Preparing to Play

What is this musical instrument called the guitar? Where did it come from? What types of music can be played on it? What different types of guitars are available, and what’s the best instrument to buy? Before you even pluck a note, you’re faced with all of these questions, and more. But don’t worry. We’ll be with you every step of the way. In this first part of the site, we’ll answer all of these questions—and others—and then you’ll be ready to play your first notes.

1. The Guitar: A Noteworthy History
• The Ancient Roots of the Guitar
• Early Guitar Masters
• The Guitar in America
• The Folk Revival


2. What Is a Guitar?
• The Parts of the Guitar
• Guitar Styles
• More Guitar Talk
• Selecting a Guitar
• Guitar Variants


3. Buying a Guitar
• Before Shopping
• How Much to Spend
• Acoustic vs. Electric
• New vs. Used
• Shopping Tips
• Sound Advice
• Fitting an Instrument to You
• Common Guitar Brands
• What Will a Dealer Do for You?
• Mail Order
• Accessories


4. Strings and Things
• About the Fingers
• The Playing Action
• Strings
• Tuning
• String Stretch