Buying a Guitar as a Christmas Gift

As a guitar player for over 40 years, I can honestly say that this instrument has changed my life for the better. No, I am not a professional musician nor am I all that proficient at playing the instrument. But oh how this simple device has added pleasure to my life.

Each year at this time, I invariably get asked advice by someone wanting to buy a guitar as a gift . The buyer usually has no experience playing the guitar and is acting on a stated desire by someone else that they want to learn to play guitar. (Often a child)

First thing I offer advice on is that they might consider an acoustic guitar over an electric guitar. The noise level is considerably less with the acoustic guitar and needing an amplifier in addition to the guitar itself does not restrict the student.

Secondly, it is important to establish a budget for the purchase. I highly recommend a medium priced guitar over a low-end unit due to two main reasons: playability and sound satisfaction.

Low-end guitars are usually priced from $50.00 to $ 150.00. The playability of these guitars is very low (hard) due to the high height of the strings off the neck requiring much more force to be used by the fingers to play the chords.

Medium priced guitars ($150.00 and up) will offer easier playability and offer a higher quality wood which in turn produces better quality sound.

Look for guitars that offer solid tops (not laminated tops), as the sound quality will be better. Solid wood sides and backs will also offer much higher quality sound and will improve with age and playing but will also cost more on your initial purchase. Once you have chosen your guitar it would be beneficial to include an electronic tuner and a chord book for the budding student.