For beginners selecting guitars, consider the following steps to ensure a wise purchase and avoid being misled (Chapter 4)

When selecting a guitar as a beginner, the most crucial aspect to consider is the feel of the instrument. There are two fundamental requirements for a beginner's guitar:

1. Accurate Tuning: The guitar must be able to hold its pitch correctly.

2. Comfortable Playability: This is paramount for ease of learning and enjoyment.

As for the sound quality, it's not the top priority, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Tuning Accuracy: Avoid so-called "firewood" guitars that can't even maintain correct octave tuning. As mentioned earlier, steer clear of such poor-quality instruments, even if your budget is limited. Spending an extra couple of hundred RMB can make a significant difference.

Playability (Feel): The primary factor affecting playability is the action, which refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. This distance should be minimal to ensure that pressing the strings is easy and effortless, making it more accessible for beginners.

Experienced players can typically gauge a guitar's playability by simply playing it. However, beginners who are not yet familiar with playing might struggle to understand what constitutes a comfortable feel. To help with this, let's quantify it:

Focus on the action at two key positions on the guitar: the 1st fret and the 12th fret.

• 1st Fret: The ideal action here is between 1-1.5mm.

• 12th Fret: The ideal action here is between 3-4.5mm.

These measurements can vary slightly depending on the thickness and tension of the strings.

To illustrate, here are two images showing the action at the 1st and 12th frets:

• 1st Fret Action:

• 12th Fret Action:  (Note the two dots on the side indicating the 12th fret)

► Website: www.fanteguitar.com ► Inquiry: hipatti.en.alibaba.com

Additionally, it's important to check the fretboard's smoothness. Specifically, inspect the fret edges. Run your hand from the headstock to the neck joint to feel for any uneven frets. Uneven frets can potentially scratch your fingers during practice, a common issue in cheaper guitars.

Always remember to inspect these details, especially in guitars priced at just a few hundred RMB, to ensure a smoother and safer playing experience.