Complete guide to selecting your first guitar, including budget considerations and what to look for. Make the right choice to start your musical journey.
Choosing your first guitar is one of the most important decisions in your musical journey. The type of guitar you choose will influence your learning experience, the styles you can play, and your overall enjoyment. Let's explore the key differences and help you make the right choice for your goals and situation.
Acoustic guitars produce sound naturally through their hollow body and don't require amplification:
• No amplification needed: Plug and play anywhere
• Lower initial cost: No need for amp or cables
• Great for songwriting: Perfect for composing and practice
• Versatile styles: Folk, country, rock, pop, classical
• Portable: Take it camping, to the beach, or anywhere
• Natural sound: Warm, organic tone
• Harder on fingers: Higher string action and tension
• Limited volume control: Can't adjust loudness
• Style limitations: Not ideal for metal or heavy rock
• No effects: Can't use distortion, reverb, etc.
• Size considerations: Full-size can be intimidating for small players
Electric guitars use pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, requiring an amplifier:
• Easier to play: Lower string action, less finger pressure needed
• Volume control: Adjustable from whisper to stadium levels
• Effects capabilities: Distortion, delay, reverb, and countless sounds
• Style versatility: Rock, blues, jazz, metal, funk, country
• Comfortable size: Thinner body, easier to hold
• Recording friendly: Direct input to recording interfaces
• Requires amplifier: Additional cost and equipment
• Cable dependency: Need cables, power outlets
• Complexity: More knobs, switches, and settings
• Less portable: Need amp and accessories
• Practice limitations: Headphones needed for quiet practice
Your budget will significantly influence your options. Here's what to expect at different price points:
Acoustic Options: Yamaha FG830, Fender CD-60S, Epiphone DR-100
Electric Options: Squier Classic Vibe, Epiphone Les Paul Special
What to expect: Playable instruments with decent sound quality
Compromises: Basic hardware, setup may need professional adjustment
Amplifier (Electric): Add $50-100 for practice amp
Acoustic Options: Taylor Academy 10, Martin DX1AE, Yamaha FG850
Electric Options: Fender Player Series, Epiphone Standard Les Paul
What to expect: Better build quality, improved tone, reliable tuning
Features: Better pickups, solid wood components, professional setup
Amplifier (Electric): $100-200 for quality practice/small gig amp
✓ Neck straightness: Look down the neck for warping or twisting
✓ Fret condition: Smooth, level frets without sharp edges
✓ Tuning stability: Guitar should hold tune after playing
✓ Action height: Strings not too high off the fretboard
✓ Intonation: 12th fret harmonic matches 12th fret note
✓ Overall finish: No cracks, gaps, or rough spots
• Sustain: Notes should ring clearly and fade naturally
• Balance: Volume should be even across all strings
• Clarity: No buzzing, muffled, or unclear notes
• Tone quality: Pleasant, musical sound at various volumes
Guitar size can significantly impact comfort and playability:
Best for: Adults and teens (age 12+) • Standard size for most players
Best for: Ages 8-12, small adults, travel • Shorter neck, smaller body
Best for: Ages 5-8 • Significantly smaller, easier for young children
Sound: Powerful, balanced tone with strong bass • Best for: Strumming, country, bluegrass
Sound: Balanced, comfortable size • Best for: Fingerpicking, recording, versatile playing
Sound: Intimate, focused tone • Best for: Practice, travel, smaller players
Sound: Bright, versatile, three single-coil pickups • Best for: Rock, blues, pop, country
Sound: Warm, thick, humbucker pickups • Best for: Rock, blues, jazz, metal
Sound: Bright, twangy, cutting tone • Best for: Country, blues, indie rock
• Guitar tuner: Electronic tuner for accurate tuning ($15-30)
• Guitar picks: Various thicknesses for different styles ($5-10)
• Guitar case/gig bag: Protection for transport and storage ($30-100)
• Guitar strap: For standing/performance ($10-25)
• Music stand: For sheet music or tabs ($20-40)
• Metronome: For timing practice ($15-30)
• Amplifier: Practice amp 10-20 watts ($50-200)
• Guitar cable: 1/4" instrument cable ($10-25)
• Headphones: For quiet practice ($20-50)
• Effect pedals (optional): Distortion, reverb, delay ($30-100 each)
Pros: Try before buying, professional setup, local support
Cons: Limited selection, potentially higher prices
Pros: Large selection, competitive prices, customer reviews
Cons: Can't try before buying, shipping risks, setup needed
Pros: Great deals, unique finds, character
Cons: Condition varies, limited warranty, expertise needed
Use this framework to make your final decision:
• You want to play folk, country, singer-songwriter styles
• Portability is important to you
• You prefer a simple, no-equipment approach
• Budget is tight (no amp needed)
• You want to focus on songwriting and composition
• You want to play rock, blues, metal, or jazz
• Sound effects and experimentation appeal to you
• You prefer easier finger pressure
• You plan to play with others or perform
• Volume control is important for your living situation