📩 Mail:aco@tcgakki.com
Choosing Your First Instrument｜Acoustic Guitar
Isn't that feeling of "wanting to start" just being left behind?
I want to start playing acoustic guitar
But the more I look into it, the less I know what the right answer is...
• There's too much information to choose from
Reviews and comparisons are everywhere, and in the end, everything seems appealing.
• The way budgets are set is scary
"Too cheap is no good," "More expensive is the right choice"—I'm stuck because I feel like people will say that.
• It's embarrassing to try out an instrument I can't play
I'm anxious about making mistakes in front of the staff, so I avoid going there.
• Used items seem like they'll be a mistake
The thought of "What if things go badly?" comes first.
• I'm worried I might get swept along by the staff
I'm not confident I can tell if it's truly right for me.
Fatigue comes before excitement.That was the first stumble.
That anxiety isn't your fault.
Acoustic guitars are,It's a world completely different from everyday shopping.
• Contains many technical terms
Terms like "single-ply," "neck," and "string height" are all difficult to understand at first glance.
• The price difference is too large
The range spans from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, with no clear benchmark.
• Each one is different
Even instruments of the same model can vary in sound and feel.
And many people,Choosing a hard-to-play guitar leads to giving up.
• My finger hurts
An untuned guitar requires more force than necessary.
• No sound
People often mistakenly think it's because they're unskilled, but the instrument itself can also be the cause.
It's not a matter of talent or effort,It was just that the first one didn't fit.
There are just three ways to choose without making a mistake.
① Appearance
"You can choose based on 'I like this.'"
• It's important to be drawn to things intuitively
The feeling you get when you see something and instantly think, "That's nice," becomes a lasting source of motivation.
• I imagine how it would look placed in the room
Wanting to touch it = You'll naturally play it more often.
Trust your intuition over the correct answer.
② Sound
Your ears are already trained.
• It's okay to judge based on "like/dislike."
What matters most is how comfortable you feel, rather than whether it's professionally good or bad.
• You can still hear the sound even if you can't play it.
Staff will play for you, allowing you to hear the sound objectively.
"I don't understand because I'm a beginner" is just an assumption.
③ Playing feel
This is the one thing you should leave to the professionals.
• Experience the ease of holding and gripping
The ideal shape varies depending on your physique and hand size.
• The ease of pressing can be adjusted
Proper alignment can significantly reduce strain on your fingers.
Most setbacks can be prevented here.
We get things in order before selling.
All guitars we receive are prepared so the next owner can play them with confidence.
• It's okay if you can't play it
Trying out the instrument is not required.
• We do not use technical jargon.
I'll explain assuming you don't know.
• We won't push recommendations on you
If something doesn't fit, I'll say it doesn't fit.
• Honestly describe the condition, even for used items
We will inform you of any necessary adjustments and future changes.
This is especially suitable for people like this.
• I don't want to fail at the very beginning
People who want to keep using it first, not with the intention of replacing it.
• I'm interested in used ones, but I'm worried.
People who want a professional to assess their condition.
• I don't want to give up because my fingers hurt
For those who prioritize ease of play.
• Also considering acoustic performances and live shows
People who want to discuss future usage options.
• I don't want it to be just a one-time purchase
People who want to consider maintenance and growth as well.
With friends by your side, you can keep going—let's enjoy it together!
First, just 30 seconds! We'll recommend the perfect one for you.
Via the chat below or email,Please just tell me this much.
• ① Why do you want to start?
Hobbies, acoustic performances, artists I admire, etc.
• ② Where will you play?
At home, in the studio, outdoors, etc.
• ③ Budget Estimate
It's okay if it's not decided yet.
• ④ Appearance preferences
Color, shape, brand, etc.—vague is fine.
Suitable for you「A resilient oneI propose [the following], with reasons.
📩 Mail:aco@tcgakki.com
Guitar has a world only those who stick with it for a year can see.
That entrance is the very first one.
We'll run alongside you until you get there.
Acoustic guitars come in two main types.
Here we are at the music store. When you step inside and see the overwhelming number of acoustic guitars, you'll probably freeze up thinking, "With this many, how am I supposed to know which one's any good?"To avoid mistakes, let's first explain the types of acoustic guitars. Broadly speaking, there are two main types: the "folk guitar" and the "classical guitar." The folk guitar, which uses steel strings, accommodates a wide range of styles, from "singing while playing" to "fingerpicking" without a pick.
Generally, when people say "acoustic guitar," they mean a folk guitar. On the other hand, the classical guitar—used literally for classical music, bossa nova, and such—uses nylon strings and is played primarily with the fingers, not a pick, to pluck the melody.While folk guitars have a jangly, expansive sound that makes you want to strum away, classical guitars offer a soft, sweet tone perfect for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Incidentally, the classical guitar is also called a "gut guitar." This name comes from the fact that gut strings, made from materials like sheep intestines, were once used.
At first glance, folk guitars and classical guitars look identical, but upon closer inspection, differences become apparent: the body size, the bridge where the strings are anchored, the pegs where the strings are wound, and even the width and thickness of the neck. Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid the mistake of trying to play "Jumpin' Jack Flash" on a classical guitar, like a certain manga protagonist.
Now, let's go over the key points to check when actually choosing an acoustic guitar. With so many guitars lined up, what should you look for? Honestly, this might be the first and biggest hurdle. In stores, I often get asked, "I'm a beginner—what should I look for when choosing?" When that happens, I answer, "A guitar that's easy to play is better than one that sounds great." (← Of course, I actually use polite language in real life.)
Yes, when choosing your first acoustic guitar, I believe the most important factor to prioritize is "playability"!! When it comes to acoustic playability, the first thing to consider is "string height." String height refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard where you press them down. Generally, lower string height means less force is needed to press the strings, making it easier to play.Compared to electric guitars, acoustic guitars naturally have higher string action, so even if you've played electric before, this is a crucial point to check. While some prioritize sound or design over playability, if the acoustic you choose is hard to play, you might end up thinking, "Ugh, my fingers hurt like crazy after practicing yesterday... I'll skip today," or "My fingers hurt again after just a few chords! Nope, skipping today too!""Ugh, seriously! It hurts!" And then the acoustic guitar just gets buried in dust... That's how it can easily go. To keep enjoying playing, we recommend a guitar that's easy to play!!
Next, we check the neck—a crucial component closely related to string height that significantly impacts playability. If you hold a neck in a store, you'll notice they come in various shapes: thick or thin, curved like a semicircle (U-neck), or triangular (V-neck).Since you grip this neck to fret the strings while playing, you'll want to choose a shape that fits your hand. However, preferences for the best shape vary from person to person. Generally, a thinner neck is said to be easier to grip, so starting with a thinner one might be a good idea.
The next checkpoint is "body size." While acoustic guitars may look similar at first glance, there are actually many different types.Body size significantly impacts sound, playability, and of course, appearance. There are three main sizes: First is the "Dreadnought" type. This size is generally the most famous when people think of acoustic guitars. It features a slightly wider body with a shallow waist, making it an all-around size suitable for any style, including strumming and fingerpicking. Second is the "OOO (Triple-O)" type.
Its smaller body makes it an easy-to-play size for women and those of smaller stature. Eric Clapton himself favors this type. Third is the "Jumbo" type. As the name suggests, it features a large body—though not quite a perfect backdrop. Its size allows you to enjoy a deep, resonant sound. Choose based on your preference for each type's characteristics and appearance.While it's often said that the OOO type suits fingerpicking and the Jumbo type suits strumming, playing styles vary from person to person. Some might say, "I wanna strum on an OOO!" or "I wanna pluck away on a Jumbo, so what?" Go right ahead. Discovering your own style is one of the true joys of playing an instrument.
Incidentally, classical guitars don't come in different "types"—they all have essentially the same shape. However, many classical guitars are handmade by luthiers, and each maker's construction methods, size, and shape vary slightly. Naturally, this results in distinct differences in sound between them.
This is the quintessential acoustic guitar body style. True to its appearance, it produces a deep, resonant sound.
Easy to hold with outstanding playability. Features an overall rounded body shape.
Differences in Acoustic Guitar Materials
Now, let's take a quick detour to briefly cover the structure, wood types, and parts of an acoustic guitar.The greatest charm and defining feature of an acoustic guitar is undoubtedly its natural sound. As I've said many times, acoustic guitars fundamentally produce sound from the guitar body itself without an amp, so they have a structure that resonates exceptionally well. Even a light bump can make it ring out with a "thud," which can startle you a bit. Also, playing one in a room produces quite a bit of volume, so those living in apartments with strict landlords should be careful.
And what determines an acoustic guitar's sound is the wood. An acoustic guitar is broadly composed of four parts: the top (face), sides (side panels), back (back panel), and neck. The combination of woods used for the top, sides, and back also changes the sound.
Top material:
Generally, spruce is commonly used for the top. To be precise, spruce includes varieties like Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, and German spruce, each with its own tonal characteristics.Incidentally, while specialists can identify spruce varieties by their grain patterns, for the average person, distinguishing between different spruces by their similar grain is about as difficult as telling apart Osomatsu-kun and Choromatsu-kun at a glance. Spruce is characterized by a somewhat hard texture and a clear, distinct tone. It's said that the sound improves the more it's played.
Another commonly used wood is cedar. Compared to spruce, it is softer and produces a warm tone, making it popular for classical guitars. Like spruce, there are varieties such as "red cedar" and "white cedar."
Side & Back Material:
The sides and back are typically made from the same wood. The most common choices are "rosewood" and "mahogany." Rosewood, characterized by its vertical grain pattern, produces a beautiful sustain and offers excellent balance across the entire frequency range from bass to treble, making it the most popular choice for acoustic guitar sides and backs. Simply put, I believe the combination of spruce and rosewood produces the most quintessential acoustic guitar sound.Mahogany is characterized by its strong midrange and a crisp, clean sound. Personally, I prefer the tone of mahogany. Furthermore, the king of guitar woods is "Brazilian Rosewood." Taxonomically classified as a type of rosewood, the commonly called "rosewood" is "Indian Rosewood," while "Brazilian Rosewood" is what is referred to as "Brazilian Rosewood."Due to current import/export restrictions and its extreme rarity, it's only used in very high-end guitars. Guitars made with Brazilian Rosewood are coveted by players of all ages, from young enthusiasts to seasoned veterans. It's the Madonna of the guitar world, the Masami Nagasawa of male guitarists everywhere. (Just me!?) By the way, using the term "Brazilian Rosewood" makes you sound like a real connoisseur. Go ahead and use it all the time. Other woods include "Maple," known for its strong, hard, bright high tones, and "Koa," which offers a sparkling sustain with warmth and is often used for ukuleles. The tonal differences between woods are a matter of preference, not superiority. Trying them out and comparing them in person is the best way to decide.
Acoustic Guitar Parts and Component Names
Head:
The tip of the neck. While this area often bears the manufacturer's logo, some models feature beautiful decorations or carvings, significantly impacting the instrument's overall appearance.
Peg:
The part where you wind the strings. Available in a wide variety of finishes like gold, chrome (silver), and plastic buttons, making it perfect for beginners looking to customize.
It is a part.
Nut:
Made from materials like cow bone, carbon, and plastic, these small yet crucial components vary in sound depending on their material. Grooves are carved into them to prevent strings from slipping sideways, and since the groove depth also affects string height, they can be considered a counterpart to the saddle.
| Fret: |
| Sound hole: |
Pickguard:
Protects the top plate from pick scratches. Some feature floral or bird designs, while others have unique shapes, making them a stylish accent for acoustic guitars. Note that pickguards are often glued to the top plate, so removal or replacement isn't easy.
| Next, regarding parts, among the many parts, the one I want to emphasize is"Saddle"When buying your first guitar, I mentioned that a lower string height is recommended for easier playability. But actually, even with a higher string height, you can adjust it by tweaking this saddle. Yes, this is the secret trick I hinted at earlier. |
Bridge:
The bridge is a crucial component that not only transmits string vibrations from the saddle to the body but also secures the strings. On a folk guitar, strings are inserted into the bridge's holes and secured with bridge pins.For classical guitars, it's common to wrap the strings around the bridge pins to secure them. Note that leaving strings permanently tensioned can cause the area around the bridge to bulge or the bridge itself to come loose. Therefore, it's recommended to loosen the strings by about a semitone to a whole tone after playing. (This also helps prevent neck warping.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Acoustic Guitar
Q. What exactly is an acoustic guitar? How does it differ from a folk guitar or a classical guitar?
A. Acoustic guitars are broadly categorized into folk guitars and classical guitars, each with distinct sounds and uses. Generally, "acoustic guitar" often refers to folk guitars. Before starting, confirm which type suits your purpose; if unsure, it's best to consult an expert.
Q. I live in an apartment/condominium. Is it okay to play an acoustic guitar at home?
A. Acoustic guitars produce more sound than you might expect and can become a noise issue depending on the environment. It's best to check if the property allows instruments beforehand. If that's difficult, consider playing more quietly or practicing outside.
Q. Is it okay to go to the store even if I can't play at all?
A. It's perfectly fine if you can't play at all. You can also choose by listening to the staff's performance.
Q. Should I avoid buying a used acoustic guitar when starting out?NewWhich is better?
A. For beginners, we recommend pre-adjusted, well-maintained used guitars. Unadjusted used guitars carry risks of being difficult to play or having defects. Used guitars often have settled wood, making it easier to skip necessary adjustment processes. While they may have scratches, you can use them without worrying and tend to grow fond of them. On the other hand,NewThere is the value of being the first owner and the appeal of choosing the latest model.
Q. I'm considering performing live. What should I do?Electric AcousticWhat's that?
A. If you're considering a live performance at an early stage,Electric Acousticis recommended.Electric AcousticThe acoustic guitar can be fitted with a pickup and connected to an amp for amplified sound, but it's also enjoyable to play unplugged. It's helpful to consider in advance whether you'll be using it for live performances.
Q.Electric AcousticWhat are passive pickups and active pickups? What's the difference? Which should I choose?
A. A pickup is a device that captures the sound of an acoustic guitar. Passive pickups don't require batteries but offer limited output and functionality. Active pickups require batteries but provide greater output and may include features like volume and tone controls, or a tuner function. If you primarily use your guitar for live performances, active pickups are recommended. If you only occasionally connect to an amp, passive pickups are also a viable option.
Q.Electric AcousticCan I use it live even if it's not that?
A. Yes, it can be used. For smaller venues, unamplified sound may suffice, and even in live houses, a microphone stand can be used. However, if ease of use is a priority, initially...Electric Acousticis recommended, non-Electric AcousticIts operation is somewhat geared toward experts.
Q. Are cheap guitars no good? What's the difference with expensive guitars?
A. Cheap guitars aren't necessarily bad. What matters is whether they suit your purpose. Clarifying your goals and what you want to do will minimize mistakes. If you find it hard to decide, you can choose the best one for you with some consultation.
Q. Which should I prioritize: appearance, sound, or playability?
A. All are important. To maintain a pleasant experience, it's best to choose based on a comprehensive assessment. If pressed, appearance can be prioritized since it tends to influence perceptions intuitively.
Q. I'm worried I'll get bored of it soon after buying it...
A. It's perfectly fine if your initial motivation is vague, but basing your decision solely on budget often leads to regret. It's best to consider all options, including affordable ones. The key to sticking with it is to keep returning to "what you want to achieve," starting with the parts of songs you can play and building up a sense of accomplishment.
Q. Should I buy a method book?
A. Instruction books often contain well-thought-out content designed to help you improve, and they're especially useful for maintaining motivation if you're inspired by a professional musician you admire. On the other hand, if you already know specific songs you want to play, a songbook might be a better fit. Nowadays, free videos on platforms like YouTube are also abundant, so it's a good idea to start by using videos and then choose instruction books or songbooks as needed.
Q. I have small hands (short fingers). Will I be able to play?
A. With practice, you'll be able to play it well enough. Choosing a guitar that fits your body and feels comfortable to play can help you improve. It's best to actually hold it and check how easy it is to cradle and how well it fits.
Q. I can't read sheet music at all. Is that okay?
A. No problem. Guitar tabs are common, and many people learn by watching videos. There are plenty of resources available even if you can't read sheet music, so there's no need to worry excessively.
Q. Is it true that your fingers can get so sore you can't play anymore?
A. When you continue practicing, your fingers will hurt at first, but gradually your fingertips will toughen up and the pain will lessen. You can also make it easier to press the strings and reduce the pain by adjusting the guitar.
Q. What else do I need besides the guitar itself?
A. The absolute essentials are a pick and a capo. Useful extras include a clip-on tuner and a guitar stand for storage (note: protect from temperature/humidity fluctuations, air conditioning drafts, sunlight, children, and pets). For live performances, you'll need a strap and a cable. Strings are consumables, so having spares is advisable. For transport, a gig bag offers a good balance of lightness and protection.
Q. What type/size of strings do you recommend?
A. As a standard, easily comparable set of strings, we use D'Addario EJ16 (.012-.053). Standard gauge strings produce a rich tone and are easy to play when properly tuned. If your fingers feel sore or the strings feel stiff, you can temporarily try thinner strings and switch back to standard gauge once you've adjusted.
Q. What should I do if a string breaks?
A. Please rest assured that a broken string is not considered a malfunction. You can handle the replacement by referring to instructional videos or similar resources.
Finally
So, have you found that "This is it!" guitar yet? Now all that's left is...Head to the store!.
The staff at the shop are all friendly and approachable, happy to listen to your circumstances or preferences. Feel free to strike up a conversation.
If you're visiting from afar, we hope you'll explore various places using this site.♪
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