Your First Guitar
After the first article I published on how to choose your handmade guitar, my teacher Ana Jenaro suggested that it would be interesting to also write about how to choose your first guitar, especially for children. Her student, who is also a teacher, Elena de Blas, made the same suggestion, and she also recommended that I create a series of chapters on this topic.
Initial reflection: why it’s not a toy
Selecting a guitar from several options, regardless of their quality, requires careful thought, research, and time. The first thing we must understand is that a guitar is an instrument with a purpose, and it is essential that it fulfills this purpose correctly. In other words, it is not a toy. I mention this not because I believe that those reading this article do not understand this basic point, but because it is not the first time that we have encountered customers who, in an attempt to save money or due to ignorance, have arrived at the workshop with toy guitars bought from toy stores or markets that do not stay in tune, are uncomfortable to play, or simply do not work.
Buying second-hand guitars: risks and tips
It is also common to be visited by people with second-hand guitars, which, in principle, should not be a problem. However, when buying through these channels, many focus primarily on the price and the guitar’s appearance, but overlook the most important question: Is the guitar playable? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Although I provide a brief summary in this article, I encourage you to read the article written by my aunt Amalia on this subject:
How to Assess a Second-Hand Guitar.
What to check on a used guitar
The first piece of advice I can offer anyone choosing this route is to be accompanied by someone who knows how to play the instrument well. The two key factors to check are tuning and comfort. Playing an instrument should be a pleasure, not a struggle. Avoid guitars with strings (*1) that are too high, which make it impossible to lower the bridge bone (*2), protruding frets (*3) that get in the way when playing, and buzzing sounds (*4) on various parts of the fingerboard. It is also worth checking if the bridge (*5) is starting to peel, or if the top, back, and sides (*6) have cracks that are not repaired. The varnish plays an important role in protecting the wood, so we must pay attention to it if we want to avoid problems later on. Additionally, check for vibrations in the top (*7) that could indicate a detached internal component, an issue with the fingerboard, or other causes.
Choosing a new guitar for beginners
When buying a new guitar, it is logical and highly recommended to choose an affordable instrument if the child or adult is just starting out and is unsure whether they will stick with it. That is why we do not recommend opting for a higher-end guitar, as one cannot fully appreciate or enjoy the instrument until a certain level of technique is reached. In this article, I am only able to speak about the guitars available in our shop on Calle de la Paz, although other stores or specialized workshops can also advise you well. The most affordable guitar we have for sale in our store in Madrid is from the brand Córdoba and costs €190. It has a spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides.
Guitar sizes for children
Generally, small guitars are not designed for children under 6 years old. However, not long ago, both Ana and a student and teacher friend of hers, José Emilio Navarro, told me that in these cases, they used a guitalele, tuning it to E (instead of A, a fourth above) and using guitar strings instead of guitalele strings.
The smallest guitar we have in the store is the 1/4 size, followed by the 1/2 size, colloquially called “cadet,” and the largest is the 3/4 size. I cannot provide an age recommendation because everything depends on the child’s size. We should always prioritize comfort to prevent frustration and ensure they continue enjoying their learning journey. If in doubt, it is better to buy a slightly smaller guitar than one that is too large.
When should you switch to an adult guitar?
Another common question when buying a guitar for a child is when to transition to an adult guitar, which can last a lifetime if properly cared for. As I mentioned earlier, this transition typically occurs between 11 and 12 years of age, but it depends on the child’s size, and it is not advisable to rush the change. I will continue to emphasize that comfort is essential for enjoying music and obtaining satisfactory results. The ideal situation is for the teacher to assist the student in their choice, especially in the beginning, as their experience will be invaluable.
Contact
For any questions, you can contact our store via WhatsApp or call 680 122 262. You can also reach us by email at tienda@guitarrasramirez.com.
Notas
(*1) Strings are wires that are attached to the guitar. They wear out over time with use, and they need to be replaced. This is not a repair, but similar to changing a battery. We recommend learning how to do it yourself as soon as possible, as it is faster and cheaper than taking it to a specialized place.
(*2) The piece where the strings are tied, which also contains a bone piece embedded in a groove that helps regulate the comfort within limits. The nut only affects the first 3 frets.
(*3) Metal elements that are attached to the elongated piece of wood where the fingers of one hand are placed.
(*4) The elongated piece of wood where the frets are placed.
(*5) The piece of wood under the soundhole (round hole) to which the strings are attached.
(*6) Cracks that appear in the wood, mainly due to not controlling the relative humidity or from pressure at certain points. It is recommended to repair them because, over time, they will tend to open up and could cause the detachment of an important internal part.
(*7) The front part of the guitar where the fretboard, strings, bridge, and soundhole are located.
