As you begin learning to play the guitar, you may be overwhelmed with the information available online about how to go about it. The vast information on the World Wide Web can be daunting and sometimes contradictory at times, causing people, especially new beginners, to feel overwhelmed when learning this beautiful instrument.
To be able to learn, the very first thing you would need to do is get a guitar. But then comes the most critical yet complicated question you will encounter: How to choose the best guitar for beginners?
This guide will help you choose the best guitar for beginners, suited to your needs and preferences.
For those eager to start playing immediately, here are our top recommendations:
| Model | Type | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha FG800 | Acoustic | Beginners and acoustic enthusiasts | Rich, balanced tone, solid spruce top, durable build, excellent value. |
| Fender CD-60S | Acoustic | New players | Warm sound, comfortable neck, solid top, affordable and reliable. |
| Squier Affinity Stratocaster | Electric | Beginners interested in rock, blues, and pop | Versatile pickups, classic Stratocaster design, easy playability, iconic tones. |
| Epiphone Les Paul Special II | Electric | Aspiring rock and blues players | Classic Les Paul styling, powerful humbucker pickups, comfortable neck, great beginner value. |
| Ibanez GRX70QA (GIO Series) | Electric | Versatile beginners | H-S-H pickup configuration, fast neck, suitable for rock, metal, and pop. |
| Yamaha Pacifica 012 | Electric | Beginners seeking versatility | Comfortable body, reliable hardware, versatile pickup setup, excellent all-around starter guitar. |
📚Why You Should Learn the Guitar?
With so many musical instruments to choose from, choosing which one to play can be confusing. While every instrument has its appeal, learning the guitar has numerous benefits.1 Let us consider why you should consider the guitar compared to other musical instruments.
Passion
Each of us who decides to learn a musical instrument tends to prefer one. Some are naturally drawn to the guitar, while others are drawn to the piano or violin. If you find yourself inclined to learn the guitar over the others, you should pursue this dream. Age and location are no barriers, given the plethora of learning options available today. Whether you prefer in-person lessons or online ones, there are loads of tutors on Superprof who are just waiting to start you on your journey.
Mindfulness
The fast-paced life that we lead nowadays is stress-inducing. Many of us are trapped in routines that involves doing the same things every day, leaving little time for anything else. Learning the guitar helps you unwind from daily chores and focus entirely on the present moment of learning or practicing the guitar. The concentration required to play the guitar, learn chords, and practice techniques is a mindfulness exercise where one can de-stress and promote overall well-being.
Improvement in Memory
Learning the guitar is one of the best things you can do to improve your memory and sharpen your concentration. When you play the guitar, you will not only need to concentrate on multiple things, such as fingering, rhythm, and timing, but you will also need to concentrate properly on what you are doing at that exact moment. This sort of exercise for your mind significantly improves your concentration and memory in the long run.
Help You Connect with Others
If you are looking for an activity that helps you connect to people around you, then learning the guitar is an excellent choice. It enables you to develop social and teamwork skills where you meet other people with the same interests and passion for guitar. As your guitar playing advances, you can meet and join bands looking for a guitarist, where you collaborate with fellow musicians and build useful connections.
These are just a few benefits when you start playing the guitar. There are so many more factors that make this instrument one of the best out there for beginners, and this is all the more reason you should get your first guitar.
💡How to Choose a Guitar That Suits You Best?
Once you have decided that the guitar is the musical instrument for you, the next thing you should be doing is to select a selection of beginner acoustic guitar and choose something that best fits your needs and wants.
Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart.
Andres Segovia
Generally, there are two kinds of guitars from which you can choose and strat your musical journey. The first is the acoustic guitar, and the other is the electric guitar.2 Overall, these two instruments might seem similar, and to a certain degree, they are, but they have many differences. You should have a good idea of each of these guitars to make the best-informed decision for yourself on which one to pick.
Acoustic vs. Electric
The acoustic guitar tends to be more popular because of its portability and affordability. It is a great instrument to start learning the guitar. On the other hand, the electric guitar has higher versatility in its tone, but you must also consider that you will need an amplifier if you want to play the electric guitar. Just some pros and cons to consider when choosing between an acoustic versus electric guitar!
Acoustic guitar
Acoustic guitars are more suited for beginners as it is easy to carry and are more affordable. Since the acoustic guitar can be played directly without using an amplifier, it is easy to begin playing it.
The advantages of owning an acoustic guitar are:
- It is versatile and can suit a lot of styles.
- It is portable and can be played almost anywhere.
- It doesn’t need any extra equipment and is just the right guitar for players just starting out.
Electric Guitar
An electric guitar is a fretted instrument that makes use of electric amplification to produce sound. It is popular among players who want to play a wide variety of music like pop, jazz, rock, metal, blues and many modern music styles.
Using techniques of delay, distortion, and reverb, it can produce many different kinds of sound.
- It has thinner strings, making playing fast techniques easier.
- They provide more options for creating unique tones.
How to choose the right guitar
When choosing the best beginner guitar, consider some key factors and check how comfortable you are with it. The size and shape of a guitar are going to affect its playability sound for younger players and offer the perfect balance of quality and entry-level price point.
Larger acoustic guitars generally produce a louder, richer sound, while smaller-body guitars are easier to hold and more suited for extended sessions.
When choosing a guitar, consider:
✅Its weight
✅The neck width and thickness
✅Playing position and comfort
✅Ease of reaching chords and notes
Budget is also an important concept when it comes to buying the right guitar. When buying a guitar, factor in all expenses like:
- Metronome
- Strings
- Bridge
- Guitar price
- Strap
- Picks
- Tuner
- Amplifier
- cables (for electric guitars)
- Case or gig bag
Acoustic guitars offer a lower starting price as they require fewer accessories, while electric guitars are more expensive as they involve additional expenses.
Top Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
| Feature | Yamaha FG800 | Fender CD-60S | Taylor Academy 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Traditional Dreadnought | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Top Wood | Solid Spruce | Solid Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Nato/Okoume | Mahogany | Layered Walnut |
| Neck | Nato | Mahogany | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Walnut | Walnut | Eucalyptus |
| Scale Length | 25.6 in (650 mm) | 25.3 in (643 mm) | 24.9 in (632 mm) |
| Nut Width | 43 mm | 43 mm | 1.69 in (43 mm) |
| Electronics | None | None (standard model) | None |
| Tone | Balanced, clear, and versatile | Warm, full, and rich | Bright, articulate, and responsive |
| Best For | Beginners seeking value | Beginners wanting comfortable playability | Serious beginners and intermediate players |
| Approximate Price | Budget | Budget | Mid-range |
Top Electric Guitars for Beginners
| Feature | Squier Bullet Stratocaster | Squier Affinity Stratocaster | Yamaha Pacifica 112V | Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Double-cutaway Stratocaster | Double-cutaway Stratocaster | Double-cutaway | Single-cutaway Les Paul |
| Body Wood | Poplar | Poplar | Alder | Mahogany with maple veneer |
| Neck | Maple | Maple | Maple | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Laurel | Laurel or Maple | Rosewood | Laurel |
| Scale Length | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 25.5 in (648 mm) | 24.75 in (628 mm) |
| Pickups | 3 Single-Coils (SSS) | 3 Single-Coils (SSS) | HSS (Humbucker + 2 Single-Coils) | 2 Humbuckers |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Tremolo | 2-point Tremolo | Vintage-style Tremolo | LockTone Tune-o-Matic |
| Frets | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 |
| Tone | Bright, classic Strat tone | Bright, clear, and classic Strat sound | Versatile, suitable for many genres | Warm, thick, and sustaining |
| Best For | First-time beginners | Beginners seeking classic tones | Players wanting versatility | Rock, blues, and classic rock enthusiasts |
| Approximate Price | Entry-level | Budget | Budget to Mid-range | Mid-range |
🛍️Where to Purchase Your First Guitar
When people think about buying a guitar, they go to musical stores to check out different instruments. But what if there isn’t a store near you? Well, you can check out online stores.
Let us look at some places you can buy guitars from.
Carousell
If you are looking for previously owned guitars, one of the best places to get them is at Carousell.sg. Carousell is a platform that connects buyers with sellers. You can get brand-new items as well as previously owned stuff here.
The Carousel website has several previously owned guitars ranging from brands such as Yamaha to Bacchus guitars. Their prices and conditions vary. Sellers tend to be very accommodating and friendly, so you can request videos and meetups before purchasing the guitars.
Swee Lee
Swee Lee has been around since 1946 and is one of the leaders in musical instrument distributors. They have had an online store since 2013 and are trusted by over 150,000 music lovers.
✅Multiple outlets (including Clarke Quay and the Plaza Singapura area.
✅They carry a variety of guitars, including entry-level acoustic guitars and high-end electric guitars.
✅ They also carry various brands, from the famous Fender to Gibson guitars, featuring perfect balance and quality.
If you want to try out guitars in person, they have a physical shop that is located on Neil Road. You can always drop by and check out beginner acoustic guitars, choose the best beginner guitars for kids and small adults, and review and choose the one with the best value.
The Guitar Shop
Another place you can buy guitars from is The Guitar Shop. This shop was established in 2019 and has a vast collection of beginner acoustic guitars and acoustic guitars for beginners in Singapore.
Since they specialise in the best acoustic guitars and beginner classical guitars, you can rest assured that these people know their stuff. You can purchase their guitars online or drop by their physical store on Coleman Street.
✅Have a wide selection of electric and acoustic guitars
✅They sell top brands like Martin, Taylor, Eastman, Furch, and Maestro
✅You can also find pre-loved and vintage guitars
✅The staff are very knowledgeable and can help you find the right guitar for both kids and small adults
🎤Essential Accessories for Beginners
In addition to guitars, you also need to check out essential guitar accessories for beginner classical guitars and classical guitars beginners.
The basic accessories include:
All guitars are set up for use with a strap. Since most guitars are heavy, having a strap adjustable for size makes it easy to carry and play comfortably for longer periods.
Guitar strings break when used regularly, so it helps to have an extra set of guitar strings. When buying, ensure the strings are compatible with the type of guitar you have (electric or acoustic).
A guitar case is a must-have for protecting your guitar when travelling. Soft cases, also called “gig bags”, are cheaper and good for general use.
A metronome produces a steady clicking sound and helps a guitar play in time.
A capo is a small clamp that is used on the neck of the guitar. It allows guitarists to match a singer's vocal range.
💡Tips for Maintaining Your Guitar
Clean regularly
Keep your guitar in mint condition by wiping it with a clean, dry cloth after every use. Sweat, dirt and oils can act on the guitar over time, causing damage in the long run.
Change old strings
Old strings gradually lose their pitch and ability to stay in tune. Replacing your strings regularly helps maintain optimal sound quality.
Oil the fingerboard
Whenever you replace the strings, don’t forget to oil the fingerboard with a suitable oil as well. This will prevent the wood from drying out and shrinking.
Store properly
Guitars are susceptible to moisture and temperature changes. Therefore, store your guitar in a stable environment away from direct sunlight or excessive heat and cold to prevent damage.
Do a humidity check
Guitars with wooden tops are susceptible to humidity. So, every 6 months, do a humidity check to identify damage.
Selecting the right guitar can make all the difference in starting your musical journey. The ideal guitar should match your budget, comfort level, and musical interests. A beginner acoustic guitar will offer you the perfect balance of warm tones and comfortable playability, while a versatile electric guitar will be the perfect start to your musical journey. To get the most out of your instrument, invest in a few essential accessories like picks, straps and a hard case that will help you maintain your guitar properly and keep it playing for a long time.
Now that you have a rough idea of the best guitars for beginners and how to pick the best one, you should consider getting a tutor to teach you to play the guitar. While there are many online resources to learn guitar, a tutor can guide and teach you all the correct playing methods.
If you’re looking for a reliable and proficient platform to find qualified guitar tutors, Superprof is the way to go. With its exceptional online services, Superprof promises to deliver an outstanding learning experience. Not only will you find expert tutors who can guide you in choosing the right guitar, but they will also customise their classes according to your learning style, preferences, and objectives. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Superprof ensures that you get the most out of your guitar lessons with ease and flexibility.
References
- Sakamoto, M., Ando, H., & Tsutou, A. (2013). Comparing the effects of different individualized music interventions forelderly individuals with severe dementia. International Psychogeriatrics, 25(5), 775–784. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1041610212002256
- Lee, M. K., Fouladi, M. H., & Namasivayam, S. N. (2016). Mathematical modelling and acoustical analysis of classical guitars and their soundboards. Advances in Acoustics and Vibration, 2016, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6084230
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