Which Guitar Type Is Right For You?

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Here are some of my favorite guitars in various types (affiliate links)
Squire Affinity Series Stratocaster

Fender Player Series Stratocaster

Fender Vintera Series Stratocaster

Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster

Fender Player Series Telecaster

Fender Vintera Series Telecaster

Epiphone Les Paul Classic

Gibson Les Paul Tribute

Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's Spec

Gretsch Centerblock Jr

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[Proper_Gander]

I wish I had someone to tell me just to get a guitar that looks cool and feels good to me, when I was first starting out. Instead I had everyone giving me their 2 cents on what they thought was good. Just get an instrument that you can’t walk by without wanting to pick it up. Great advice, Rhett!

[MaPa]

The idea of "bonding" with a guitar is real. I've spent over a decade to find a handful of guitars I love to pick up and play, and done mods on most of them in the process. But I've found that I can bond with all types of guitars, it's about to find the right specimen that can check off the right subjective boxes. Sometimes you don't even realize what those are until you've been through a number of guitars. It's not as simple as looking at specs, it's about inspiration for sure.

[astrofire]

I agree 100%. The best instrument is the one that inspires you to play. My old teacher would say “10 mins when you want to play is better than an hour when you don’t”. If you have an instrument that inspires you you’re gonna pic it up and play it and, as a by-product, build your skills …..which in turn will inspire you to play even more.

[reverb]

Your last point is really important. If the guitar doesn’t make you feel excited to play it, you won’t play it. I always tell parents looking to buy their kid their first guitar to make sure their kid thinks it looks cool. My parents started me on a crappy department store nylon string acoustic when I was a kid. I didn’t get my first electric (an Epiphone LP Special II) until I had been playing for nearly 4 years. The fact that I stuck it out that long astonishes me, because I hated that damn acoustic 😂

[adriangas_]

You are 100% right about getting a guitar stand. Before that, I was taking my guitar out of the case like once a week. Now I'm playing a few times during the day 😀

[davestpsaver]

I'm a novice guitar player and I'm looking to purchase my first electric. This video was a great help in guiding me in the decision making process! Thanks Rhett!

[matt.fromtheinternet]

I've bee playing guitar for about 20 years now (I'm 26 now), and a lot of my friends came to me during the pandemic asking about learning guitar, because I was the resident guitar player. You hit the nail right on the head and sunk it in one hit. I always gave them some advice as to tone/styles, abut always said, "if you can go out and at least hold it and make sure it's comfortable, do that." and it's great to see someone with the platform you have saying the same thing. Cheers, Rhett.

[rowbags]

Thanks Rhett.

That's a really useful overview. It's often said that we're in a golden age when it comes to guitars - and I think that's true, because high quality instruments are incomparably more affordable than when I began playing back in the '70s. I've taken full advantage of this over the last few years to "fill in some of the blanks", buying styles of guitars which had always interested me, but which I couldn't previously afford to take a gamble on.

Some might criticise that as GAS - but buying a bunch of different guitars has opened up a mass of tone possibilities, and I kept them all. It's also resulted in me finding my "Number 1"; a Tone Fox Elcaster Mk.1 - essentially, a short-run affordable custom-shop quality T-style with P-90s. It's been my go-to for pretty much everything since the day it arrived - and I'm writing as someone who didn't own a T-style for probably 40+ years after starting playing!

[AndrewMasters]

Dear god the live room b-roll shots.. absolutely awesome.

[sundaynightdrunk]

I had a Les Paul copy and then a Studio LP, and then bought a Strat. Played those three for years, bought a "real" Les Paul and thought I was done. Pandemic hit and I wanted a new guitar since I'd be at home. Ordered a cheap Squier Telecaster and it's become my most-played guitar. Amazing what you find out in your 50s after about 40 years of playing.

[fredcollier]

Rhett - your videos are always informative and well thought out. Even though I'm an experienced player and have played for many years I enjoyed this thoroughly - nice job!

[masterplaster]

A great idea to summarize the basic knowledge in these fields. Fast and interesting with great audio!

[DeadWhiteButterflies]

I'd also say you should include offsets as a separate style too. Jazzmaster offset shapes just work for me ergonomically, and I find them more comfortable among the traditional shapes. A Jazzmaster doesn't dig into you like a strat or tele does, and it's not heavy or oversized like a Gibson. It fits just right, and I'd extend that sentiment to other offsets like Teiscos and Eastwood guitars.

[dmac]

Solid video. I think you hit all the key points. Really informative and good for introductory education to reinforcing why we play these things. Cool points on feel and wanting to pick up a guitar and play it. Crucial points esp for younger, newer players.

[sid]

Rhett, I couldn't agree more. The guitar that inspires you to play is the right one. You will find your sound in time.

[melo_]

I really like how you approach this guitar type thing at the end. I think picking something that really investigates you and makes you curious about it is not only a good longtime choice but also keeps your motivation up. Like you said, you want to play just because you're happy to see that thing. Thanks!

[tommasoragghianti]

15 years after playing the same telecaster, I must say I'm still deeply in love with it. It's mexican made, it has its faults and is not perfect. Still, it's the guitar I truly want to play, I don't need anything else when I'm playing it. The first time I saw it in the store I fell in love with it and have never stopped since

[thseed]

Love these sorts of videos. Nothing I didn't know in this one but it was presented very well and will be great for new players trying to find a guitar for them. I can't wait to see what else you've got for us like this.

[DJFreshJuice]

This video was sooo helpful and that speech at the end really adds. Thank you!

[mercse]

Another great video! I'm including your links on my site for my clients. You have a great way of getting the information across in a very positive manner. Keep up the great work Rhett!!