Choosing your first instrument | Acoustic guitar

Has your desire to "start" been left behind?

I want to start playing acoustic guitar.
But the more I research, the less I know what the right answer is...

• There's too much information to choose from.
There are so many reviews and comparisons that, in the end, everything seems good.

• I'm scared of how the budget is decided.
I'm hesitant to act because I'm afraid people will say, "It's no good if it's too cheap," or "The more expensive it is, the better."

• It's embarrassing to try out an instrument when you can't play it.
I'm afraid of making a mistake in front of the staff, so I tend to avoid going there.

• Buying used items seems like a bad idea.
The first thing that comes to mind is the thought, "What if it's in bad condition?"

• I'm worried I'll be swayed by the store staff.
I'm not confident I can judge whether it's truly right for me.

Exhaustion comes before excitement.That was the first stumbling block.

That anxiety is not your fault.

An acoustic guitar isIt's a completely different world from everyday shopping.

• Contains a lot of technical jargon.
Terms like solid wood, neck, and string height are all difficult to understand at first glance.

• The price difference is too large.
The price range is wide, from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, and there's no clear standard.

• Each one is in a different condition.
Even with the same model, there can be differences in sound and playability.

 

And many peopleChoosing a guitar that's difficult to play will lead to frustration and giving up.

• My finger hurts
A poorly adjusted guitar requires more force than necessary to play.

• No sound
It's easy to mistakenly think, "It's because I'm not good enough," but the instrument itself could also be the cause.

It's not a matter of talent or effort,The first one just wasn't right.

There are only 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 something intuitively.
The feeling of "I like this" the moment you see something can become a long-lasting driving force.

• Imagine what it would look like in a room.
It makes you want to touch it, which naturally increases the number of times you play it.

Trust your intuition rather than the correct answer.

 

② Sound
Your ears are already developed.

• It's OK to judge based on "like/dislike".
What matters more than professional standards of good or bad is whether it feels comfortable to you.

• You can hear the sound even if you can't play it.
A staff member will play for you, allowing you to hear an objective sound.

"I don't know because I'm a beginner" is a misconception.

 

③ Playing feel
Leave this to the professionals.

• Experience how easy it is to hold and grip.
The best shape will vary depending on your build and hand size.

• Ease of pressing can be adjusted.
If you adjust them correctly, you can significantly reduce the strain on your fingers.

Many setbacks can be prevented here.

We prepare everything "before selling."

All guitars that arrive are prepared so that the next person can play them with peace of mind.

• It's okay if you can't play it.
Trying out the instrument is not mandatory.

• No technical jargon will be used.
I will explain assuming you don't understand.

• I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do.
If something doesn't work, I'll say it doesn't work.

• Even if it's a used item, we will honestly describe its condition.
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 the first time.
For those who want to continue using their current device, rather than immediately planning to replace it.

• I'm interested in used items, but I'm worried.
People who want a professional to assess the condition of their item.

• I don't want to give up because my fingers hurt.
For those who prioritize ease of playing.

• I'm also considering playing guitar and performing live.
People who want to discuss future usage plans as well.

• I don't want it to be a case of "buy and forget."
People who want to consider maintenance and growth as well.

Having friends makes it possible to keep going, so let's have fun together!

First, just 30 seconds! We'll suggest the perfect product for you.

Please contact me via the chat or email below.Please just tell me this much.

• ① Why do you want to start?
Hobbies, singing and playing guitar, favorite artists, etc.

• ② Where will you play it?
At home, in the studio, outdoors, etc.

• ③ Budget guideline
It's okay if it's not decided yet.

• ④ Appearance preference
It's okay to be vague about things like color, shape, and brand.

Suitable for you「A book that's hard to give up on.We propose this, along with the reasons why.

 

📩 Mail:aco@tcgakki.com

💬 Chat: From the button in the bottom right

There's a world to be seen only by those who stick with playing the guitar for a year.

That entrance is the first one
We will accompany you until you reach that point.

There are two main types of acoustic guitars.

...And here we are, at the music store. When you step inside and are confronted with a vast number of acoustic guitars, you'll probably find yourself standing there, thinking, "With so many options, I have no idea which one is right for me..." To help you avoid making a mistake, let me first explain the different types of acoustic guitars. There are two main types of acoustic guitars: "folk guitars" and "classical guitars." Folk guitars, which use steel strings, can accommodate a wide range of styles, from "singing and playing" to "fingerpicking" without using a pick.

Generally, when we say "acoustic guitar," we're referring to a folk guitar. On the other hand, a classical guitar, as the name suggests, is used for classical music and bossa nova, and it uses nylon strings. The melodies are typically played with the fingers, without a pick. While folk guitars have a bright, resonant sound that makes you want to strum them, classical guitars have a soft, sweet tone that's perfect for a more romantic atmosphere. Incidentally, classical guitars are also called "gut guitars." This is because they used to use gut strings made from sheep intestines (gut).

At first glance, folk guitars and classical guitars may look the same, but there are differences in body size, the bridge where the strings are attached, the tuning pegs where the strings are wound, and even the width and thickness of the neck. If you understand these differences, you can avoid the mistake of trying to play "Jumpin' Jack Flash" on a classical guitar, like the protagonist of a certain manga.

Now, let's look at some key points to consider when actually choosing an acoustic guitar. With so many acoustic guitars on display, what should you check? This might actually be the first and biggest hurdle. I often get asked in stores, "This is my first time, what should I look for when choosing?" When that happens, I answer, "Choose a guitar that's easy to play rather than focusing on the sound." (Of course, I actually use polite language.)

That's right! When choosing your first acoustic guitar, I think the most important thing to consider is "playability"! When it comes to playability, the first thing to mention is "string height." String height is the distance between the strings and the fretboard where you press down on them. Generally, the lower the string height, the easier it is to play because you don't need to use as much force to press down on the strings. Acoustic guitars naturally have higher string heights than electric guitars, so even if you've played electric guitars before, you should definitely check this. There are also people who choose based on sound and design, putting playability second, but if you end up with an acoustic guitar that's difficult to play, you might end up thinking, "Ah, my fingers hurt so much after practicing yesterday, I'll skip it today," "My fingers hurt again after playing a little! I'll pass again today!", "Ugh, it hurts!" and the acoustic guitar ends up gathering dust... To continue enjoying playing, I recommend an easy-to-play guitar!

Next, we'll check the neck, a crucial part that is closely related to string height and greatly affects playability. As you'll see when you actually hold the neck in a store, necks come in various shapes, such as thick or thin, semi-circular (U-neck), and triangular (V-neck). When playing, you hold the neck and press down on the strings, so you'll want to choose a shape that fits your hand, but what shape is best is a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, thinner necks are said to be easier to hold, so it might be a good idea to try a thinner one first.

The next checkpoint is "body size." Acoustic guitars may look the same at first glance, but there are actually many different types. The body size makes a big difference in sound, how easy it is to hold, and of course, the look. There are three main sizes. The first is the "dreadnought" type. This is the size that is generally known when people talk about acoustic guitars. It is a versatile size that can accommodate any style, such as strumming or fingerpicking, with a slightly wider body and a shallow waist. The second is the "OOO (triple O)" type.

It features a smaller body, making it a comfortable size for women and those with smaller statures. Even Eric Clapton uses this type. The third is the "jumbo" type. As the name suggests, it's characterized by a large body, not a perfect back drop. Due to its larger size, you can enjoy a deeper, more resonant sound. Choose the one that best suits your preferences in terms of characteristics and appearance. It's generally said that the OOO type is suited for fingerpicking and the jumbo type for strumming, but playing style varies from person to person. Some people might say, "I want to strum on an OOO!" or "I want to strum on a jumbo, so what?" Go ahead and do it. Finding your own style is one of the joys of playing a musical instrument.

Incidentally, there are no specific "types" of classical guitars; they are basically all the same shape. However, many classical guitars are handcrafted by luthiers, and the construction, size, and shape vary slightly depending on the luthier, and of course, this results in differences in sound.

This is a classic acoustic guitar body style. As its appearance suggests, it produces a deep, resonant sound.

It's easy to hold and offers excellent playability. The body has an overall rounded shape.

Differences in materials used in acoustic guitars

Now, let's take a short detour and briefly explain the structure, wood, and parts of an acoustic guitar. The greatest charm and characteristic of an acoustic guitar is, without a doubt, its natural sound. As I've said many times, since an acoustic guitar basically produces sound from the guitar body itself without using an amplifier, it has a structure that resonates very well. Even a light bump will produce a resonant thud, which can be quite startling. Also, it can be quite loud to play in a room, so please be careful if you live in an apartment with a strict landlord.
And what determines the sound of an acoustic guitar is the "wood." An acoustic guitar is made up of four main parts: the top (soundboard), the sides (sideboards), the back (backboard), and the neck. The sound changes depending on the combination of wood used for the top, sides, and back.

Top material:
Generally, spruce is commonly used for the top of guitars. More specifically, there are different types of spruce, such as Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, and German spruce, each with its own distinctive sound characteristics. Incidentally, there are specialists who can identify the type of spruce by looking at the grain, but for the average person, identifying a type of spruce from similar grains is about as difficult as distinguishing between Osomatsu-kun and Choromatsu-kun at a glance. Spruce is characterized by its somewhat hard and clear tone. It is said that the more you play it, the better it sounds.

Another commonly used wood is cedar. Compared to spruce, it has a softer, warmer tone and is often used in classical guitars. Like spruce, there are varieties such as "red cedar" and "white cedar."

Side & back material:
The sides and back of a guitar are basically made of the same wood. The most common are rosewood and mahogany. Rosewood, characterized by its vertical grain, has a beautiful sustain and a good balance from low to high frequencies, making it the most popular wood for the sides and back of an acoustic guitar. Simply put, I think the combination of spruce and rosewood produces the most characteristic acoustic guitar sound. Mahogany is characterized by a strong midrange and a bright, crisp sound. Personally, I prefer the tone of mahogany. Another wood that can be called the king of guitar woods is jacaranda. It is classified as a type of rosewood, but what is commonly called "rosewood" is actually "Indian rosewood," while "Brazilian rosewood" is called jacaranda. Currently, there are restrictions on import and export, and because it is an extremely rare wood, it is only used in high-priced guitars. Guitars with jacaranda are the object of admiration for people of all ages, from young to old, and can be called the Madonna of the guitar world, or the Masami Nagasawa of men. (Is it just me!?) By the way, using the word "jacaranda" makes you sound a bit more sophisticated. By all means, use it as much as you can. There are also various other types, such as "maple," which is characterized by its strong, hard, and bright tone, and "koa," which has a warm feeling in its sparkling resonance and is often used for ukuleles. However, the difference in sound depending on the wood is a matter of preference, not good or bad. I think it's best to actually play them and compare them.

Parts and names of components of an acoustic guitar

head:
The tip of the neck. This is often where the manufacturer's logo is inscribed, but depending on the model, it may also have beautiful decorations or engravings, which greatly influences the overall look.

Pegs:
The part where the strings are wound. Available in a wide variety of options including gold, chrome (silver), and plastic buttons, making it perfect for beginners in customization.
These are the parts.

nut:
There are various types, including cow bone, carbon fiber, and plastic, and although small, this part shouldn't be underestimated, as the material affects the sound. It has grooves carved into it to prevent the strings from slipping sideways, and the depth of the grooves also affects the string height, so it can be said to be a part that works in conjunction with the saddle.

fret:
These are metal rods embedded in the fretboard, and the pitch changes depending on where you press them down. When pressing down on the strings, pressing around these areas will produce a clear sound.

Soundhole:
A hole that releases the resonant sound created inside the body by string vibrations. It is the most distinctive part of an acoustic guitar's appearance.

Pickguard:
Pickguards protect the top of the guitar from scratches caused by picks. Some feature floral or bird decorations, or have unique shapes, making them a stylish addition to any acoustic guitar. However, be aware that pickguards are often glued to the top, making removal or replacement difficult.

Next, regarding the parts, among the many parts, the one I want to emphasize is"saddle"As mentioned earlier, when you first buy a guitar, it's recommended to choose one with a low string action for easier playing. However, there's actually a way to change the string action even on guitars with high string action by adjusting the saddle. Yes, this is the trick I hinted at earlier.
Some might think, "Well, if I choose based on sound and looks, I can just adjust it later, right?" However! Adjusting is not as easy as it sounds; it requires the skilled technique of filing the saddle flat down to the millimeter. If done incorrectly, it can cause sound degradation or buzzing, so be sure to consult a store employee or repair shop before attempting it.

bridge:
The bridge is an important part that transmits string vibrations from the saddle to the body and also secures the strings. On folk guitars, the strings are inserted into holes in the bridge and secured with bridge pins. On classical guitars, it's common to wrap the strings around the bridge to secure them. Note that leaving the strings taut for extended periods can cause the area around the bridge to bulge or even cause the bridge to detach, so it's recommended to loosen the strings by 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? What are the differences between it, a folk guitar, and a classical guitar?
A. Acoustic guitars are broadly divided into folk guitars and classical guitars, which differ in sound and purpose. Generally, "acoustic guitar" often refers to a folk guitar. Before starting, it's best to confirm which type you want, and if you're unsure, it's a good idea to consult someone.

Q. I live in an apartment/condo, is it okay to play acoustic guitar at home?
A. Acoustic guitars are louder than you might imagine, and depending on the environment, they can cause noise problems. Check if the property allows musical instruments, and if not, it's a good idea to consider things like playing softly 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 an instrument by listening to our staff play.

Q. Is it better not to choose a used guitar when starting out with acoustic guitar?NewIs that better?
A. For beginners, a well-adjusted, used guitar in good condition is recommended. Unadjusted used guitars carry the risk of being difficult to play or having defects. Used guitars often have wood that has settled, making it easier to skip necessary adjustments. They may have scratches, but you can use them without worrying about them and easily develop an attachment to them. On the other hand,NewIt offers the value of being the "first owner" and the appeal of being able to choose the latest model.

Q. I'm thinking about performing live. What should I do?Electric AcousticWhat is that?
A. If you are considering a live performance at an early stage,Electric AcousticI recommend this.Electric AcousticThis acoustic guitar has a built-in sound pickup device, allowing you to connect it to an amplifier and produce loud volumes, but it's also perfectly enjoyable to listen to without it. It's a good idea to consider beforehand whether you'll be using it for live performances.

Q.Electric AcousticWhat are passive and active pickups? What's the difference? Which one should I choose?
A. A pickup is a device that picks up the sound of an acoustic guitar. Passive pickups do not require batteries, but their output and functions are modest. Active pickups require batteries, but they have a higher output and may have features such as volume and tone adjustment, and a tuner function. If you mainly use it for live performances, an active pickup is recommended. If you only occasionally connect it to an amplifier, a passive pickup is also an option.

Q.Electric AcousticEven if not, can it be used in live performances?
A. Yes, it's possible. In small venues, acoustic sound may suffice, and even in live music venues, microphones can be used. However, if you prioritize convenience, start with [a different approach].Electric AcousticThis is recommended,Electric AcousticUsing it in this environment is somewhat more for experienced users.

Q. Are cheap guitars no good? What's the difference between cheap and expensive guitars?
A. Cheap guitars aren't necessarily bad. The important thing is whether it suits your purpose. If you can clarify your purpose and what you want to do, you'll reduce the chances of making a mistake. If it's difficult to clarify, we can help you choose the perfect guitar.

Q. Which should I prioritize: appearance, sound, or playability?
A. All of them are important. To make it enjoyable to continue using it, it's best to choose based on all factors. If I had to choose one, appearance is something you might want to prioritize because it has a strong intuitive influence.

Q. I'm worried that I'll get bored of it quickly after buying it...
A. It's okay if your reason for starting is vague, but you're likely to regret it if you decide based solely on budget. It's a good idea to consider cheaper options as well. The key to continuing is to go back to "what you want to do" and practice the parts of songs you can play that you want to play, building up a sense of accomplishment.

Q. Should I buy a tutorial book?
A. Instructional books often contain well-thought-out content for improvement, and they are especially helpful for maintaining motivation if your inspiration comes from a professional musician. On the other hand, if you already know which songs you want to play, a complete song collection might be more suitable. Nowadays, there are plenty of free videos on YouTube and other platforms, so it's a good idea to start by using videos and then choose an instructional book or complete song collection as needed.

Q. My hands are small (my fingers are short). Will I still be able to learn to play?
A. With enough practice, you can definitely learn to play. Choosing a guitar that feels comfortable to play will help you improve. It's best to actually pick it up and check how easy it is to hold and how it fits you.

Q. I can't read sheet music at all, is that okay?
A. No problem. Tablature is common for guitar, and many people learn by watching videos. There are plenty of resources available for learning even if you can't read sheet music, so there's no need to worry excessively.

Q. Is it true that your fingers will hurt and you won't be able to play anymore?
A. Your fingers will hurt at first if you continue practicing, but your fingertips will gradually harden and the pain will lessen. You can also adjust the guitar to make it easier to press down on the strings and alleviate the pain.

Q. What else do I need besides the guitar itself?
A. The minimum essentials are a pick and a capo. Useful items to have are a clip tuner and a guitar stand for storage (be careful of temperature, humidity, air conditioning drafts, sunlight, and keep out of the sight of children and pets). For live performances, a strap and cable are necessary. Strings are consumables, so it's reassuring to have spares. For transport, a gig bag that strikes a good balance between lightness and protection is recommended.

Q. What type/size of strings do you recommend?
A. As a standard and easy-to-compare string, I use D'Addario EJ16 (.012-.053). Standard sizes tend to produce a richer sound and are easy to press down if properly adjusted. If your fingers hurt or feel stiff, you can try thinner strings temporarily and then switch back to standard strings once you get used to them.

Q. What should I do if a string breaks?
A. Please rest assured that a broken string does not mean the instrument is broken. You can find instructions on how to replace it by referring to instructional videos and other resources.

lastly

So, have you found that guitar that you think is "the one"?Let's go to the store!is.
The staff at the shop are all friendly and will listen to anything you have to say about your circumstances and preferences. Please feel free to talk to them.


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Author of this article:Advance Guitars Store Manager Inoue - Vintage Guitar Researcher

Having been involved with musical instruments since childhood, he is an expert who has been involved in the appraisal and sale of thousands of vintage guitars. He has strong connections with collectors and dealers overseas. Believing that "the history of a guitar changes with even a single color or stamp," he strives to provide detailed and passionate explanations.

Qualifications and experience: Eight years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser, contributing articles and supervision to Guitar Magazine and other publications.

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