In This Guide
1 Acoustic vs Electric vs Classical
The first decision you need to make is what type of guitar to buy. There are three main categories: acoustic, electric, and classical. Each one feels different to play, sounds different, and suits different styles of music. Understanding these differences will save you from buyer's remorse and help you stay motivated during those crucial first months of learning.
Acoustic guitars use steel strings and produce sound through a hollow body, so you do not need an amplifier to be heard. They are the most popular choice for beginners who want to play folk, country, pop, or singer-songwriter music. The steel strings can be tough on fingertips at first, but you will build calluses within a few weeks of regular practice.
Electric guitars have thinner necks, lower string action (the distance between string and fretboard), and lighter-gauge strings, making them physically easier to press down. However, you will also need an amplifier and a cable, which adds to your startup cost. If you dream of playing rock, blues, metal, or jazz, an electric guitar is likely your best choice.
Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are much gentler on your fingertips. They have wider, flat necks that give your fingers more room. Classical guitars are ideal for classical music, flamenco, and fingerpicking styles. Many guitar teachers recommend them for young children because of the softer strings and smaller available sizes.
Pro Tip
Choose the guitar that matches the music you want to play. Motivation is everything when you are starting out. If you love rock music but buy a classical guitar because someone told you it is "easier," you will likely lose interest quickly.
2 Setting Your Budget
You do not need to spend a fortune on your first guitar. In fact, spending too much can add unnecessary pressure. The sweet spot for a beginner guitar is between $150 and $350. Guitars in this range are built well enough to stay in tune, play comfortably, and produce a decent tone that will not discourage you as you learn.
Below $100, you start running into instruments with poor intonation, sharp fret edges, and unreliable tuning machines. These problems make learning much harder than it needs to be, and many beginners quit because they think the problem is their ability when it is actually the instrument. That said, some brands like Yamaha and Squier have made impressive budget models that punch well above their price point.
If you are buying an electric guitar, remember to budget for an amplifier. A small practice amp in the $50-$100 range will get you started. Many beginners opt for combo deals or starter packs that bundle a guitar, amp, cable, picks, strap, and gig bag together. These packs can offer good value, though the individual components are rarely as good as what you would get buying each piece separately.
Consider the used market as well. A used $400 guitar for $200 will almost always outperform a new $200 guitar. Check local classified listings, music store trade-in sections, and reputable online resellers. Just make sure to inspect the guitar carefully, or bring a friend who plays, before handing over your money.
3 What to Look for In-Store
If you can visit a music store, there are several things to check before you buy. Even if you cannot play a note yet, you can evaluate the physical quality of an instrument. Pick the guitar up and hold it. Does it feel comfortable against your body? Is the weight manageable? These physical impressions matter more than you might think.
Run your hand along the edge of the fretboard. The fret ends should be smooth, not sharp or poking out. Sharp frets are a sign of poor finishing and will make playing uncomfortable. Next, look down the neck from the headstock end as if you are looking down a rifle barrel. The neck should be straight or have a very slight forward bow. A twisted or severely bowed neck is a deal-breaker.
Check the action, which is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Press a string down at the 12th fret. It should not require excessive force, and the note should ring clearly without buzzing. High action makes a guitar difficult to play; extremely low action causes fret buzz. Most new guitars need a basic setup, but the action should be in a reasonable starting range.
Finally, test the tuning machines. Turn each one and make sure they move smoothly without slipping or grinding. The tuning machines are the gears on the headstock that you use to tune your guitar. Cheap tuners that slip will make it impossible to stay in tune, which is endlessly frustrating for a beginner.
Pro Tip
Do not be embarrassed to ask a store employee to play the guitar for you. Hearing what the instrument sounds like in capable hands tells you what you are working toward, and it lets you evaluate the tone without worrying about your own skill level.
4 Buying Online vs In Person
Buying in person has obvious advantages: you can hold the guitar, feel the neck, check the frets, and hear the tone before committing. For a first guitar, visiting a store is ideal if one is accessible to you. Staff at dedicated music shops (as opposed to big-box retailers) tend to be musicians themselves and can offer genuine, helpful advice.
Buying online opens up a much wider selection and often better prices. Major retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, and Amazon offer generous return policies. Sweetwater, in particular, inspects and sets up every guitar before shipping, which is a major advantage. If you buy online, make sure you understand the return policy before placing your order.
One risk with online purchases is that every guitar, even the same make and model, is slightly different. Wood is a natural material, and two guitars off the same production line can feel and sound different. In a store, you can pick the best one from the rack. Online, you get what you get. That said, quality control at major brands has improved enormously, and most online purchases work out just fine.
If you choose to buy online, plan on having the guitar professionally set up at a local shop. A setup typically costs $40-$70 and involves adjusting the action, intonation, truss rod, and sometimes the nut slots. A good setup can transform a mediocre-feeling guitar into something genuinely enjoyable to play.
5 Essential Accessories You Need
Beyond the guitar itself, there are a few accessories that you genuinely need from day one. Do not let anyone upsell you on expensive gear you do not need yet, but these basics are non-negotiable for a good learning experience.
A tuner is the most important accessory you will buy. Playing an out-of-tune guitar trains your ear incorrectly and makes everything sound bad regardless of your technique. Clip-on tuners are inexpensive, accurate, and convenient. Apps like GuitarTuna also work well, though they can struggle in noisy environments. Read our full guide on tuning your guitar for more details.
You will also need a handful of guitar picks in medium thickness (around 0.70-0.80mm). Medium picks are versatile enough for both strumming and single-note picking. Buy a variety pack so you can experiment. A guitar strap is essential if you ever plan to play standing up, and a padded gig bag or hard case protects your investment during transport and storage.
- Tuner - clip-on or app-based, essential from day one
- Picks - start with medium thickness (0.70-0.80mm)
- Strap - required for standing, helpful even when sitting
- Gig bag or case - protects against bumps, dust, and humidity
- Extra strings - strings break, keep a spare set ready
- Cable and amp - electric guitar only
6 Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake beginners make is buying on looks alone. A guitar that looks amazing on the wall might have a neck profile that does not suit your hand size, an action that is too high, or a body shape that is uncomfortable when you sit down with it. Always prioritize playability and comfort over aesthetics.
Another common error is starting with a full-size dreadnought acoustic when you have a small frame. Dreadnought acoustics are the most popular shape, but their large bodies can be uncomfortable for smaller players. If you are under 5'5" or have a slight build, consider a concert or parlor-sized acoustic, or a 3/4 size guitar. The reduced body makes it much easier to wrap your arm around comfortably.
Avoid buying the cheapest guitar you can find just to "see if you stick with it." A $50 guitar from a department store is almost guaranteed to have playability issues that will actively discourage you. You do not need to spend a lot, but you need to spend enough to get an instrument that works properly.
Finally, do not skip the setup. Even guitars costing $500 or more benefit from a professional setup. The factory settings are designed for average preferences, but every player is different. A guitar that has been set up for you will feel dramatically better than one straight out of the box.
7 Recommended Starter Guitars by Style
Here are some widely recommended beginner guitars organized by the style of music you want to play. These models have earned their reputations through years of consistent quality and value at their respective price points.
Quick Reference: Starter Guitar Recommendations
ACOUSTIC (Steel String): Yamaha FG800 ~$220 Best all-around beginner acoustic Fender CD-60S ~$200 Great dreadnought value Taylor Academy 10 ~$500 Premium feel, worth the upgrade ELECTRIC: Squier Affinity Strat ~$250 Classic Fender tone, versatile Epiphone Les Paul Std ~$400 Warm, full sound for rock/blues Yamaha Pacifica 112V ~$300 Incredibly versatile, great quality CLASSICAL (Nylon String): Yamaha C40 ~$150 Industry-standard starter classical Cordoba C5 ~$250 Excellent tone for the price Cordoba C7 ~$350 Solid top, beautiful sound
No matter which guitar you choose, remember that the best guitar for a beginner is one that feels comfortable in your hands and inspires you to pick it up every day. Once you have your guitar, learn the parts of your instrument, work on your posture, and start learning the string names. The journey of a thousand songs begins with a single strum.
Key Takeaways
- Choose acoustic, electric, or classical based on the music you want to play, not what others tell you is "easiest"
- Budget $150-$350 for a beginner guitar that will stay in tune and play comfortably
- Check the frets, action, neck straightness, and tuning machines before buying
- Always get a professional setup, even on a new guitar, to optimize playability
- Invest in a tuner, picks, a strap, and a gig bag from day one