If you are buying a guitar for the first time,particularly if you aren’t yet a proficient player, it  can be an intimidating experience. How can you choose the right instrument if you can’t even play it? But, the fact of the matter is there are some practical techniques you can use in selecting and buying an affordable instrument.
This Article outlines some basic buying strategies that will work for you. These include preshopping tips: distinguishing among different types of guitars, fitting an instrument to your body type (and style of music).
Even if you could afford to own any,guitar generally speaking,you should buy the best guitar you can afford—you may have to be practical. This means buying a guitar that will be easy on your pockets. Just follow the underlying guidelines:

Things before purchasing:

As with all major purchases, it is important to do as much research as possible beforehand. Sources of information will be other players, teachers, and for those with access to the Internet a host of manufacturers’ advertisements.

There are also guitar newsgroups on the Internet,which offer the opportunity to read the experiences of others and to ask for opinions. There are several types of guitars made to play different styles of music. Before shopping, listen to different players and determine what kind of instrument you would like to play. While you may be able to learn on any instrument, it is better to select one that closely approximates the style you want to learn.

How much to pay??

It may be wiser to borrow or rent an instrument for the first few months, until you determine your level of commitment to playing. On the other hand, an old, battered, poorly constructed instrument may be so difficult to play that you’ll be discouraged from learning. The action on old guitars is very high which is very painful if you are a beginner. It’s a good rule of thumb to purchase the most efficient guitar you can afford. Generally, guitars hold their resale value—some in fact grow in value over the years. Buying a very cheap guitar may be self-defeating, because it may not suit your playing style or be so poorly made that it is difficult to play.

What to buy(Acoustic vs. Electric)??

Many young players start out on an acoustic instrument because they can’t afford a good quality electric instrument and amplifier—or their parents can’t stand the noise made by a beginning electric guitarist! Learning on an acoustic instrument will probably be a good experience for most players, even those who only aspire to play speed-metal. But remember that the two instruments are quite different, and that you’ll need to master a new set of techniques once you start playing an electric.

Wether to buy a used guitar???

A good used guitar can be of an excellent value. Many people buy instruments and then discover that they simply lack the time or capability to play them. You can sometimes pick up a real bargain by scanning the local want-ads.  Here’s a checklist for evaluating a used guitar:
1. Make sure the tuning machines all work and turn easily.
2. Check the body for cracks. Any crack, no matter how small, is a bad sign.
3. Check the neck for warping. Press a string down at each end of the fingerboard. It should touch all the frets.