Guitar Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to playing the guitar, there’s no shortage of opinions—especially from message boards, music shops, and YouTube comment sections. Many of these ideas are repeated so often they become gospel, even when they’re more myth than truth. In this article, we’ll dig deep into some of the most common misconceptions in the guitar world and set the record straight. Whether you’re a beginner wondering if that $3,000 guitar is really worth it or a seasoned player still debating the impact of tonewoods, this guide will help clarify the facts.

Before we dive in, keep in mind that guitar myths are surprisingly common and can influence how people buy, play, or even feel about their gear. Let’s break them down with logic, a bit of science, and plenty of guitar wisdom.

Do Expensive Guitars Sound Better?

One of the most widespread beliefs among guitarists is that more expensive instruments inherently sound better. And while price can reflect quality materials and craftsmanship, it doesn't always guarantee better tone or playability.

The Truth About Guitar Tonewoods

There’s a persistent belief that the type of wood used in a guitar—commonly referred to as tonewood—is the biggest factor in how it sounds. While tonewood can influence resonance and projection, especially in acoustic guitars, it’s not the be-all and end-all.

In electric guitars, the pickups, amplifier, and even string type often have a greater influence on sound than wood type. Many blind tests have shown that even experienced players can’t consistently identify tonewoods by sound alone. Some tests, like those conducted by The Smithsonian Magazine, highlight similar myths in classical instruments—proving that price and material don’t always translate to better sound.

What matters more is how a guitar feels in your hands. Does it inspire you to play? Does it resonate with your style? That’s more important than whether the body is mahogany, alder, or basswood.

Is There Really a "Best" Guitar?

The short answer? No. The "best" guitar is entirely subjective. One player might swear by a Les Paul, while another can’t live without their Stratocaster. And someone else might prefer a $500 Epiphone over a $5,000 Gibson.

The Role of Personal Preference

Here’s where we get into the human side of playing guitar: it’s not just about specs and brand names. It’s about the connection between the player and the instrument. Things like neck shape, weight, string gauge, and even the finish can impact how you play and feel while playing.

In fact, studies on musician performance psychology often show that comfort and emotional connection with an instrument can affect how well we play. It’s similar to how vapers may prefer certain devices not because they’re the most powerful or expensive, but because they feel “just right” in hand. This element of comfort and familiarity can’t be overstated.

The Myth of Skill vs. Gear

Another popular misconception is that your gear defines your ability. Many new players feel pressured to constantly upgrade their gear in hopes of sounding better. But the truth is: your fingers matter more than your frets.

• A pro guitarist can make a $200 guitar sound amazing.

• A beginner can make a $2,000 guitar sound average.

It’s all about technique, tone control, and practice. Don’t fall for the idea that buying better gear will immediately make you a better player. Use what you have, master it, and only upgrade when you’ve truly outgrown it.

Vintage vs. Modern: Which Guitars Reign Supreme?

There’s a certain reverence for vintage guitars—and rightfully so. They’ve got character, history, and in some cases, superior craftsmanship. But that doesn’t automatically mean that newer guitars are inferior. In fact, many modern instruments feature better build consistency thanks to CNC machining and high-quality electronics.

Brands like Fender, Gibson, PRS, and Ibanez now offer “vintage-style” reissues that blend old-school aesthetics with new-age playability. In the same way that vaping brands recreate nostalgic flavors with modern formulations, guitar makers are combining the best of both worlds.

Is Setup Really That Important?

Absolutely—and this is one area where myth and truth align. A good setup can turn a mediocre guitar into a dream to play. String height (action), neck relief, and intonation all influence how an instrument plays and sounds.

If you’ve ever picked up a high-end guitar that felt “meh,” it might just need a setup. And conversely, a budget guitar with a killer setup can rival far more expensive models in playability.

What a Good Setup Includes:

• Adjusting truss rod for neck relief

• Setting proper string action

• Intonation for pitch accuracy

• Cleaning and polishing frets

• Lubricating the nut and bridge

Even something as simple as changing your string gauge can transform your guitar’s tone and feel.

Guitar Pickups: The Secret Sauce?

Pickups are often called the “microphones” of your guitar—and they’re arguably more important than the wood when it comes to electric guitar tone. There’s still a lot of debate between single-coils vs. humbuckers, active vs. passive, and ceramic vs. alnico magnets.

The takeaway? Pickups drastically affect your sound, and changing them can completely reshape your tone. Swapping pickups is also far cheaper than buying a new guitar.

For a deeper technical dive, this guide from Seymour Duncan breaks down how different pickups influence sound across genres.

Final Thoughts: Playing is More Important Than Specs

At the end of the day, the music you create matters far more than what your guitar is made of. Gear can help—but only to a point. Don’t get caught up in the rabbit hole of myths and marketing. Listen with your ears, not your eyes, and trust your hands.

Learning to sift through misinformation in the guitar world is a valuable skill—just like learning to distinguish personal preference from hype in other lifestyle choices, including vaping, fashion, or tech. Your best tools are your fingers, your ears, and your creativity.

Conclusion: Busting Guitar Myths to Empower Players

Guitar myths can mislead and discourage players from enjoying the journey. But when you understand what truly matters—playability, comfort, expression—you’ll start to make better, more personal choices about your gear. Whether you’re playing a vintage Les Paul or a budget Squier, the soul of your sound comes from you, not just your setup.

If you’re looking to explore other opinions on this topic, Premier Guitar’s myth-busting discussions offer a treasure trove of insight from builders and professional players alike. Don’t be afraid to question the hype—because that’s where real growth starts.