Have your children or students beat that popular guitar video game and now want to play the real one? Well, we at West Music are here to help you with your guitar buying needs. So what kind/style of guitar is best for your learner?

Have your children or students beat that popular guitar video game and now want to play the real one? Well, we at West Music are here to help you with your guitar buying needs. So what kind/style of guitar is best for your learner?

Acoustic Vs. Classical

You can choose from 2 basic models: Acoustic and Electric. Acoustic guitars can either have steel strings (often referred as Acoustic guitars or Steel-string Acoustic guitars) or with nylon strings (called Classical guitars). Electric guitars are your typical rock and roll guitars and even acoustic guitars with electronic components typically fall under this category. But your child might not be ready to start performing for the world yet, so we will talk about acoustic and classical guitars, since they will be the most affordable. They are even made in several sizes, ranging from ½ sizes (great for elementary schools) to full (adult).

The Strings

If we compared the Steel-string Acoustic guitar with the Classical, you might notice a difference. Earlier we said that Acoustic guitars have 2 different set of strings: steel strings and nylon strings. Steel strings are similar (but not the exact same) to the ones electric guitars uses, while the nylon strings ancestors were animal guts (yes, they actually did use animal guts for strings). The important thing to know is that these strings cannot be swapped with the other set of strings. If you purchase a steel string guitar, you must continue to use steel strings that are for acoustic guitars. The same goes for Classical guitars and the nylon strings. Steel strings exert a much different amount of tension than nylon strings.

Practice

So which one is the best for your child or student to learn to play on? Both types will make their fingers tender and sore at first, but this will not be a problem with a little time and practice. Steel strings, however, will take a little longer to get used to as compared to the nylon (nylon is softer than steel). So if your child is sensitive to discomfort, the classical guitar will be your best choice. Heed this advice though; both strings will make their fingers sore. There is a way to help: practice. Only through practicing will it start to be comfortable.

The Neck

Another difference is the neck. Acoustic (steel strings) have narrower necks, which is ideal for small hands. Acoustic guitars are also usually outfitted with strap buttons (for that child on the move), while classical guitars usually don’t. Don’t fret though, buttons are very inexpensive and most guitar shops can easily install them (even though it sounds simple, don’t install them yourself; let the professionals help you out).

In Conclusion

So hopefully you have an idea on what guitar might be best for your children or students. So go ahead and browse around westmusic.com and check out our specials on all types of guitars, guitar accessories, books, DVD/CDs, tuners, metronomes, etc. The list goes on. We even offer great packages on guitars, software, accessories and cases. Even if you decide away from the guitar, we offer ukuleles and autoharps at great prices. No need to thank us, we love enriching you and your child’s lives through participation.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment Preview