Buying a guitar can be a great source of fun. Going from shop to shop playing countless guitars, searching through magazines, and browsing various web sites but, unless you are aware of some pitfalls, it can all end in tears. Firstly there are several questions you need to ask yourself before you buy a guitar: What type of guitar do I wish to purchase (acoustic/electric)? What is the purpose of the purchase (learning/fun/professional)? Here are some strategies to use when buy a guitar so that you get the guitar that is the perfect fit for you

Never underestimate the aesthetic value of a guitar. You want to feel proud of your instrument. A well crafted guitar is beautiful piece of art. Some collectors hang their guitars on walls like paintings. Moreover, pick it up and play it. If it doesnt feel right straight away move on. Is the neck too thin or is it too fat? Can you get your fingers up to the higher frets comfortably? Are the frets too large or two small? Basically, does the guitar feel right for you?

Glued on necks are the next most robust guitar neck and many guitars are made with glued on necks. The bolt on neck is the least robust and can allow for sideways movement of the neck if the bolts loosen. So if buying a bolt on neck guitar ensure that the neck is straight not twisted and there is no sideways movement in the neck. Fender guitars have bolt on necks.

This is also a good check for the action of the guitar. The action is how far the strings are above the frets. Most rock guitarists like a low action (strings closer to the frets) as it allows them to play more quickly and use less pressure to fret a string. Jazz and some blues players prefer a slightly higher action as they can get more purchase on a string and thus more feel. Also with a higher action there is less chance of fret buzz. Slide players like a very high action as they never fret the strings and a higher action whilst playing slide gives the guitar a cleaner sound

Quality guitars are made from quality wood. Ask the seller what wood the guitar you are interested in purchasing is made from. Cheap no name guitars use cheap wood and dont advertise the type, so the dealer may not know if you are spending $200 on a cheapie. Gibson Les Pauls are made from mahogany, with a rosewood or ivory fret board. Fender Stratocasters are made from ash or alder with a maple neck and sometimes a rosewood fret board. Good acoustic guitars are usually made from mahogany with a spruce top, maple neck and rosewood fret board.

The last step that you need to remember in learning how to buy a guitar is to consider the amount that comes in buying it. You may find a good guitar at a cheaper cost in a different music store. The tendency of a person is to buy the first guitar that he sees in a store after evaluating its features. Remember that a same guitar can be offered in a different store with a lower price. The best thing that you need to do in determining how to buy a guitar is scout for the prices of the guitar you want and negotiate with the sales person.