Friends often ask me how to play guitar or what guitar instruction to use". My answer is usually "it's not so much how to play guitar or what guitar instruction to use but rather, what guitar to play.

They're In For Some Pain

If they've never played before I usually explain to them that they're in for some pain.

In the early stages of practice, when you're learning how to play guitar, pressing your fingers down hard on metal or nylon strings tends to hurt.
It does become less painful the more you practice but choosing the right guitar in the first place is just as important.

If you want to become proficient at playing guitar and guitar licks you're going to have to practice hard so the more comfortable you are the better.

Don't Stick Your Neck Out

If you're looking for a new or second hand Acoustic check the distance between strings and the last fret (nearest the body of the guitar). The strings should be as close as possible to the fret without actually touching it or causing the strings to "buzz" when played. The higher the strings from the fret the more pressure is needed by the fingers causing pain and soreness.

Holding the guitar like a rifle, sight along it's neck to ensure that the neck is straight and true. If the tension of the strings is causing the neck to pull inwards this will increase the distance between string and fret. The further along the string you go the greater the distance. Expensive or inexpensive, never by a guitar like this. I've known people who have been put of learning how to play guitar for ever due to this fault.

Clutter Free

It's a good idea to own a good quality Acoustic Guitar even if you already own and play an Electric Guitar. The extra effort required on the fingers to play your Acoustic will make it much easier to play your Electric Guitar, a bit like athletes strapping weights to their legs when they train and of course, sometimes, it's much easier to grab your Acoustic for some practice than set up your Electric Guitar.

You may be fortunate enough to have your Electric Guitar and or Guitar Software set up to play at any given instant but for many guitarists it's a case of having to set up amps and leads, speakers and have access to electricity and to a computer in the case of guitar software.

No Need For Power

This is another great reason for owning an Acoustic Guitar. It might be that you have been invited to a picnic or a camping trip or any situation where access to electricity would be difficult if not impossible. All you have to do with your Acoustic it pick it up and take it with you.

Instant Jam

Often you here a piece of music on the Radio or TV and you've just got to try and play along with it. Just reach out and grab your trusty Acoustic and get the tune down before the moment has passed.

With an Acoustic Guitar to hand you can always practice, you can always play and you can always have a great time.