How to Choose the Best Guitar for the Type of Music You’re Playing

With so many different types of music that feature the guitar as a main instrument, you would be right to imagine that there are many different types of guitar available.  When you are choosing a guitar ready for guitar lessons, to perform with or just to play at home for fun, you will want to make sure that you are getting the right fit with the music style that you want to play.

Classical or Country Music

Acoustic guitars are great for those who are just learning to play, as well as those who want to play folksy, classical or country music.  You can find different makers and different sizes in any decent guitar shop.  If you’re left handed (like Paul from the Beatles), you’ll be pleased to know that yes, they make left handed guitars in both acoustic and electric styles.

Punk/Rock Music

Those who play punk rock style music that has a crisp and punchy sound will often find that the Les Paul is the guitar of choice.  Those who play any of the many different types of rock often choose Fender guitars, which are lighter than the Les Paul is, and offer a different, cleaner sound. 

Flying V Guitar

If you like to play heavier rock music or Heavy Metal, a popular type of guitar is the ‘Flying V.’ This ‘V’ shaped guitar was first manufactured by Gibson in 1957.  In the mid-60s, Jimi Hendrix made this new type of guitar extremely popular.  Due to its nontraditional appearance, it is beloved by rebels and those who seek to look just that little bit edgier whilst playing the guitar.

Country Music

Many country players also use Fenders (just look at Taylor Swift). Some who wish to go unplugged also favor the Les Paul style, which also has an acoustic version with a larger hollow body and two open sound holes in the body.

Hollow Sounds

For those who like to rock out, choosing an arch top guitar is ideal for its steel strings and hollow sound.  For the advanced player, a 12-string guitar is a versatile and beautiful instrument.

With so many different manufacturers and types of guitar on the market, it can be time consuming to decide which one to choose.  One of the best things you can do is to take a trip to your local music store and sit down with a few different guitars.  Even if you don’t play well right now, you will be able to get a feel for the guitar and see if you like the sounds that it makes.

Of course, the instrument is only as good as the player.  You will find that what you put into the guitar as a player is ultimately the most important aspect of how good you will eventually become.