To choose a good 1st guitar for beginners, consider the type, quality, brand, cost, and size of the guitar.
The type of guitar, whether acoustic, classical, or electric, determines the playing style and suitable musical genres. Quality directly affects playability and longevity; a well-crafted guitar, even at a beginner level, ensures ease of playing, tuning stability, and a pleasing tone. Choosing a reputable brand often provides reliable craftsmanship and readily available support, which can be invaluable for beginners. Cost is a practical consideration, as guitars come in a wide price range, and finding a balance between affordability and decent quality is essential. Finally, the guitar’s size plays a crucial role in comfort and playability. For beginners, particularly those with smaller hands or younger players, the right size can significantly impact their ability to reach chords and develop proper technique.
In this article, we explore 4 beginner-friendly types of guitars: classical, acoustic, electric, and acoustic-electric. We rank and evaluate the suitability of each guitar type for beginners. We discuss key factors to consider when assessing a guitar’s quality and guide you through well-respected brands that offer options for new players. You will learn how to determine the right guitar size and where to buy your first instrument, including recommendations for specific models. Toward the end, we include a short section on how to play a guitar for the first time so that you know what to do if you decide to try guitars in the guitar store.
5 Step Checklist To Avoid Buying The Wrong Guitar
What to check before you buy
What features actually matter for beginners
What makes a guitar easy to play
Keep reading to find out how to choose your 1st guitar, and start writing your musical history.
What guitar types are the best to buy for beginners?
The best guitar types to buy for beginners are those that are easy to play, comfortable to hold, fit the beginner’s budget, and motivate the guitar newbie to play and practice regularly.
Motivation is crucial when you are learning to play guitar. Choosing a guitar type that aligns with your favorite music genres can fuel that motivation to learn and practice. For instance, an electric guitar might be a better choice than a classical guitar, if you are drawn to rock or metal.
A guitar’s playability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness for beginners depend on several key features that vary across different guitar types. These features include string action, neck dimensions, string gauge, the necessity of additional equipment, and the guitar’s size and weight.
String action: String action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings, a major factor for beginners developing finger strength and dexterity.
Neck dimensions: The neck is where a player places their fingers to fret notes, so its dimensions are crucial for comfort and playability. A neck that is too wide or thick is difficult for some players to navigate, especially those with smaller hands.
String gauge: String gauge refers to string thickness. Lighter gauge strings require less force to press and bend. Thicker gauge strings produce a fuller, louder sound but demand more finger strength.
Additional equipment: Some guitar types require additional equipment to produce their intended sound. This impacts your initial budget and playing convenience.
Physical size and weight: The size and weight of the guitar affect comfort, especially for younger or smaller players. A lighter instrument is easier to hold and play for extended periods. A smaller body and lighter guitar body is a better fit for smaller or younger players.
The guitar types that are the best to buy for beginners are ranked and listed below.
- Classical Guitar
- Steel String Acoustic Guitar
- Electric Guitar
- Acoustic Electric Guitar
1. Classical Guitar
A classical guitar, also called a nylon-string acoustic guitar, is a guitar type featuring nylon strings, a wider neck, and a soft mellow sound. Classical guitars are frequently used for fingerstyle playing, a technique where the guitarist plucks the strings directly with their fingertips, nails, or picks attached to fingers. The classical guitar is a popular choice for genres like classical, flamenco, and folk.
String action: String action is typically higher on classical guitars compared to acoustic or electric guitars. The higher string action requires slightly more finger strength at first, but the higher string action results in a wider range of volume and expression, which are essential for classical and flamenco playing styles.
Neck dimensions: Classical guitars usually have wider necks than steel-string acoustic guitars. The wider neck provides ample space for fingerpicking, which is essential for executing intricate classical pieces. However, the wider neck can be challenging for beginners with smaller hands to form chord shapes.
String gauge: Classical guitars use nylon strings. Nylon strings have a thicker gauge when compared to steel-string acoustics or electric guitars. This thicker gauge contributes to the warm, full-tone characteristic of classical guitars. While the nylon strings initially feel slightly more resistant to pressing down than lighter gauge strings, the nylon strings are gentler on fingertips. This makes the nylon strings particularly suitable for beginners who are still developing calluses.
Additional equipment: Classical guitars, being acoustic instruments, do not require any additional equipment to produce sound.
Physical size and weight: Classical guitars are lightweight and smaller when compared to dreadnought-style acoustic guitars. This smaller size and lighter weight make them a comfortable choice for beginners, especially younger players.
Pros of classical guitar for beginners: Nylon strings are gentler on fingertips, making classical guitars more comfortable for beginners who are still developing calluses. Classical guitars do not require any additional equipment to produce sound.
Classical guitars are lightweight, making them comfortable to hold and play.
Cons of classical guitar for beginners: The wider neck can be challenging for beginners with smaller hands to form chord shapes. Classical guitar’s sound and playing style can be limiting for genres like rock or blues that require the brighter, snappier tone of steel strings.
Recommendation for beginners: The classical guitar is the best guitar to learn guitar playing for beginners, especially for beginners who are concerned about finger pain or want to develop a strong fingerstyle technique. The classical guitar is a good learning guitar because the nylon strings and wider neck spacing encourage precise playing, while the clear tone makes it easier to learn notes and chords.
2. Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar uses steel strings to produce a bright, resonant, and projecting sound. The strings’ vibrations resonate through the guitar’s hollow body, which acts as a resonating chamber. Larger bodies on acoustic guitars produce greater volume and resonance. Acoustic guitars come in many body shapes and body types. Each body shape offers a different tone, sound, and playing comfort. However, the dreadnought shape is the most popular acoustic guitar body type that is commonly associated with the acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are common in many genres, from rock and pop to country and folk. But the acoustic guitar is also a good guitar for R&B and singer-songwriter genres like soul, blues, and indie pop.
String action: String action on acoustic guitars is lower than the string action on classical guitars. Lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, requiring less finger strength and improving playability for beginners.
Neck dimensions: Acoustic guitar necks are narrower than classical guitar necks. This difference in neck dimensions is more comfortable for beginners with smaller hands, as it allows for easier navigation and chord formation.
String gauge: Acoustic guitars use steel strings. Steel strings, especially those with lighter gauges, produce a brighter and louder tone but require more finger strength to fret.
Additional equipment: Acoustic guitars produce sound without external amplification, making them portable for practice, performance, and songwriting without the need for any additional equipment.
Physical size and weight: Acoustic guitars, especially dreadnought models, have a larger build and the weight of a dreadnought acoustic guitars typically ranges from 4.5 to 6 lbs (2 to 2.7 kg). However, extended playing sessions, particularly for younger or smaller-bodied individuals, may lead to fatigue or discomfort due to the dreadnought’s size and weight.
Pros of acoustic guitars for beginners: Acoustic guitars are suitable for various musical styles. They produce sound without external amplification, eliminating the need for additional equipment like amplifiers. Acoustic guitars are common in many popular music genres, providing beginners with learning resources and inspiration.
Cons of acoustic guitars for beginners: Beginners may find steel strings tougher on their fingertips than nylon strings. The larger size and weight, particularly of dreadnought models, can be a factor for younger beginners or those with smaller physiques.
Recommendation for beginners: The acoustic guitar is a great choice for beginners interested in popular music styles like rock, country, or folk. While the steel strings require more finger strength, the acoustic guitar’s full sound and versatility make it a rewarding instrument to learn.
3. Electric Guitar
The electric guitar has a solid body construction with electromagnetic pickups and relies on an amplifier to produce sound. Electric guitars produce sound through electromagnetic pickups by converting string vibrations into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then amplified through an amplifier to produce sound. This makes it possible to shape the tone with various tone controls on the guitar and amplifier and with additional effects pedals. These tone possibilities make the electric guitars incredibly versatile because of the wide range of sounds and effects they can produce. Electric guitars are popular instruments in many genres, including rock, blues, metal, jazz, and pop.
String Action: String action is lower on electric guitars when compared to acoustic or classical guitars. The lower string action makes it easier for beginners to press the strings down, requiring less finger strength.
Neck Dimensions: Electric guitar necks are available in various dimensions, but many models, especially those designed for rock guitar or beginner metal guitar, have narrower necks when compared to acoustic or classical guitars. The narrower neck dimensions on electric guitars can be more comfortable for beginners with smaller hands.
String Gauge: Electric guitars use steel strings, typically with a lighter gauge than acoustic guitars. The lighter gauge strings require less force to press down, making them easier for beginners to play.
Additional equipment: Electric guitars require an amplifier and a cable to produce sound.
Physical size and weight: Electric guitars are generally smaller and lighter than acoustic guitars. The smaller size and lighter weight of an electric guitar can make it more comfortable to hold and play, especially for extended periods.
Pros of electric guitars for beginners: Electric guitars offer a wide range of sounds and effects, making them suitable for various musical styles. Electric guitars are physically easier to play than acoustic or classical guitars due to their lower string action and lighter gauge strings.
Cons of electric guitars for beginners: Electric guitars require additional equipment, such as an amplifier and a cable, which adds to the initial cost. Electric guitars can’t be properly played without an amplifier.
Recommendation for beginners: The electric guitar is a good choice for beginners interested in genres like rock, blues, or metal. The electric guitar’s playability and diverse sounds can be motivating for new players. However, the need for additional equipment should be factored into the decision.
4. Acoustic Electric Guitar
The acoustic-electric guitar is an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup system. The built-in pickup system allows the acoustic guitar to be amplified. This makes the acoustic electric guitar a popular choice for performers and those who want to play live or in front of big crowds. Electric acoustic guitars are suitable for various musical styles, including rock, pop, country and R&B.
String action: String action on acoustic electric guitars is comparable to that of standard acoustic guitars. Lower string action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is beneficial for beginners.
Neck dimensions: Acoustic electric guitars have neck dimensions comparable to standard acoustic guitars. The neck width can vary depending on the model and body shape.
String gauge: Acoustic electric guitars use steel strings, just like standard acoustic guitars. Steel strings produce a bright and projecting sound but require more finger strength to fret compared to nylon strings.
Additional equipment: Acoustic electric guitars have a built-in pickup system that allows them to be amplified. To amplify the acoustic electric guitar you need an amplifier and a cable. However, acoustic electric guitars can also be played unplugged like a standard acoustic guitar in which case there is no need for any additional equipment.
Guitar’s size and weight: Acoustic electric guitars have similar size and weight characteristics to standard acoustic guitars. The size and weight can vary depending on the model and body shape.
Pros of acoustic electric guitars for beginners: Acoustic electric guitars offer the versatility of an acoustic guitar with the added option of plugging into an amplifier. This makes electro acoustic guitars suitable for both quiet practice and louder performances. Many entry level acoustic electric guitars come equipped with built-in tuners, which can be very helpful for beginners who are still learning to tune their instrument.
Cons of acoustic electric guitars for beginners: Acoustic electric guitars are often more expensive than standard acoustic guitars due to the added electronics. Buying an amplifier and a cable adds to the initial cost and setup as well.
Recommendation for beginners: Acoustic electric guitars offer versatility but they are not essential for beginners just starting their guitar journey. Focus on developing fundamental skills on a standard acoustic guitar first. Consider an acoustic electric guitar later if you decide to perform or require amplification.
How to know if a guitar is good quality?
To know if a guitar is good quality, carefully inspect its key components and construction. A good quality guitar has excellent tuning stability, a straight neck, comfortable action, accurate intonation, well-functioning electronics (for electric guitars), smooth fretwork, and a high standard of overall build quality. The picture below showcases the areas of an acoustic guitar to check when assessing the quality of a guitar.
Tuning Stability: To determine if a guitar holds its tuning well, tune it to standard pitch and play vigorously, testing each string with bends and vibrato. If the tuning remains stable, it indicates quality tuning pegs and proper setup.
Neck Straightness: To assess neck straightness, hold the guitar up and look down the neck from the headstock towards the body. Ideally, the neck should be straight, but a slight upward bow, known as relief, is acceptable and often desirable for playability. A significant back bow or any twisting suggests a problem.
Action (String Height): String action refers to how high the strings sit above the fretboard. To check the action, imagine the 12th fret as a ruler standing upright. Now, using a ruler or a measuring tool, measure the distance between the top of the 12th fret and the bottom of the string just above it. A good action for a classical guitar typically falls between 3 mm (0.118″) and 4 mm (0.157″) at the 12th fret. Acoustic guitars tend to have a lower action, ideally around 2 mm (0.078″) to 2.7 mm (0.106″) at the 12th fret. Electric guitars generally have the lowest action, ranging from 1.6 mm (0.062″) to 2 mm (0.078″) at the 12th fret, for comfortable playing and bending. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, but excessively low action can cause fret buzz.
Intonation: Intonation refers to the guitar’s ability to play in tune across the entire fretboard. You can check the intonation by playing a string open by plucking the string without pressing it down on any of the frets. Then play the same string, pressing it down at the 12th fret, and compare the pitches with a tuner. If the 12th fret note is noticeably higher or lower than the open note, it indicates an intonation issue.
Electronics (For Electric Guitars): When choosing an electric guitar, test each pickup selector position through an amplifier to ensure all pickups function correctly. Listen for any humming, crackling, or dropouts in sound. Additionally, confirm that the volume and tone controls operate smoothly and produce the desired effect on the output. The picture below shows the location of a pickup selector and volume and tone controls on an electric guitar.
Fretwork: Inspect the fretwork by running your fingers along the edges of the fretboard. Sharp fret ends can snag your hand and affect playing comfort. Each fret should be level, and pressing down on each fret should produce a clear note without buzzing.
Overall Build Quality: Carefully examine the guitar’s finish for any blemishes, inconsistencies, or signs of poor craftsmanship. Check for cracks, gaps, or separations in the wood, particularly around the bridge, soundhole, and heel. A well-made guitar feels solid and resonates well when played, producing a pleasing tone.
What are the best guitar brands for beginners?
The best guitar brands for beginners are brands that consistently produce quality instruments, offer reliable customer support, and offer guitars that strike a good balance between price and performance. Established brands like Yamaha, Taylor and Fender are often recommended to beginners due to their stringent quality control processes.
Some of the most popular established brands that produce good quality guitars for beginners include Yamaha, Fender, Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Taylor, and Martin. These brands offer a wide range of guitars across different price points, making it easier to find a suitable instrument that fits a beginner’s budget.
Yamaha: Yamaha is a highly regarded starter guitar brand that is known for producing well-crafted guitars that are affordable and reliable. Yamaha guitars are a good brand of acoustic guitar for beginners because of their excellent build quality, ease of play, and consistent sound. Yamaha’s F and FG Series, particularly models like the F310 and FG800, are popular choices for beginners due to their affordability and quality.
Fender and Squier: Fender is an iconic brand in the guitar world that offers a diverse range of guitars, including their famous Stratocasters and Telecasters. Fender’s subsidiary brand, Squier, caters specifically to beginners and offers more affordable versions of Fender’s classic models. The Squier Bullet series and Affinity Series offer a range of affordable options for first-time electric guitar players.
Epiphone: Epiphone is a subsidiary brand owned by Gibson that is popular for its more affordable versions of Gibson’s iconic guitars, like the Les Paul. Epiphone’s PRO series and Inspired by Gibson series offer great options for beginners who want quality instruments at an accessible price.
Ibanez: Ibanez guitars are known for their focus on playability and are a popular choice among rock and metal guitarists. Ibanez offers various models designed specifically for beginners. The Ibanez GRG and GIO series are specifically designed with beginners in mind, offering comfortable playability and a range of features at an accessible price.
Taylor Guitars: Taylor guitars are popular for their bright and articulate tone, with a strong emphasis on playability. Taylor offers a range of guitars suitable for various skill levels and musical styles, including the Academy Series, which is designed specifically for beginners.
Martin Guitars: Martin Guitars is a highly respected acoustic guitar brand that is famous for its rich history and contribution to the development of the dreadnought body shape. Martin guitars are often associated with higher price points but they also offer a selection of guitars designed for beginners, such as the X series, Junior series, and Little Martin Series.
How much does a good beginner guitar cost?
A good beginner guitar costs between $150 and $700. Prices vary drastically based on type, brand, and features, but the $150-$700 price range offers a good balance between affordability and quality.
Beginner-friendly classical guitars can be found on the lower end of this spectrum, starting around $150.
For a decent acoustic guitar, expect to spend at least between $200 and $350. Beginner acoustic-electric guitars, with their added electronics, typically start around $250. However, to get a decent sounding beginner acoustic electric expect to spend at least $350-$400. Adding an amplifier to the acoustic-electric setup can easily make the overall price reach $500.
Good quality electric guitars start at around $200 to $350. Together with the additional equipment for the electric guitar like the amplifier and cable, expect to pay around $300-$500 for a good beginner setup.
It’s important to remember that a cheap guitar for beginners might not be the best long-term investment. Low-cost entry-level guitars in the $150 to $250 range often prioritize affordability over high-quality materials and construction. While these cheap guitars can be a good starting point, they might not hold their tuning as well or have the same durability as guitars priced between $300-$500.
Beginner guitars, priced between $300 and $500, feature better tonewoods, improved hardware, and more attention to detail during construction. Investing in the $300-$500 price range can reward you with a more enjoyable playing experience and a decent guitar that will last longer.
The $500+ price range often offers features that help beginners play and learn the guitar. For example, Taylor’s Academy Series, priced above $500, incorporates features like a slim neck profile, comfortable armrest, and proprietary bracing pattern, all aimed at providing a comfortable and encouraging experience for new guitarists.
What guitar size should I get as a beginner?
As a beginner, you should get a guitar size that best suits your age, height, and hand size. Choosing a guitar size that is too large leads to discomfort and difficulty playing, while a guitar that is too small feels cramped and limits your technique.
A guitar’s size significantly impacts comfort and playability. For beginners, especially younger learners, a well-fitted guitar is crucial. A guitar that is the right size allows you to maintain good posture, reducing strain on your back, wrists, and hands, particularly during longer practice sessions. A proper fit ensures your fretting hand can comfortably reach all the frets, allowing for smoother transitions between chords and accurate note production.
Several factors influence the choice of guitar size. Age plays a significant role, as younger players often require smaller sizes due to their developing hands and arms. Hand size is another critical factor. Adults with smaller hands might find smaller-bodied guitars more comfortable. Additionally, height and arm length should be considered. A guitar that feels proportionate to your body is also more comfortable to play.
Common guitar sizes include full-size (4/4), 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes. The picture below highlights the different sizes of an acoustic guitar together with their total length in inches and recommended age range for each guitar size.
Full-size (4/4): Full-size guitars, also known as 4/4 guitars, are the standard for adults and teenagers. Full-size guitars produce a louder, more resonant sound due to their larger bodies and longer scale length compared to smaller-scale guitars.
3/4: A 3/4 size guitar provides a suitable option for children between the ages of 8 and 12 or adults with smaller frames. These guitars offer a balance between a comfortable size and a decent sound.
1/2: A ½ size guitar is even smaller, typically measuring around 34″ (863.6 mm) in length. This size is commonly recommended for children between 6 and 8 years old or individuals around 4 feet (1219.2 mm) tall.
1/4: The smallest size, a ¼ guitar, is intended for the youngest learners, usually between 4 and 6. These guitars prioritize ease of handling and feature a narrow neck that is comfortable for very small child hands.
Where to buy a starter guitar for beginners?
The locations to buy a starter guitar for beginners include local guitar stores, online retailers, and the used guitar market.
Local Guitar Stores: Local guitar stores offer the opportunity to physically try various guitar models before committing to a purchase. This allows you to personally assess the guitar’s playability, feel, and sound, ensuring it suits your individual preferences. Additionally, local guitar stores often employ knowledgeable sales staff who can provide expert advice. However, it’s important to remember that the advice comes from a sales perspective. The shop might prioritize selling you a particular guitar over finding the absolute best fit for your needs, especially if you’re unfamiliar with guitars. Local guitar stores also generally have higher prices compared to online retailers due to overhead costs. Due to physical space constraints, local guitar stores also often stock a smaller inventory compared to the online retailers.
Online Retailers: Online retailers present a convenient alternative for shopping for guitars. Online stores offer a wider selection of guitars from numerous brands and models, allowing you to explore a lot of guitars and compare prices. To get a good beginner guitar from online retailers, it is crucial to ensure that the seller is reputable and offers a reliable return policy. Good places to buy guitars online are Sweetwater, Sam Ash, and Guitar Center because of their reputation and favorable return policies.
Used Guitar Market: The used guitar market is a good place to buy a guitar for beginners on a budget. You can find used guitars online on websites like Reverb or Craigslist, or in person at pawn shops. The best place to buy used guitars online is Reverb because they offer buyer protection and host reputable sellers. The buyer protection is important because buying a used instrument has risks, as the guitar might have hidden damage or require repairs that outweigh the initial cost savings. If you choose to buy used, carefully inspect the guitar for any damage, such as cracks, warping, or fret wear. Ask if you can play the instrument to check for issues like fret buzz or tuning problems. Having a knowledgeable friend or guitar technician examine the used guitar before purchase helps avoid unexpected problems.
The best place to buy a guitar as a beginner depends on your access to experienced guidance and your budget. If you have a friend or guitar teacher who can accompany you to a store and help you evaluate instruments, a local guitar store is a good option. However, if you’re starting independently and don’t yet know how to play, trying guitars in a store might not provide much benefit. In this case, researching different models online, listening to demos with good quality headphones, and purchasing from a reputable online retailer is a more cost-effective approach because online retailers generally have lower prices than local stores.
Now that you know where to buy a starter guitar for beginners, let’s look into some of the best guitars for beginners.
What are the best acoustic guitars for beginners?
The best acoustic guitars for beginners include the Taylor Academy 10, the Yamaha FG800J, and the Yamaha FG830.
The best acoustic guitar for beginners is the Taylor Academy 10. Designed with comfort and playability in mind, the Academy 10 features a torrefied spruce top, a comfortable neck profile, and a shorter scale length, making it easy for new players to learn and develop their skills.
Alternative options for beginners include the Yamaha FG800J and FG830. The FG 800J is an excellent budget choice from Yamaha with a solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing for a full sound. The Yamaha FG830 offers a step up in features, compared to the FG800J and provides a balanced, versatile tone suitable for exploring various playing styles.
What are the best electric guitars for beginners?
The best electric guitars for beginners include the The Jackson JS32 Dinky, Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster and Epiphone Les Paul Special VE.
Jackson JS32 Dinky: The Jackson JS32 Dinky is the best beginner metal guitar. It’s designed for heavier genres with its poplar body, maple neck, and high-output humbucker pickups. The compound radius fretboard (12″ (30.48 cm) to 16″ (40.64 cm)) makes it easy to play fast leads, a common characteristic of metal music.
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster: The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster is the best electric guitar to learn on. It features a trio of single-coil pickups, delivering a bright and versatile tone that’s suitable for a wide range of genres. The “C”-shaped neck profile is comfortable for beginners.
Epiphone Les Paul Special VE: The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE is the best first electric guitar to buy as a beginner. The Special VE features a poplar body, a rosewood fretboard, and a pair of humbucker pickups. The humbucker pickups provide a thick and warm tone that’s well-suited for rock and blues.
When buying your 1st electric guitar, also consider the best electric guitar brands for beginners like Yamaha, Squier by Fender, and Epiphone. These brands offer guitars that strike a good balance between price and performance. From Squier’s Stratocasters and Telecasters to Epiphone’s Les Pauls and SGs, each brand focuses on specific electric guitar types to cater to a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.
You should get an electric guitar type that aligns with the style of music you want to play. For example, a Stratocaster is a good choice for playing a variety of genres like rock, blues, and country. If you’re more into heavier styles like metal, then a guitar with humbucker pickups, like an Epiphone Les Paul or a Jackson Dinky, would be a better fit.
What are the best acoustic electric guitars for beginners?
The best acoustic-electric guitars for beginners include the Yamaha FGX800C, the Fender CD-60SCE, and the Epiphone Hummingbird Studio.
The Yamaha FGX800C features a solid spruce top and a nato back and sides.The Yamaha FGX800C is equipped with a piezo pickup system, offering a natural-sounding amplified tone.
The Fender CD-60SCE sports a single-cutaway dreadnought body shape for easier access to upper frets and a solid spruce top for a balanced tone. The Fender CD-60SCE comes equipped with a Fishman preamp system, allowing for tonal adjustments when plugged into an amplifier.
The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio features a laminate mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top with a classic hummingbird-style pickguard. The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, offering a natural acoustic sound when amplified.
Should I buy a used guitar as a beginner?
To decide whether to buy a used guitar as a beginner, weigh the potential cost savings against the risks associated with purchasing a pre-owned instrument. Used guitars often come at a lower price than their brand-new counterparts. This allows you to potentially acquire a higher-quality instrument for the same budget you would allocate for a new guitar.
However, buying a used guitar has inherent risks. A used guitar may have hidden damage, such as cracks in the body or neck, or fret wear that can negatively impact playability.The used guitar then might require a professional repair, which can be costly.
As a beginner, buying a used guitar is a good idea when you have a knowledgeable friend who can help you inspect the instrument for any potential issues before purchase.
What guitar accessories to buy as a beginner?
The guitar accessories to buy as a beginner are listed below.
- Tuner: An electronic tuner, either a clip-on model or a smartphone app, is very handy for keeping your guitar in tune.
- Picks: Picks come in various thicknesses, and experimenting with different picks will help you find what feels most comfortable.
- Capo: A capo is a clamp that raises the pitch of a guitar’s strings, enabling playing in different keys without changing finger positions.
- Strap: A strap lets you play standing up, essential for practicing performing.
- Extra strings: Strings break, especially for beginners, so having spare strings readily available is important.
- Case or gig bag: A case protects your guitar from damage when you’re not playing or traveling with it.
How to play a guitar for the first time?
To play a guitar for the first time, start by tuning the guitar, then get into a comfortable playing position, learn a few simple chords, and practice strumming or picking to make your first sounds. The steps to play a guitar for the first time are listed below together with instructions on how to perform the steps.
- Tune your guitar: Use an electronic clip-on tuner or a tuning app on your smartphone. Then tune the guitar to a standard tuning (EADGBE) by plucking the string and adjusting the tuning peg until the string is in tune. Repeat for all 6 strings.
- Get into a comfortable playing position: Choose a chair that allows you to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Place the guitar on your dominant leg, resting the body against your torso. Your fretting hand, typically the left hand for right-handed players, should reach the fretboard without straining your wrist. Avoid slouching.
- Learn a simple chord: E minor is the simplest chord to learn on a guitar. To fret E minor place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Practice strumming or picking: Practice strumming with a pick or your fingers. Keep a steady rhythm and a relaxed wrist motion. When fretting notes, press down on the strings with enough force to produce a clear sound. Avoid pressing too hard, which can cause buzzing.
To get good at playing acoustic, electric, classical, or acoustic electric guitar start learning more chords, practice transitioning between the chords you learned, learn more strumming patterns and techniques, and practice consistently.
