(Part 1) How to Choose What Kind of Guitar to Play?
While there are many different types of guitars out there, first, you would have to ask yourself what style of music you are interested in learning. The Guitar is used in a variety of musical styles such as the classical, flamenco, jazz and blues, rock, metal, Latin, etc.… The electric guitar is associated mostly with rock and metal styles of playing as well as some jazz and blues. On the other hand, there are two types of acoustic guitars. First, nylon string classical guitar which is used in playing classical guitar music. For example, on a classical guitar you can play the music of JS Bach, Tarrega and arrangement of famous classical composers’ works such as Chopin and Brahms and many others. You can also play almost any solo guitar arrangement of any popular song or jazz standard. The second type of acoustic guitar is the one with steel strings. If you are interested in accompanying yourself or others singing popular tunes or holding a blues groove you may choose the steel string acoustic guitar.
Nevertheless: it is recommended for beginners to start their guitar learning journey on a classical nylon string acoustic guitar. The nylon strings are the gentlest for the fingers in contrast to steel string acoustic or electric guitar. In addition, by choosing to play on a classical guitar first, you get to train and develop the fingerstyle playing, where all your right-hand fingers are involved in the playing. Also, learning classical repertoire serves as great means to understanding music theory and harmony. After learning the fundamental techniques of classical guitar playing and learning basic theory and harmony, one can choose to start learning other types of guitars and study the plectrum technique.
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(Part 2) What Size Guitar Should I Buy?
One of the most important aspects of easing the process of learning a new musical instrument is to make sure you feel comfortable playing it. It is very important to have the right size guitar for you or your child. Spending many hours practicing on an instrument that is too big or too small for your body can lead to serious technical problems and possible injuries in the future. While for most adult students a full-size instrument will be perfect, it is a bit trickier deciding the appropriate instrument size when it comes to younger students. Generally, students between the ages of 6-8 are advised to play on a 1/2 size guitar. 8-12-year-olds, 3/4 size guitar and in most cases ages 12+, full size guitar. It is important to understand that these groupings are approximations and each student’s case may be slightly different depending on the height, gender and the muscle strength of the student. Therefore, it is advised to check with the teacher or even try out different size instruments before deciding which one to buy.
Article by: Saro Babikian
Saro Babikian started playing the classical guitar at age 10 in Damacus, Syria. He attended the Solhi Al-Wadi Conservatory of Music in Damascus. In 2012 he performed at the Damascus Opera House in a concert hosted by the Ministry of Culture, for outstanding students of the conservatory. Later that same year he moved to Los Angeles and continued his guitar studies with the renowned Armenian guitarist Sarkis Turgutyan. In 2015 he was admitted to the University Of Southern California Thornton School Of Music Classical Guitar Program under the instruction of Scott Tennant and William Kanengiser. Saro also takes flamenco lessons with Adam del Monte at USC He graduated with honors with his BM degree in classical guitar in 2018 and been awarded scholarship from USC Thornton to continue his master’s studies in classical guitar performance. Saro has participated in numerous masterclasses with renowned musicians and guitarists such as David Russell, Pepe Romero and Paul O’Dette. Saro was also awarded several awards in various guitar competitions such as 2nd prize at the G&O Andriassian Classical Guitar Competition in. 1st prize at International music competition in Serbia. Saro was invited as a guest artist to the 3rd Yerevan International Guitar Festival for in Yerevan, Armenia in 2017. In February 2019 he appeared as a Guest Soloist with the Port Townsend Symphony. Saro also composes and arranges original works for the guitar. Saro enjoys passing his artistry and experiences to his students, both young and old!
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