, easy-playing guitar makes everything feel more achievable. A poorly set-up guitar makes everything feel frustrating. That difference matters more than anything else.
2. Go Somewhere You Can Try a Lot of Guitars
Shopping online might seem easier, but this is one time where in-person is absolutely worth it.
Go to a store with a wide selection, somewhere you or your kid can actually sit down and try multiple guitars back-to-back.
Why this matters:
You can compare how different guitars feel
You’ll quickly notice which ones are easier to play
Your child can choose what feels comfortable (and exciting)
If possible, bring your current guitar with you, this gives you a baseline:
Does the new guitar feel easier?
Does it sound better?
Is it more comfortable to hold?
Even small differences become obvious when you compare side by side.
3. Be Careful Buying Online
Buying online can be tempting, especially when you see a good price or fast shipping, but here’s the catch:
Every guitar is a little different.
Even two guitars of the exact same model can feel completely different:
One might play smoothly
Another might have higher strings or rough frets
When you buy online, you don’t get to choose which one you receive. Even if you’ve tried that exact model in a store, there’s no guarantee the one shipped to you will feel the same.
If you do buy online, just be prepared:
You may need a professional setup
You may need to return or exchange it
It might not feel like the one you tried
Whenever possible, it’s better to choose the exact guitar you’re taking home.
4. Don’t Overthink Brands and Specs
It’s easy to fall into the trap of researching endlessly:
reading reviews
comparing woods
debating brands
Those things matter but not nearly as much as how the guitar feels in your hands.
A simple rule:
A comfortable, well-playing guitar beats a “fancier” one every time.
5. Let Your Child Be Part of the Decision
This might be the most underrated tip. If your child likes how the guitar looks and feels, they’re more likely to pick it up.
That could be:
the color
the shape
the sound
or just “this one feels cool”
That emotional connection matters more than most people think, we want them to want to play it.
Final Thought
The best guitar isn’t the most expensive one, it’s the one you will actually play.
If it feels good, sounds good, and makes you excited to pick it up, you’re on the right track, and if you’re ever unsure, feel free to bring your guitar to a lesson.
We’re always happy to take a look and help guide you in the right direction. 🎸