Have you finally resolved to learn how to play guitar? Well, if you have and you've also made a decision that those loud electric guitars are not for you, then the next step is to determine precisely what sort of best acoustic guitar to purchase.

Purchasing an acoustic guitar, however, is not as effortless as it might appear. There are several types of gibson acoustic guitar available and a broad range of prices.

Be ready to pay about $100 for a beginners guitar and don't be astonished if you see instruments costing $5,000 or more. You may pay less for an overseas, factory-made guitar than for a North American hand-made guitar.

This extreme price range is due to the quality of the materials used and the degree of craftsmanship. It is crucial to realize however, that there are numerous great guitars produced that are generally comparatively inexpensive. The level of guitar manufacturing has improved significantly over the last few decades and many great guitars can be acquired for under $500. Even though it is tempting to invest in a more pricey guitar, the average beginner does not really need a guitar of that grade and might not even be able to appreciate it.

Here are some guidelines for buying an acoustic guitar:

1. Make a decision on your price range. Before you wander into your favorite guitar shop determine precisely how much you are prepared to pay beforehand. The following chart will give you a basic idea of what to expect:

Up to $500 - good beginners guitar

$500 - $1,000 - intermediate range

$1,000 - $2,000 - serious student

$2,000 - $5,000 - semi-professional or professional

$5,000+ - professional guitarist or you just love fine guitars and can afford it.

2. Decide if you want a soundboard created from genuine wood. Quite a few inexpensive guitars have plywood soundboards. The better guitars have soundboards built from spruce or cedar. Spruce or cedar soundboards generate a much better sound as compared to plywood. There are a handful of guitar companies that make low-priced guitars with real wood soundboards.

3. Try out different styles. Each guitar maker will have many styles of guitar, many in the same model category. Different styles may include dreadnaught, jumbo, grand concert, etc. These styles are somewhat generic but vary a bit between manufacturers. These titles refer normally to the shape and size of the guitar which will determine the sound of the guitar to a certain extent. You might also have to determine if you want a cutaway design or a more traditional non-cutaway style.

4. Do you want to get a nylon string classical guitar or a steel string? Nylon string guitars are a lot easier on the fingers if you are a beginner, but their necks are wider which means you have to stretch your fingers a little bit more. Steel string acoustics have a more narrow neck but the steel strings are a little bit painful if you have not yet developed calluses on your left hand.

Classical guitars are best used for fingerstyle playing and are best suited to classical, jazz and latin styles while a steel string acoustic is better suited to strumming chords and using a pick.

5. Do you want to amplify your guitar? If you think that you might want to amplify your fender acoustic guitar then think about obtaining an acoustic guitar with a built in pickup and preamp. This will permit you to plug your guitar into an amplifier without the need for a microphone.

You are now prepared to visit your neighborhood guitar shop and try out a few guitars. In the end, the final decision on which acoustic guitar to purchase ought to be dependent on getting a guitar that you appreciate playing and that has a sound that is satisfying to you. After you get that brand new guitar, then the only thing left to do is to learn how to play it.