There are several different types of guitars on the market, so the first thing you should think about is the type of guitar that you want to purchase.  To keep things simple, we will discuss three main types of guitars.

1.  Classical guitar
2.  Acoustic guitar
3.  Electric guitar.

There are differences between these three types of guitars.  Classical guitars generally have wider necks, smaller bodies and nylon strings.  Acoustic guitars tend to have a narrower neck, larger body and metal strings.  Keep in mind that you can also decide on an electric acoustic guitar if that is what you want.  Electric guitars are used for playing most types of music and therefore become a great choice for most people.  If you decide to buy an electric guitar, you need to remember that you will also have to purchase an amplifier and cables, otherwise you will not hear much sound from the guitar.

The second thing you should do when deciding on which guitar you want to buy, is to determine what your budget will be.  You won’t have to spend $5000 on your first guitar, unless of course you are rich and want to.  If you aren’t rich, you will be happy to know that you can purchase acceptable beginner acoustic or electric guitars in the $200- $300 price range.  You may even opt to buy used, but make sure that before you buy a used guitar, that you check out the guitar and if it works.  The last thing you want, is to buy and electric guitar and amplifier, for example,  and get home to find that it doesn’t work.  Many used guitars don’t come with a warranty, so you need to know if this is the case of your potential purchase.  I would be weary of making a substantial purchase, if that purchase does not come with a warranty. That is not to say that you won’t make a good purchase.

Once you have determined type and budget for your guitar, go visit music shops.  Don’t limit yourself to only one shop, in this case, the more the merrier.  Always ask the salesperson to hand you all the guitars in your price range and try them out.  You will instantly notice that some guitars feel more comfortable than others.  If a guitar doesn’t feel comfortable, I wouldn’t recommend that you buy it.  If you don’t feel comfortable with your new guitar, you will not want to play it, and that would defeat the purpose.

If you don’t know how to play the guitar, I would highly recommend that you either bring a friend who does with you to the music store.  If you don’t have such a friend, ask a salesperson at the shop to play the instrument.  Most music shops have salespeople who play various instruments.  This will help you with the sound quality of the instrument.

Last thing to do is to choose the guitar that you are most comfortable with and has the best sound quality.