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Tips on Choosing a Guitar for the Beginner Guitar Student

Tips on Choosing a Guitar for the Beginner Guitar Student

For those who are interested in playing electric guitar, we recommend products for various budgets, colors, types, and brands! The reasons why you want to start playing guitar may vary; to find a new hobby, to play your favorite songs, and because it looks cool. If you read Sound House Beginner’s Guide, you will definitely find your perfect ‘first guitar’!

1. Benefits of Choosing Electric Guitars

There are two main types of guitars: electric guitars and acoustic guitars.
Roughly speaking, if you play in a band, an electric guitar would be better for you, and if you play guitar and sing, it’ll be an acoustic guitar. Of course you can also play electric guitar while singing, and you can play acoustic guitar in a band. Basic playing methodologies can be applied to both electric and acoustic guitars, so it’s okay to change out your guitar later.

Electric guitars cannot play loudly without an amp, but some people like to play them with different amplifiers and effectors to create a library of tones. Also, the fun part about owning electric guitars is that the sound greatly changes by replacing the parts.

2. What is your budget?

Guitars have different finishes, materials, and looks depending on the price range.
“I want to make it as cheap as possible because it’s my first guitar.”
“I want to use it for a long time, so I want to buy a good guitar from the start.”
Everyone has his/her own idea, but at Sound House you can buy a guitar for less than 10,000 yen. Generally speaking, expensive guitars have better playability and sound, but of course the price is not everything.
We would like you to start and enjoy your first guitar at an affordable price, so we have a list of price ranges that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

≫ List of PLAYTECH Electric Guitars

Choose from Price Range

Choose from Electric Guitar Sets

List of ELectric Guitar Sets

3. What color of guitar would you like?

Have you decided what color of guitar you would like? There are various colors of guitars, so one way to choose your guitar is by how it looks, like “I want one that looks like my favorite guitarist’s!” or “I want to stand out in the band!” An instrument you might think is cool should be the one you can love for a long time. Find your favorite color and appearance!

Black
White
Sun burst
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Pink

4. What are the types of electric guitars?

ST-type

The ST-type has three pickups that gives you a wide choice of sound creation. The action is standard, so even beginners can easily pick it up and start playing! Some models are installed with a humbucker pickup to reduce noise.
TL-type

The TL-type can be described as the original solid body electric guitars. The TL-type features a jaggy treble compared to the ST-type. The sound is suitable for strumming.
LP-type

It features two humbuckers, and is noise-resistant. Enjoy a thicker and more powerful sound with the LP-type unlike the ST-type or the TL-type!
Mustang

Originally it was sold as Fender’s student model Mustang. It is a short-scale guitar which is easier for women and those with smaller hands. Another feature is the tremolo bridge that allows for smooth arming.
Jaguar/Jazzmaster

The Jazzmaster is a model released by Fender as a guitar intended for jazz music. Its sound, which combines richness and sharpness, was embraced not only by jazz musicians but also by surf music players. The Jaguar, based on the Jazzmaster, incorporates specs like a short scale. Its sharp, gritty sound became beloved among grunge and alternative rock musicians.
Full Hollowbody Electric Guitar

The full hollowbody electric guitar has a fully hollowbody, so you can enjoy a warm sound like an acoustic guitar! This model is preferred by jazz musicians.
Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar

It looks like an acoustic guitar, but it has a wood block inside the body that sounds like something between a solid guitar and a full hollowbody guitar. Since it is more resistant to feedback than the full hollowbody, some guitarists use it for rock. The Gibson ES-335 is an example of a famous semi-hollowbody guitar.
Odd-Shaped Guitar

If you want a guitar that leaves a strong impression and stands out on the stage, this is the one! It uses a large amount of wood, so you can get a sound that other guitars can’t produce. The Gibson Flying V and the Gibson Explorer are famous odd-shaped guitars.
Other

PLAYTECH also has a lineup of other types of guitars such as the SG style models. Check here if you’re looking for a guitar that will stand out!
Left-Handed Guitar

Here is the list of left-handed guitars for beginners. Sound House also has a large selection of left-handed guitars!

5. What are the characteristics of the brands?

We have a big lineup of guitar brands, from standard brands to the more rare brands that are only known from the top guitarists’ inner circles.
Since every brand has different strengths in design and craftsmanship, knowing what kind of brand is available will be an advantage in choosing the best one.
Here, we will introduce the features of our main brands!

PLAYTECH is the in-house brand of musical instruments by Sound House.
In addition to electric guitars and amplifiers, we also offer small items such as strings and picks with surprising quality and price.
PLAYTECH is especially recommended for those who are just starting to play musical instruments as well as experienced musicians. We are creating a rich lineup that fulfills everyone’s desires.

SQUIER is a sister brand of Fender which was introduced in 1982.
We have a large lineup of the SQUIER electric guitars and basses with a great value.
These instruments are meant to grow with the student even when he/she becomes advanced enough to play more difficult music material. SQUIERs are available in a variety of models from vintage-inspired designs to modern designs.

FENDER is a famous electric guitar brand.
They have produced world standard guitar models such as the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, and they are still loved by many top guitarists.
FENDER actively creates innovative products without sticking to traditional models.

YAMAHA is a famous Japanese audio and musical instrument manufacturer that boasts overwhelming approval from Japanese and foreign musicians and engineers.
They manufacture not only electric guitars but also many musical instruments such as pianos and wind instruments.
Produced with advanced technology and careful inspection unique to Japanese manufacturers, YAMAHA products have been loved by all generations of musicians.

IBANEZ is a guitar and bass brand owned by Hoshino Gakki.
They are loved by the world’s top guitarists and they have put out many signature models.
IBANEZ produced Steve Vai signature model, UNIVERSE, and has become the first brand in the world to mass-produce 7-string guitars.

GRASSROOTS is one of the brands from Japan’s world-class top guitar manufacturer, ESP.
They have produced a number of great value guitars that are perfect as entry-level models, as well as budget editions of artist models.
Eye-catching designs unique to ESP is another attraction of the GRASSROOTS brand.

See all brands

Now is the time to take action if you’re only thinking about learning how to play the guitar!
Once you get your own guitar, the next step is to take the [Sound House Lessons for Beginners!: Guitar lessons for beginners] course. Please check it out. There is a list of content full of useful information for guitarists!