Trying to compare guitars is almost like comparing apples and oranges. No two guitars are the same, and often different types are used for different purposes. For example, you can't compare acoustic guitars to electrics. An acoustic guitar gives a different sound, is made in a different way, and uses different playing styles. Similarly, you can't compare 12 string guitars to six string guitars, folk guitars to classical guitars, and hollow body electrics to solid body ones. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, and you have to know what type you want before you even start to look at more detailed comparison.
That doesn't mean that comparing guitars is in any way impossible. As any experienced guitarist will tell you, there are definitely advantages and disadvantages to every model. One of the main things that you have to look at when you compare guitars is action. Action has to do with the height of the strings and the feel when playing the guitar. A guitar with very low action can often suffer from fret rattle – the sound you get when the strings bang against the guitar while you are strumming. A string with action that is too high, however, will be very difficult to play. It can be especially hard for beginning guitarists, who will have difficulty with pressing down the strings all the way.
You can also compare guitars in terms of sound quality. This can be a little bit difficult because guitars in stores may not have good strings on them. The strings have a lot to do with the sound the guitar makes, as does the equipment you use with it. This is particularly true with electric guitars. A good electric guitar played through a lousy amp will sound lousy. Similarly, an entry-level electric guitar played with good effects and a good amp will sound pretty good. Therefore, you should make sure that the guitar has new strings on it and that it is fully in tune before you even try it out
It can be even harder to compare used guitars, because the quality can vary so much. A really excellent guitar with a warped and cracked neck can lose a lot of its value, whereas a sturdy beginner model that has been kept in good shape can get you pretty far. The best way to compare guitars, obviously, is to bring a friend along who knows what he's doing. Have him play the guitar out, explain its strengths and weaknesses to you, and guide you through the decision about which guitar to buy. It can be hard to compare guitars, but it's worth the effort to do it right. After all, hopefully you will be using that same guitar for years to come.
