Purchasing a starter guitar is a wonderful way to take up a great hobby and create beautiful music. If you plan to invest in a guitar, there are a few things to consider. This guide will provide you with the basic steps that you should take when evaluating a guitar for a beginner. It's possible to buy a very cheap starter guitar but if guitar playing is something you are strongly attracted to, you might want to look a little more closely at your first purchase.  The following buying tips should help.

Take a look at the neck.

The neck of the guitar is a critical component when you are considering what kind of music it will create. Never buy a guitar with a bent neck. If you play a few notes and they sound out of tune, the neck might be warped. Also, always choose a neck that fits your hand well, as they do come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Playing a guitar that really fits you will prevent you from developing painful carpal tunnel syndrome.

Listen to the tonal quality.

Every guitar has a unique and different sound. You want to find one that sounds beautiful and not distorted. Play a few chords and see if the sound is crisp, deep, and bright. If it's tinny sounding or dull then this might be an instrument that you want to avoid.

Look for cracks in both the neck and body.

Whether buying new or used, only purchase a guitar that is well-made and has not been the victim of abuse. You can do this by making sure that the guitar doesn't have any serious flaws present in the wood. Do you see cracks? Are knots present? If you answer yes to either of these questions then you should question the integrity of the instrument.

Get a feel for the action of this instrument.

Action is a word that describes how the strings are set, whether they are high or low on the instrument. Avoid a guitar where the strings are set too high, as they might be difficult to push down in order to get the sound you want. Also if they are set too low they can interfere with the frets, meaning that a constant buzzing sound will occur. Be sure to play a few chords so that you can get a feel for the action and ensure that the guitar gives you the sound and feel you want.

Consider your price point.

This is the final step to mention, but it might be the first thing that you want to consider. If you go into a music store without a price point in mind, you might just spend too much. This is because guitars come in all types, shapes and sizes, and each is set at a different price point. Be sure to evaluate your level of use for the guitar when deciding how much you're willing to pay. If you're buying a starter guitar or are fairly new to guitar playing, and might only use the guitar as an occasional hobby instrument, then you can probably spend less. If you are a more professional player or plan to use your guitar to create an income, then spending more might be worth your while.

When buying a new guitar, there are many things to consider. Several of the important questions that you should ask have been mentioned here. Be sure to take your time to find a guitar you'll love and ensure that it is a good quality instrument before making your purchase. This way you will be able to enjoy your instrument for many years to come.