Published on January 9th, 2025 | by Jameelah "Just Jay" Wilkerson

Tips for Buying a Guitar for Everyday Jamming Sessions

Choosing the right guitar for everyday jamming sessions is an exciting yet crucial process. A guitar isn’t just a musical instrument; it’s an extension of your creativity and mood.

For jam sessions, you want a guitar that resonates with your style, is comfortable to play, and doesn’t compromise on sound quality. Here’s how you can pick the right one and make your playing experience truly enjoyable.

Think About Your Playing Style and Preferences

Before diving into brands, materials, or sizes, consider how and where you’ll be using the guitar. Are you planning to jam with friends in casual settings, or do you envision playing solo in your room?

Your playing environment and personal style can influence whether you opt for an acoustic or electric guitar.

For solo sessions, an acoustic guitar might be your best bet due to its natural, rich tones and portability. On the other hand, if you love experimenting with effects or plan to play alongside amplified instruments, an electric guitar offers greater versatility.

Either way, try different models in a store, focusing on how they feel in your hands. The neck width, string tension, and body shape should feel natural and encourage extended play.

How expensive can a good guitar get?

A good acoustic guitar for beginners will cost you between $100 – $400. If you’re an intermediate-level guitarist, expect to spend between $300 and $800 on a good acoustic guitar. Professional acoustic guitars will cost you between $1,000 and $2,000. Good electric guitars can get very expensive at times. Expect to spend anything between $400 and $1,500 on a good electric guitar. Branded electric guitars, like a Gibson Les Paul, will cost upwards of $3,000.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Sound

The type of wood used in a guitar significantly affects its tone and durability. Different woods create unique tonal qualities that cater to various playing styles. For instance, mahogany provides warm, resonant sounds, while maple adds brightness and clarity to your notes.

If you’re an acoustic player, pay attention to the top wood (soundboard) as it plays the most significant role in shaping the guitar’s tone. Spruce and cedar are common choices, each offering distinct tonal characteristics. Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, and Adirondack spruce are the most common top woods used in acoustic guitars.

Meanwhile, electric players might focus on the body material – alder or ash for punchy sounds, or mahogany for a fuller resonance.

Size and Comfort Matter

Your guitar’s size is another vital aspect to consider, especially for jamming sessions that could last hours. A guitar that feels cumbersome can lead to discomfort, discouraging you from playing.

Whether you’re tall or petite, there’s a guitar that suits your frame and playing posture.

Smaller-bodied guitars, such as parlor or concert models, are great for portability and have a charming midrange tone perfect for casual playing. Conversely, dreadnoughts and jumbos offer powerful sound projection, suitable for group jams.

Electric guitars come in various weights and shapes, so hold each model to see what feels right.

Avoid Guitars with PFAS-Coated Strings

When buying a guitar, it’s not just about the body or the wood; the strings you use also make a difference. However, in recent years, awareness has grown around the potential health risks associated with certain coatings on guitar strings, particularly those containing PFAS.

These chemicals, often linked to non-stick and water-resistant products, are concerning due to their persistence in the environment and potential links to health issues.

PFAS chemicals have recently come under scrutiny in legal cases, including AFFF lawsuits related to firefighting foam exposure. TorHoerman Law reports that prolonged contact with PFAS, such as in AFFF firefighting foam, has been associated with cancers and other severe health conditions.

This has led to numerous AFFF cancer lawsuits where the AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts being discussed range from $200,000 and $500,000. Of course, the link between guitar strings and AFFF exposure is indirect. However, any contact with PFAS-covered strings could potentially pose risks over time, particularly through skin absorption.

Which guitar strings are the safest?

When shopping for your guitar, inquire about the materials and coatings used on the strings. Opt for uncoated or naturally coated strings from reputable manufacturers who disclose their materials openly. This will ensure a healthier playing experience and align with the growing movement toward environmentally responsible practices in music gear manufacturing.

Consider the Brand and Build Quality

While it’s tempting to buy a budget guitar for everyday jams, keep in mind that low prices often mean compromised build quality. Poorly constructed guitars might look attractive at first but tend to go out of tune quickly.

Brands with a solid reputation, such as Fender, Yamaha, or Martin, are worth exploring. Their entry-level models provide excellent craftsmanship without the premium pricing of professional instruments.

How should you test a guitar before buying it?

Sit down, hold the guitar, and play a few chords or scales to check its action, intonation, and comfort. Pay attention to any buzzing sounds, as they could indicate flaws in the fretwork or string alignment. If buying online is your only option, ensure the retailer offers a generous return policy. This way, you can return or exchange the guitar if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Long-Term Care for Your Guitar

Once you’ve chosen the perfect guitar, maintaining it is key to keeping it in top condition for years of jamming. Proper storage, cleaning, and string replacement can significantly impact your instrument’s longevity. Keep your guitar in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping or cracking caused by extreme heat or humidity.

Regularly wipe down the strings and fretboard with a soft cloth to remove oils and dirt. Changing strings every few months ensures consistent sound quality and prevents buildup on the fretboard. If your guitar starts showing signs of wear, such as loose frets or diminished tone, consult a professional luthier for repair and servicing.

Buying a guitar for everyday jamming sessions is an investment in your musical journey. Therefore, take your time to find the one that feels and sounds right for you. With the right guitar in hand, every jam session can become a memorable experience, filled with music that truly resonates with your soul.

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