If you are reading this, chances are you are probably planning to purchase a first guitar for yourself or someone else. The good thing is that there are several options to choose from when buying a first guitar. The bad thing is it’s incredibly difficult to choose the right one.
The guitar is one of the best instruments you could learn, and the joy of playing it well is unmatched. However, how you play and the quality of sound you produce largely depends on the guitar. When picking your first guitar, it is important to know what kind of music you want to play, what kind of guitar you want to play (acoustic or electric) and how much you are willing to spend. All of these factors combine to make the best first guitar for beginners.
The most confusing aspect of choosing your first guitar is the huge list of elements you have to remember: the kind of wood, the different body types, pickups, necks, bridges, scale lengths, and so on. For someone who is just starting out and doesn’t even own a guitar yet, it becomes complicated to make the right decision.
Instead of trying to remember so many elements, keep in mind the style of guitar you want. This can be made even easier by getting the same style that your favorite guitar player has. It’s also the best way you can pick the right style and guitar for yourself.
Below are the best beginner guitars for each style.
Acoustic
When it comes to acoustic guitars, it’s hard to beat Yamaha. With incredible quality at an affordable price, they make some of the best guitars on the market, both for beginners and professionals. Seagull comes a close second, with great tone and a solid top.
The Yamaha FG700S and Seagull S6 are two of the best acoustic guitars for beginners because they sound great, have a nice tone, and come for a sterling price ($200 and $400 respectively). If you are sure of learning acoustic, you cannot go wrong with these two options.
Electric
If you have your heart set on an electric guitar, you must remember that an electric guitar cannot be played on its own. It requires additional equipment like amp, guitar cables, tuner, and bag. You can either get all of these components separately or buy a complete package.
You must also know the kind of style you want to play to make a proper selection. Below are some of the most common electric guitar styles, and the best beginner guitars.
The Yamaha Gigmaker package is ideal for those who want to play blues, rock, country or pop, and look up to the styles of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Eric Clapton. The package includes everything from the guitar to the amp to a DVD guide, and for only $260, it’s the best electric guitar package around.
The Ibanez Metal Jumpstart package is for those who want to play metal. From a fantastic guitar to additional accessories like an amp and a tuner, this package is a steal for beginner metal lovers. It’s easy to play and quick to learn on.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II and Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top are both excellent choices for those who want to play classic rock. For a meaty, classic rock sound, there’s no alternative to these two. They come for $200 and $500 respectively.
Three things to consider when buying a beginner guitar
- Never buy a dirt cheap guitar because they are made from low grade materials and are hard to learn on. These types of guitars are also difficult to play, and strain your fingers.
- Never buy a guitar in a rush. Always take your time with every guitar that you try, and look at different options. Try different shops and brands, and see what feels the best.
- Never push yourself to play. If your fingers feel tired or strained, stop for the day. Playing with strained fingers can hurt you physically and emotionally.
Mastering the art of guitar playing is something that can only be achieved over time, but having a poignant beginner guitar will ensure you off to the right start.