As a former music store employee, I understand that visiting a guitar shop can be daunting, especially for beginners. However, I want to reassure you that most shop staff are not only welcoming but eager to help you find the perfect . Their goal, and mine, is to ensure you leave with a guitar that suits you best and becomes the catalyst that ignites your passion for music.
Before I began my career as a full-time writer for Guitar World, I spent nearly a decade working behind the counter of a bustling music shop in the heart of Dundee, Scotland – in fact, the photos used to illustrate this article were taken at my old stomping ground, . During my time at the store, I gained a wealth of experience selling everything from high-end Custom Shop to entry-level acoustic guitars, and not to mention my own guitar collection has gotten wildly out of hand as of late – so you could say I know a thing or two about purchasing instruments. My aim is to make the process of buying your first as stress-free as possible.
I'm here to guide you through the steps of purchasing an instrument and testing it in a store, and I'll even give you a few tips to save a little money in the process. Like all important purchases, it pays to do your research. When it comes to beginner acoustic guitars, there are so many on the market, and each model offers something slightly different.
My advice is to put in the work early on; it will make the process a whole lot easier later, and you'll feel more prepared.
