The Essential Guide to Buying Your First Electric Guitar in India

Buying Your First Electric Guitar – What Every Beginner Must Know

For any aspiring musician, few moments are as exciting as buying your very first electric guitar. It marks the beginning of your journey into a world of rhythm, melody, and self-expression.

In India, where both traditional instruments like the sitar, tabla, and veena coexist with modern sounds, the electric guitar has carved its place in classical fusion, Bollywood, indie rock, and devotional music.

However, with so many choices, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. This essential guide to buying your first electric guitar will walk you through every factor—from body type, pickups, and budget to Indian brands and accessories—so you can make a confident choice.

Why Buying Your First Electric Guitar is a Big Step

1. Emotional Connection to Your First Guitar

Your first guitar isn’t just an instrument—it becomes a lifelong memory. Musicians often recall their first purchase as the spark that ignited their passion.

2. Shaping Your Learning Experience

The guitar you choose will determine how comfortable and motivated you feel while practicing. A poorly chosen guitar can discourage you, while the right one inspires daily progress.

3. India’s Growing Guitar Culture

Indian music today blends ragas with rock riffs, Carnatic scales with metal, and bhajans with jazz fusion. Owning an electric guitar allows you to become part of this cultural shift.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Your First Electric Guitar

1. Define Your Budget

In India, beginner electric guitars can start from ₹7,000 and go up to ₹25,000. Your budget should include not just the guitar but also an amplifier, cable, and possibly lessons.

2. Choose the Right Guitar Size and Weight

Comfort is key. Younger players or children should look for smaller-scale models, while adults can handle standard sizes. A heavy guitar might look cool but can cause shoulder strain.

3. Pickups and Their Role in Sound

Single-coil pickups deliver bright, crisp tones ideal for Bollywood, blues, and indie music. Humbuckers give a thicker, heavier sound perfect for rock, fusion, and metal.

4. Tonewood Choices in Indian Market

• Basswood: Lightweight, affordable, good for beginners.
  
  
  
  
• Mahogany: Rich, warm tones, widely available.
  
  
  
  
• Maple: Bright, clear sounds, often used in high-end guitars.
  
  
  
  
  

5. Popular Indian Electric Guitar Brands

• Givson: Affordable and widely available in Indian cities.
  
  
  
  
  
• Vault: Reliable beginner-friendly guitars, great for practice.
  
  
  
  
• Kadence: Known for stylish designs and good beginner models.
  
  
  
  
• Yamaha (imported but common in India): Popular among serious learners.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Essential Features to Look for in Your First Electric Guitar

1. Neck Profile and Comfort

Thin necks suit players with smaller hands, while thicker necks give a traditional feel. Always test before buying.

2. Fretboard Quality

Rosewood and maple are most common in India. Smooth frets ensure easier playing for beginners.

3. Bridge Type

Fixed bridges are easier to maintain. Tremolo bridges allow whammy effects but can be tricky for beginners to tune.

4. Amplifier Compatibility

A great guitar sounds average without a good amp. For beginners in India, combo amps like Marshall MG10 or Roland Cube are good picks.

Essential Accessories for Beginner Electric Guitarists in India

1. Amplifier

Your guitar’s voice. Small practice amps work perfectly for home learning.

2. Guitar Strap

Important for standing play and posture. Traditional Indian embroidered straps add a unique flair.

3. Picks and Capo

Experiment with pick thickness for comfort. A capo lets you shift scales easily—useful for Bollywood songs.

4. Tuner

Essential for keeping your guitar in tune. Clip-on tuners are affordable and widely available online in India.

5. Cables and Cases

Invest in good cables to avoid noise. Soft padded gig bags or hard cases protect your instrument.

Best Beginner-Friendly Electric Guitars in India

1. Givson GS-1000

Affordable, locally made, perfect for students.

2. Kadence Chronicle Series

Stylish design, great build quality for its price.

3. Vault ST1 Strat Style

Beginner-friendly, excellent tonal range.

4. Yamaha Pacifica 012

A reliable choice with global recognition, easily available in Indian stores.

5. Cort G Series

Affordable yet powerful guitars, ideal for learners exploring rock and fusion.

Tips for Parents Buying an Electric Guitar for Children

1. Prioritize Weight and Size

A smaller guitar is easier for children to handle.

2. Consider Beginner Bundles

Some brands offer package deals with amp, cables, and tuner—great for saving money.

3. Encourage Learning Indian Fusion Styles

Introduce children to Indian musicians who blend ragas with electric guitar, inspiring them to explore creatively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Buying Your First Electric Guitar

1. Choosing Based on Looks Alone

A guitar may look flashy but may not deliver sound quality.

2. Ignoring Setup and Action

Poor string action can make playing harder for beginners. Always ask the shop for proper setup.

3. Overlooking After-Sales Service

Choose brands that offer good customer support in India.

4. Forgetting the Amplifier

A good guitar without a decent amp will not shine.

How Indian Music Influences Electric Guitar Playing

1. Fusion of Ragas and Rock

Artists like Baiju Dharmajan and Niladri Kumar have inspired a generation by blending Indian ragas with electric guitar solos.

2. Bollywood Music and Guitars

Electric guitars are featured in countless Bollywood songs, from soulful melodies to rock anthems.

3. Spiritual and Devotional Fusion

Electric guitars are now part of devotional bhajans and fusion kirtans, combining sitar, tabla, and guitar in one ensemble.

Steps to Maintain Your Electric Guitar in Indian Climate

1. Protect Against Humidity

Use silica gel packs in your case. High humidity can warp wood.

2. Regular Cleaning

Wipe strings after playing to avoid rust in India’s humid conditions.

3. String Changes

Replace strings every 2–3 months for beginners, sooner if you play daily.

4. Professional Setup

Get your guitar adjusted by a luthier every few months.

Conclusion

Your first electric guitar is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in your passion for music. In India, where traditional and modern instruments blend beautifully, owning an electric guitar gives you the power to explore endless creativity.

By understanding features, Indian brands, accessories, and maintenance tips, you can confidently choose a guitar that motivates you to play every day. Remember, the best electric guitar for a beginner is the one that feels comfortable, fits your budget, and inspires you to keep learning.

At NMS Musicals, we offer a comprehensive range of musical instruments, including percussion, string, wind, and keyboard instruments. Our services encompass sales, expert servicing, and the manufacture of leather instruments. Explore our diverse collection and find the perfect instrument to suit your musical needs.

Visit our website to browse our offerings: nmsmusicals.in

For a closer look at our products, check out our shop page: nmsmusicals.in/shop

Stay connected with us through our social media channels:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmsmusicalinstruments/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmsmusicals/?hl=en
• YouTube: youtube.com/@nmsmusicals

Our shop locations are:

• Puducherry: 149, Perumal Koil Street, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001.
  Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ejDwBBFEJmd3szxk7
  
• Chennai: No: 1, 1st Floor, Kandigai Street, TVS Nagar, Korattur, Chennai – 600076.
  Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7oXmB6X7KQsqeuuw9

For inquiries, contact/Whatsapp us at 9500663895 or email us at laxman.m89@gmail.com.

Discover the world of musical instruments with NMS Musicals today!

For a visual overview of our percussion instruments, watch the following video: