11 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying an Electric Guitar

Are you looking at buying a new guitar but want to educate yourself first on common mistakes people make when acquiring their instruments?

Don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment with an impulse buy. Even if you’re not experienced, it can be hard to tell a bad guitar from a good one. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the features and specifications of guitars before deciding which is the best choice for you.

Also check out – How to tell if a guitar has a good quality

Ignore the Importance of Guitar Size

If you’re a beginner, don’t buy a big guitar. You’ll want a smaller one that is comfortable to play and easy to maneuver. If you get a good guitar as your first, you can always upgrade to a bigger one later on when you’re more experienced.

Basically, you will want to try a bunch and see what is most comfortable for you.

Over Confidence in Your Playing Ability

If you are a beginner, don’t buy an expensive guitar. It can be tempting to buy the “nicest” guitar you can afford, but if you are not good enough to get the most out of it yet, then you’re wasting your money. Save up and get something that is within your skill level. You will improve faster with a good guitar than with a poor-quality one that is difficult for you to play.

Fall for Cheap Construction

You don’t have to spend big bucks on an electric guitar if you are new, but the instrument should still be constructed well. The best acoustic guitars have excellent constructions and warranties. There is no point in playing an expensive electric guitar when it falls apart after a short period of use.

For some people, this may not be an issue, as they will get a good deal (or sometimes free) that is good enough for their needs. Most high end guitars are constructed very well.

But for some beginners, getting a cheaply constructed guitar can be a big problem. The instrument may fall apart quickly or it may not stay in tune at all.

Don’t Keep Your Eye on the Finish

The finish of the guitar should be appealing and professional looking, and durable (which means it won’t fall apart easily). You don’t want your new instrument to look old when you get it and it is used immediately. Keep in mind that scratches on the finish can make it look old quickly.

Forget to Consider Your Playing Style

Do you play quite a bit in a loud and active manner? Then you should consider a heavier guitar. Do you prefer to do it quieter, more mellow and more intimate? You should consider getting a lighter guitar.

Overlook Important Features of a Pickup

You should get a guitar that has inexpensive and easily replaceable pickups, such as humbuckers. A good instrument should have quality-made pickups, which have good tone and are durable.

Incorrectly Determine the Guitar’s Value

Make sure to look at the value of the guitar you want to buy and not let yourself be swayed by its aesthetics or features. It is easy to get overwhelmed with options when shopping for an instrument, so do your research before making a decision.

Forget About Wood Quality and Construction

Overall, you want to look at the quality of the woods being used in the guitar and also make sure that it is constructed well. The wood should be good quality and not made poorly.

Mistake Price for Value Instant Gratification For Long-Term Satisfaction

You’ll have to make a decision on buying an expensive instrument quickly. You will want to take advantage of getting the best deal you can, so keep in mind that you are getting a good deal. But if you buy this way, you’ll be making long-term purchase decisions and your satisfaction is not guaranteed at any point in time.

Not Doing Your Research Online or 3rd Party Testimonials

Before you buy, you will want to do your research online or via third party testimonials or online videos. This will help give you a good idea of what things to look for in a guitar before you go and purchase one.

Doing the Research Yourself Rather Than Going to the Experts

You should do your own research first, rather than going to the experts for advice. They can steer you wrong if their opinion is based on bad experiences with a particular instrument that was damaged. Take the time to do your own research because it will keep you from making a costly mistake.