What is a Good Guitar to Start On? [2024]

 

Have you ever dreamed of playing the guitar like a rockstar? Well, you’re not alone! Learning to play the guitar is an exciting journey that opens up a world of musical possibilities. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right guitar to start on. That’s where we come in! At Guitar Brands™, we’ve got you covered with our expert advice and recommendations. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding the perfect guitar to start your musical journey. So, let’s dive in and find the guitar that will make you say, “I can’t believe I’m actually playing!”

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Choosing the right guitar to start on is crucial for your learning experience. Here’s a quick answer to help you get started:

✅ For acoustic guitar enthusiasts, we recommend the Fender CD-60 Dreadnaught V3 as the best budget-friendly option, the Fender Redondo Mini for small hands, and the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric as the best overall beginner acoustic guitar.

✅ If you’re more into electric guitars, check out the Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT for a budget-friendly option, the Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster for small hands, and the Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster HH as the best overall beginner electric guitar.

✅ Bass guitar lovers should consider the Fender Squier Bronco Bass for a budget-friendly option, the Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass for small hands, and the Fender Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ as the best overall beginner electric bass guitar.

Now that you have a quick answer, let’s dive deeper into each category and explore the options in detail.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve into the specifics, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when choosing a guitar to start on:

  1. Consider your musical preferences: Think about the type of music you want to play. Acoustic guitars are great for indie rock, folk, and unplugged performances, while electric guitars are versatile and suitable for various genres like rock, metal, and blues. Bass guitars are essential for funk, rock, and pop music.
  2. Size matters: Ensure that the guitar you choose is comfortable to play. If you have smaller hands, look for guitars with shorter scales and narrower necks.
  3. Budget-friendly options: Starting out doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable guitars that offer excellent quality and playability.
  4. Try before you buy: If possible, visit a local music store and try out different guitars to see which one feels right for you. The feel and comfort of an instrument are just as important as its sound.

Now that you have these tips in mind, let’s explore each category in more detail.

Background: A Brief History of Guitars

brown acoustic guitar on black guitar stand

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a good starter guitar, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this incredible instrument.

The guitar has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who all had stringed instruments similar to the guitar.

Over the centuries, the guitar evolved and took various forms, from the lute and the vihuela to the modern-day acoustic and electric guitars we know and love. It has played a significant role in shaping the music we listen to today, from classical compositions to rock anthems.

Now, let’s move on to the practical aspects of choosing a good starter guitar.

What to Look for in a Good Starter Guitar

When choosing a guitar to start on, there are a few key factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

  1. Type of Guitar: As mentioned earlier, consider the type of music you want to play. Acoustic guitars are great for those who prefer a natural, unplugged sound, while electric guitars offer more versatility and the ability to experiment with different effects.
  2. Size and Comfort: Ensure that the guitar is comfortable to hold and play. If you have smaller hands, look for guitars with shorter scales and narrower necks. This will make it easier for you to reach the frets and form chords.
  3. Build Quality: Look for a guitar with solid construction and good craftsmanship. A well-built guitar will not only sound better but also be more durable and enjoyable to play.
  4. Price Range: Set a budget that suits your needs and stick to it. There are excellent guitars available at various price points, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
  5. Sound Quality: Listen to the sound of the guitar and make sure it resonates with you. The tone and projection of the instrument should match your musical preferences.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the best options for beginners in each category.

The Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners

Acoustic guitars are a popular choice for beginners due to their simplicity and versatility. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Best Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar: Fender CD-60 Dreadnaught V3

2. Best Acoustic Guitar for Small Hands: Fender Redondo Mini

3. Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Overall: Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric

  • Features: Solid spruce top, scalloped “X”-bracing, mahogany back and sides, built-in Fishman® preamp and tuner
  • Price: Under $350.00
  • CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Now that we’ve covered acoustic guitars, let’s move on to electric guitars.

The Best Electric Guitars for Beginners

Electric guitars offer a wide range of sounds and styles, making them a popular choice for beginners. Here are our top recommendations:

4. Best Budget-Friendly Electric Guitar: Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT

5. Best Electric Guitar for Small Hands: Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster

6. Best Beginner Electric Guitar Overall: Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster HH

Now that we’ve covered acoustic and electric guitars, let’s move on to bass guitars.

The Best Bass Guitars for Beginners

Bass guitars provide the foundation for any band or ensemble. Here are our top recommendations for beginners:

7. Best Budget-Friendly Electric Bass Guitar: Fender Squier Bronco Bass

8. Best Electric Bass Guitar for Small Hands: Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass

9. Best Beginner Electric Bass Guitar Overall: Fender Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ

  • Features: Precision bass body, split Squier single-coil P Bass neck pickup and single-coil J Bass bridge pickup
  • Price: Under $300.00
  • CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Guitar Center | Sweetwater

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive list of the best guitars to start on. But we’re not done yet. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions to address any lingering doubts you may have.

FAQ

photo of brown gutiar fret

Which guitar is best to start with?

The best guitar to start with depends on your personal preferences and musical goals. If you’re into acoustic sounds, the Fender CD-60 Dreadnaught V3 is a great budget-friendly option. For electric guitar enthusiasts, the Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT offers excellent value for money. If you’re interested in playing bass, the Fender Squier Bronco Bass is a fantastic choice. Ultimately, choose a guitar that resonates with you and inspires you to play.

Read more about “Best Acoustic Guitar Brands for Beginners …”

What is an easy guitar to start with?

For beginners, we recommend starting with a guitar that is comfortable to play and easy to handle. The Fender Redondo Mini is an excellent choice for acoustic guitar players with small hands, while the Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster is perfect for electric guitar enthusiasts. These guitars have smaller bodies and shorter scales, making them easier to play for beginners.

Read more about “Which Guitar Brand is Best for Beginners? …”

What should a beginner learn on guitar?

As a beginner, it’s essential to start with the basics. Learn how to hold the guitar correctly, tune it, and play simple chords. Practice strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques. Familiarize yourself with the fretboard and learn to read guitar tabs and chord charts. Most importantly, be patient and enjoy the learning process.

Read more about “Best Acoustic Guitars 2024: Unleashing the Soulful Sound of Music”

What guitar pick to start with?

When starting out, it’s best to use a medium gauge guitar pick. This thickness provides a good balance between flexibility and control. Experiment with different picks to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.

Now that we’ve answered some common questions, let’s wrap up this article.

Conclusion

white and brown stratocaster electric guitar

Choosing the right guitar to start on is crucial for your learning experience. Whether you’re interested in acoustic, electric, or bass guitars, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. From the budget-friendly Fender CD-60 Dreadnaught V3 to the versatile Fender Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ, we’ve covered the best guitars for beginners in each category.

In summary, here are our top recommendations:

  • Acoustic Guitar:
    • Best Budget-Friendly: Fender CD-60 Dreadnaught V3
    • Best for Small Hands: Fender Redondo Mini
    • Best Overall: Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic Electric
  • Electric Guitar:
    • Best Budget-Friendly: Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT
    • Best for Small Hands: Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster
    • Best Overall: Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster HH
  • Bass Guitar:
    • Best Budget-Friendly: Fender Squier Bronco Bass
    • Best for Small Hands: Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass
    • Best Overall: Fender Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ

Now it’s time to pick up that guitar and start playing! Remember, practice makes perfect, and with dedication and passion, you’ll be rocking out in no time. Happy strumming!

 

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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