Starting Guitar Lessons? What Type of Guitar Is Right for You?

If you’re interested in taking guitar lessons in South Jordan or any of the surrounding communities of norther Utah, there’s one very basic question that must be asked first: What kind of guitar do you want to play?

Before you can begin learning an instrument, you have to know what instrument is the one for you, after all.

Choosing the type of guitar you want to learn can be quite a task if you’re a beginner. Here is what you need to know to help you make the right choice before you start your guitar lessons.

The Types of Guitars

There are several types of guitars to choose from: classical guitars, electric guitars, and acoustic guitars. Each type of guitar has several variations, but you can get into it later after you choose the general type of guitar you want to learn.

In general, acoustic guitars produce sound by vibrating strings, usually made of metal, that are tied to a resonating box. A classical guitar does the same thing but uses nylon strings in most cases instead to produce the sound. Both guitars look quite similar.

Electric guitars are the most different. They produce sound through electromagnetic pickups that are amplified. However, before you choose the type of guitar you want to play, you should think about the style of music you want to play and some other considerations.

Musical Styles of Guitar

Some types of guitars are better suited to certain musical styles than others. The first step in choosing a guitar is to think about the type of music you want to play.

Classical guitars are better suited for 20th and 21st-century music as well as Brazilian styles or Flamenco. An acoustic guitar is best for folk, folk rock, country, blues, and alternative music. And, as you may have guessed, an electric car is best suited for rock, dance, disco, grunge, funk, jazz, and hip-hop.

Physical Considerations

There are also physical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a guitar. These include things such as physical playability, which comes into play most often for children, adults with smaller stature, and those with physical limitations or injuries.

A child may not be able to use their hand strength to press down on the strings of an acoustic guitar or hold a heavy electric guitar for an extended period of time. That’s why young kids may be better suited for classical guitars.

For anyone with an injury or physical limitation, it’s important to think about their particular needs. If you will have difficulty holding a heavy guitar due to a shoulder injury, for example, then you might not want to choose an electric guitar. If you have a rotator cuff injury you’re struggling with, then an acoustic guitar might not be right for you.

The best way to determine which instrument to start with is to let an experienced music instructor walk you through all the different considerations. If you’re unsure what type of guitar best meets your physical needs, then talk to the experts at The Piano Place today.

Learning to play guitar is exciting! Start it off right by understanding what type of guitar is the right one for your Utah guitar lessons.

“Music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
- Billy Joel
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