What Kind of Guitar Should a Beginner Learn on? [2024]

Discover the Perfect Guitar to Kickstart Your Musical Journey

Have you ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs on a guitar? Or maybe you’ve been inspired by your favorite musicians and want to learn to play like them. Whatever your motivation, choosing the right guitar as a beginner is crucial to your success and enjoyment. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect guitar to kickstart your musical journey.

Quick Answer

If you’re a beginner looking to learn guitar, we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are versatile, easy to play, and offer a rich and warm sound. They are also more affordable and portable compared to electric guitars. Within the acoustic guitar category, you can choose between a classical guitar (nylon string) or a steel-string acoustic guitar, depending on your musical preferences. Classical guitars are great for fingerpicking and classical music, while steel-string acoustic guitars are more suited for strumming chords and playing popular music genres like folk, pop, and country.

✅ Acoustic Guitar (Classical or Steel-String) – Perfect for beginners, versatile, easy to play, affordable, and portable.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Nylon String vs. Steel-String: Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are easier on the fingertips and produce a softer and mellower sound. Steel-string acoustic guitars have steel strings, which are brighter and louder, suitable for strumming chords and playing a wide range of music genres.
• Size Matters: Consider the size of the guitar, especially if you’re a beginner or have smaller hands. Smaller-sized guitars, such as 3/4 or parlor guitars, are more comfortable to play and easier to handle for beginners.
• Budget-Friendly Options: As a beginner, you don’t need to break the bank to get a good-quality guitar. There are plenty of affordable options available that offer excellent sound and playability.
• Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit a local music store and try out different guitars to see which one feels comfortable and sounds good to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from the staff—they’re there to help you find the perfect guitar.

Background: Choosing the Right Guitar for Beginners

Choosing the right guitar as a beginner is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it sets the foundation for your learning journey. A guitar that is comfortable to play and produces a good sound will motivate you to practice more and progress faster. On the other hand, a poorly suited guitar can be frustrating and hinder your progress.

Additionally, different types of guitars are better suited for specific music genres and playing styles. For example, classical guitars are ideal for classical, flamenco, and Spanish music, while steel-string acoustic guitars are more versatile and suitable for a wide range of genres like folk, pop, and country. Electric guitars, on the other hand, are favored by rock, metal, and pop musicians due to their unique sound and versatility.

Now, let’s dive into the different types of guitars and explore which one is the best fit for you.

1. Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are a popular choice for beginners due to their simplicity, versatility, and portability. They produce sound acoustically, without the need for external amplification, making them convenient to play anywhere. Acoustic guitars come in two main variations: classical guitars (nylon string) and steel-string acoustic guitars.

Classical Guitar (Nylon String)

Classical guitars are characterized by their smaller body size, wider neck, and nylon strings. They are perfect for beginners due to their comfortable playability and softer sound. The nylon strings are easier on the fingertips, making them ideal for beginners who are still building calluses. Classical guitars are commonly used for classical, flamenco, and Spanish music, but they can also be used for a wide range of genres.

Pros:

• Comfortable Playability: The wider neck and lower string tension of classical guitars make them easier to play, especially for beginners.
• Softer Sound: The nylon strings produce a warm and mellow sound, perfect for fingerpicking and creating a relaxed atmosphere.
• Affordability: Classical guitars are generally more affordable compared to steel-string acoustic guitars, making them a budget-friendly option for beginners.

Cons:

• Limited Sound Variety: Classical guitars are not as versatile as steel-string acoustic guitars when it comes to playing different music genres.
• Less Volume: The softer sound of classical guitars may not be suitable for playing in a band or in louder environments.

Recommended Classical Guitars for Beginners:

Brand	Model	Price
Yamaha	C40II	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Yamaha on: Guitar Center | Shop Yamaha on: Sweetwater
Cordoba	C3M	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Cordoba on: Guitar Center | Shop Cordoba on: Sweetwater

Acoustic Guitar (Steel-String)

Steel-string acoustic guitars are similar in design to classical guitars but have steel strings instead of nylon. They produce a brighter and louder sound compared to classical guitars, making them suitable for strumming chords and playing a wide range of music genres. Steel-string acoustic guitars are commonly used in folk, pop, country, and rock music.

Pros:

• Versatility: Steel-string acoustic guitars are highly versatile and can be used to play various music genres.
• Brighter Sound: The steel strings produce a brighter and more vibrant sound, making them ideal for strumming chords and playing with a band.
• Durable: Steel-string acoustic guitars are built to withstand the tension of steel strings, making them more durable in the long run.

Cons:

• Higher String Tension: The steel strings can be harder on the fingertips, especially for beginners who haven’t developed calluses yet.
• Less Comfortable Playability: The narrower neck of steel-string acoustic guitars may feel less comfortable for players with larger hands or those transitioning from classical guitars.

Recommended Steel-String Acoustic Guitars for Beginners:

Brand	Model	Price
Fender	FA-115	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Fender on: Guitar Center | Shop Fender on: Sweetwater
Yamaha	FG800	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Yamaha on: Guitar Center | Shop Yamaha on: Sweetwater

2. Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are a popular choice for those interested in playing rock, metal, pop, or country music. Unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars require external amplification to produce sound. They have a solid body and use magnetic pickups to convert the vibrations of the strings into an electric signal, which is then amplified through an amplifier.

Electric guitars offer a wide range of tones and effects, making them highly versatile for different music styles. They are also generally smaller in size compared to acoustic guitars, making them more comfortable to play for some beginners.

Pros:

• Versatility: Electric guitars offer a wide range of tones and effects, making them suitable for various music genres.
• Comfortable Playability: The smaller size and thinner neck of electric guitars can be more comfortable for beginners, especially those with smaller hands.
• Easier on the Fingertips: Electric guitars have lighter gauge strings, which can be easier on the fingertips compared to acoustic guitars.

Cons:

• Additional Equipment Required: Electric guitars require an amplifier and other accessories to produce sound, which adds to the overall cost.
• Less Portable: Electric guitars, along with the necessary equipment, are less portable compared to acoustic guitars.

Recommended Electric Guitars for Beginners:

Brand	Model	Price
Squier by Fender	Affinity Stratocaster	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Squier by Fender on: Guitar Center | Shop Squier by Fender on: Sweetwater
Epiphone	Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro	CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Shop Epiphone on: Guitar Center | Shop Epiphone on: Sweetwater

FAQ

What kind of guitar should a beginner start on?

As a beginner, we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are versatile, easy to play, and offer a rich and warm sound. Within the acoustic guitar category, you can choose between a classical guitar (nylon string) or a steel-string acoustic guitar, depending on your musical preferences.

Read more about “Best Guitar Brands for Beginners …”

Which style of guitar should I learn first?

The style of guitar you should learn first depends on the music genres you’re interested in playing. If you’re into classical, flamenco, or Spanish music, a classical guitar is the way to go. If you’re more inclined towards folk, pop, country, or rock music, a steel-string acoustic guitar or an electric guitar would be a better fit.

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

What type of guitar is easiest to learn?

Classical guitars are often considered easier to learn due to their wider neck and lower string tension. The nylon strings are also easier on the fingertips, making them more comfortable for beginners. However, the type of guitar that is easiest to learn ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style.

Read more about “What Kind of Guitar Is Easiest to Learn? …”

What should a beginner learn guitar?

As a beginner, it’s important to start with the basics. Focus on learning proper technique, basic chords, and simple songs. Practice regularly and gradually increase the difficulty of the songs and techniques you learn. It’s also beneficial to take lessons from a qualified instructor or follow online tutorials to ensure you’re learning the correct techniques and building a strong foundation.

Read more about “Which Guitar is Best for Beginners: Acoustic or Electric? …”

Conclusion

Choosing the right guitar as a beginner is crucial to your success and enjoyment as a guitarist. After considering the different options, we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are versatile, easy to play, and offer a rich and warm sound. Within the acoustic guitar category, you can choose between a classical guitar (nylon string) or a steel-string acoustic guitar, depending on your musical preferences.

If you’re interested in classical, flamenco, or Spanish music, a classical guitar is the perfect choice. For those who prefer folk, pop, country, or rock music, a steel-string acoustic guitar or an electric guitar would be more suitable. Remember to consider factors such as comfort, sound, and budget when making your decision.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of guitars and their suitability for beginners, it’s time to embark on your musical journey. Grab your guitar, start practicing, and let the music take you to new heights!

Recommended Links

• Guitar Brands Showcase – Explore our comprehensive showcase of different guitar brands and models to find the perfect fit for you.
• Guitar Buying Guide – Get expert advice on buying guitars, accessories, and everything you need to kickstart your musical journey.
• Acoustic Guitars – Dive into the world of acoustic guitars and discover the best options for beginners and experienced players alike.
• Guitar Brand Guides – Explore our in-depth guides on specific guitar brands to learn more about their history, features, and unique qualities.

Reference Links

• How to Choose a Guitar in 2 Simple Steps – Learn more about choosing the right guitar for beginners and get personalized recommendations based on your music preferences.
• Guitar Center – Shop a wide range of guitars, accessories, and equipment from leading brands.
• Sweetwater – Explore a vast selection of guitars, audio equipment, and accessories with exceptional customer service and support.