How do I choose a good acoustic guitar?

When choosing the right acoustic, you need to ask yourself some questions. What kind of music do I want to play? Is a smaller instrument that is easy to transport what I am after? Do I want something to accompany vocals or a guitar well suited to instrumental performances? It can be a bit daunting if you are unfamiliar with all the choices available such as the different woods and body sizes. Keep your goals in mind. For example, if you want to perform as a solo act then a dreadnought guitar may be the best choice for you due to its full sound. Or you may simply prefer the look of one wood over another. If you are unsure where to start then taking a look at our Sound Bites videos on YouTube may be a great way to see and hear what sounds best for your needs. Nothing beats trying out a number of acoustic guitars to see what suits you best. And remember the golden rule - always trust your ears!

What is the best acoustic guitar for beginners?

The best guitar is one that you love and want to keep practicing on! If you are a younger player then considering a smaller bodied guitar such as a 3/4 size may be the way to go. We recommend you check out the Yamaha F310, Eastcoast guitars and Valencia guitars as a starting point.

How hard is it to learn acoustic guitar?

This depends on the individual. Learning acoustic will feel like second nature to some. Others may have to invest more practice time to get the results they are looking for. One thing that will certainly make learning easier is a willingness to commit a good amount of time to practice. Finding a good acoustic that you enjoy playing will also keep you wanting to spend time with the instrument. Hearing your progress and finally nailing that song you've always wanted to play will make you feel like anything is possible!

What size acoustic guitar should I buy?

For younger or smaller players, 1/2 and 3/4 size guitars are a great choice. Many players also choose an acoustic guitar body size based on the type of sound they want to create. For example, a dreadnought body (one of the most popular shapes) is a great choice for singers due to the full sound it provides. On the other hand, a parlor body is much smaller and gives a more delicate and focused sound. Keep in mind which is most important to you - size or sound.

What is the difference between acoustic and classical guitar?

The main differences between an acoustic and a classical guitar is the type of strings they have and the sound they produce. Acoustic guitars are strung with steel strings while classical guitars have nylon strings. The strings feel different and have a distinct difference in tone. Steel strings create a bolder sound, making acoustic guitars the standard choice for most modern music. Nylon strings produce a more delicate sound and have the benefit of being a bit more gentle on the fingers of a beginner.