If you want to buy a beginner guitar, but don't know where to start - you have come to the right place. The article that follows will highlight 7 very important things you should look for before you buy.

After reading it you will be able to make the right decision - you won't spend more money than it is necessary and you will know how to choose a guitar that is not a "lemon".

So, without further ado - let's get started

1.Style of music you are interested in playing

It is true that the basic skills required to play guitar are the same no matter what style you are interested in. On the other side you should know that some guitars are better for playing particular style than others. Knowing the style you will be playing, should also help you decide whether you need an electric or acoustic guitar.

2.Tone quality of the guitar

What I am talking about is the unique sound of each individual instrument. What do you hear when you strum the strings?

Is the sound deep or soft, tinny or dull? What you should look for is a guitar that resonates clearly.

3.How high/low strings are set on the fretboard

Why is that so important? Because, it affects the playability. If the strings are high it will be hard for you to push them down. If they are set too low - most likely they will interfere with the frets. The result would be buzzing sound as you play the guitar.

So, if you have settled on a particular guitar - do this before you fork out the money - play each string at every fret up and down the neck, using the first finger of your left hand. If you don't hear any buzzes, the guitar sounds in tune and it is easy to push the strings down - then go ahead and buy it.

4.Straight neck

It is very important that the neck is straight for the intonation to be consistent. What that means is that when a specific chord or note is played at different point along the neck it will remain in tune.

It is possible for the chord or tone to sound out of tune, if the neck is either crooked or warped. To check it, all you need to do is look along its edge.

You should see a straight line beginning from the base of the body and continue on up to the base of the head.

5.How does the neck feel in your hand

It is very important that the neck feels right in your hands. They come in a variety of shapes - some have a v-shaped angle to them and some are round.

In general - thin necks are most suitable for small hands, but at the same time they are not as strong as the heavier ones.

Last, but not least - keep in mind that it is quite possible to develop a carpal tunnel syndrome if you buy a guitar that's wrong for your hand.

6.How much can you spend

Determine long before you start searching for a guitar to buy what your budget is. If you can afford to spend $200, there is no need to look at guitars that more than that amount -know that you can always upgrade later.

Armed with all that info you are now better prepared than 99% of all people looking to buy a guitar so go out get one and start rocking.