What is the Best Guitar Color? (for you)

best guitar color

Choosing the right color for your guitar can be a complex process. While some musicians argue that the sound and playability of a guitar are the only important factors, others believe that the visual appeal of the instrument plays a crucial role in their decision-making. The concept of what constitutes the “best” color is subjective and varies greatly from individual to individual.

As a general rule, the best guitar color is the one that is suited to your needs. The determination of what is the “best” color is subjective, and many factors such as neutrality and individuality, marketability, and personal taste, must be considered when selecting a guitar color.

Our examination of this topic revealed it to be more extensive than anticipated, with several factors to consider regarding the color and appearance of both you and your guitar.

Neutrality

Having a neutral-colored guitar can be a great advantage as you are still figuring out your musical identity. With a neutral color, you don’t have to worry about it clashing with your evolving style, and it can easily fit any genre. A guitar with a more specific design (like a metal guitar with skulls all over it) may limit the genres it’s suitable for. So, starting with a neutral color can give you more flexibility.

Additionally, neutral colors have the advantage of fitting with any outfit, making it a practical choice for musicians who may have eclectic fashion senses, particularly during performances.

Furthermore, neutral colors may also increase a guitar’s marketability in the event of wanting to upgrade or switch to a different model.

Here are a few beautiful guitars with neutral colors:

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Originality

Choosing a guitar color is a matter of personal preference and style, and if you want to stand out with a unique and eye-catching color, go for it! A special touch on your guitar can make it more exciting to play, and for some musical performances, it can add to the overall show.

If you’re looking for something truly special, consider reaching out to local artists who can customize your guitar with custom artwork. This will make your guitar look one-of-a-kind and give you a deeper connection to it.

While these special colors and customizations may make it harder to sell your guitar, if it makes you want to pick it up and play more, it’s worth it. And, if you ever decide to change it, you can always repaint or change the pickguard to give it a less eccentric look.

Here are a few unusual colors of electric guitars:

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Grainy Finish vs. Smooth Finish

A smooth guitar finish is sleek and gives the guitar a modern look, while a grainy finish adds character and a vintage touch. The grainy finish also helps to hide small imperfections on the surface of the guitar, making it an ideal choice for players who prefer a more organic look. Ultimately, the choice between a smooth or grainy finish comes down to personal preference and the type of sound and look you want for your guitar.

 

Famous Guitar Designs

Classic guitar designs, made famous by rock legends, have a timeless allure that continues to captivate guitar enthusiasts. These iconic looks are not only a hit with guitar players, but also have a strong market appeal. The sleek lines and classic curves of these designs have a special magic that shines beautifully under the stage lights.

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The Classic “Burst” Guitar Designs

The iconic “burst” designs have captured the hearts of guitarists everywhere, and it’s a common sight in guitar shops. From legends like Jimi Page and Slash, who made the cherry-burst Les Paul famous, to jazz icons like George Benson and Joe Pass, who favored vintage sunburst hollow-body guitars, these timeless designs have stood the test of time.

  • Vintage Sunburst – golden-yellow in the middle and black around the edges.
  • Cherry Sunburst – golden-yellow in the middle and cherry towards the edges.
  • Triple-Color-Sunburst – fades from golden-yellow in the middle, through the Red middle layer to a Black finish around the edges.

Other cool sunburst designs are the Sienna Sunburst and the Blue Burst of the late ’70s and mid-’80s. The British Burns company even uses Greenburst finishes on a number of their guitars.

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How Guitar Colors Embrace Different Genres

Different musical genres often have distinct colors and designs associated with them. For example, in heavy metal music, black is the dominating color, while funk often features bright, multi-colored patterns. On the other hand, blues is known for a more modest color pallet in both guitar design and overall appearance. When choosing a guitar, it can be helpful to consider the color and design that aligns with your musical identity.

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Acoustic Guitar Finish

The finish of an acoustic guitar is crucial in preserving the natural appearance of the tonewood and enhancing its sound quality. A natural, transparent finish is often preferred to showcase the beauty of the wood grain while adding a protective layer to the instrument.

Acoustic guitars are often limited in their finish choices compared to electric guitars, as the paint’s impact on the sound quality is significant. The thin tonewood top of an acoustic guitar vibrates during play, so adding paint that would increase its weight would affect the guitar’s sound.

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7 Key Points to Remember When Picking Your Guitar Color

  • Color does not significantly affect guitar sound, although it might impact the sound of acoustic guitars if the paint is not applied professionally.
  • Consider your personal preference for appearance as the color will affect your overall feeling about the instrument.
  • Consider the potential sellability of the guitar if you plan to buy and sell frequently.
  • Neutrality vs. Originality – Some guitar designs can be easily incorporated into various fashion styles, while others have a unique appearance.
  • Choose a color that complements your preferred musical genre.
  • Remember that there is no right or wrong in selecting a guitar color. Go with your intuition.
  • You can always make changes to the appearance of your guitar, whether by replacing the pickguard, repainting, or adding artwork.

 

Unusual Guitar Designs

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The Impact of Guitar Color: Does It Matter?

The guitar’s color can have an impact on its overall playing experience. But is it just a matter of personal preference, or does it affect the sound? The truth is there are various factors at play regarding the color and finish of a guitar.

The color of an electric guitar does not matter in terms of its sound production. However, the presence of paint or finish on a guitar plays a crucial role in preserving the wood. On the other hand, a thick coat of paint on an acoustic or classical guitar can add extra weight to the body and negatively impact the sound quality, making the color of the guitar matter in this scenario.

In addition, the color of a guitar can also play a psychological role, as it can make the player want to play the instrument more. So, while the color may not affect the sound directly, it can still play an important role in the overall playing experience.

 

Conclusion

To wrap up, picking the right color for your guitar is a personal matter. You have to weigh various factors like versatility, uniqueness, smooth or grainy finish, design, and genre association. Neutral colors offer practicality, while bold hues can liven up your playing. A guitar’s finish should complement its appearance and sound. Ultimately, choose a color that best reflects your musical style and taste.

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