Understanding what guitar to buy
Overview:
First off, I’d like to welcome any new guitarists to the world! It’s truly a fun hobby for anyone. And at any age. I have had beginners as young as 4 years old to 65. Anyone that is willing to put the work in can learn. Younger students can benefit from a parent making sure they are developing a regular practice schedule. And adult students need only practice as much as their daily schedule offers them. It’s a great after-work stress reliever
Acoustic guitar or Electric guitar?
This is the most common question I get from beginners or the parents of a young beginner. At some point, a myth was taken to be a rule. You MUST start on acoustic guitar. This is untrue! There is only one reason people have been told to play acoustic guitar specifically. The strings are a bit harder to press down than the electric. They are thicker than electric strings. Often, they are a bit higher off the fingerboard too. Therefore, your fingers will get stronger. Which would make the transition to electric very easy.
This is true. But, I’ve been teaching for about 25 years. I have had people start on both acoustic guitar and electric guitar. Both were able to learn. And both were able to transition to the other type of guitar when they desired.
THIS MYTH IS OFFICIALLY BUSTED! Let’s break down a few things about different options that actually do matter when making your first purchase.
Acoustic Guitar
Nylon strings vs. Steel strings? Oftentimes, the average person doesn’t realize that there are different types of guitar strings.
Classical guitars are strung with nylon strings. Nylon strings are more mellow in tone. And they have a softer feel to a beginner who hasn’t developed calluses yet. Steel strings are a bit harder on the fingertips. Yes, electric strings are also steel. But they are generally thinner.
So, combining acoustic steel strings that are thicker and no finger calluses can be a little more painful for the beginner. However, the tone is brighter. Most acoustic guitars we hear in popular music are steel string acoustics. If you start to play popular songs, steel strings will sound more authentic to the song you are trying to play. It’s a trade-off.
For teens and adults, I generally recommend steel strings. For the younger student, I recommend nylon string. Easier for little fingers. These students generally start by playing out of note reading method books. So, the more mellow tone of the nylon string is not as big an issue for them.
Electric Guitar:
Some first lessons start with the student coming to me without a guitar. I generally have them try both acoustic and electric options. 75-80% of students want the electric. It’s just cooler! If a student feels more at home on electric, that’s totally fine.
The student is the one playing guitar. They are the one who will be practicing every day with this instrument. Let them pick what is comfortable for them. What will they be more motivated to pick up? If it’s the electric, then it’s the electric.
I wear sneakers as much as humanly possible. They are comfortable. And I think they look good. If someone likes something else, then wear what you want on your feet. Choice should be organic.
Guitar size matters!
Steel String Acoustics
I have seen this over and over again. People buy an acoustic guitar that is way too big for them. Steel-string acoustic guitars are generally offered in two basic sizes. The dreadnought and orchestra. There are other sizes as well. But these would be the most common.
The dreadnought is likely the one even a non-player would see as familiar. It is a big guitar! I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a child or a petite adult struggle on a dreadnought. The orchestra model is a smaller size and much more manageable for someone of a smaller physical stature. If you are looking at a few starter steel string acoustics, please keep this in mind before purchasing. Even go to a guitar store and asked to play these two different body styles.
Classical/Nylon Strings
Classical guitars are, by design, smaller in size than most of their steel string counterparts. They still produce a lovely warm sound. They are very well-balanced on the body. Also, a great option for a smaller student. It’s also a good idea to try at least one nylon out as well. If you are a student that is interested in playing classical guitar specifically, this is your instrument.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitar brings its own share of considerations when buying your first instrument. Yes, color is one of them. But that comes at the end!
One of the best ways to start is with a “starter pack.” These are generally designed as an all-in-one option when just starting out. They generally consist of a guitar, guitar amp, guitar cable to plug the guitar into the amp, guitar strap if you want to play standing up, a guitar tuner, and a gig bag.
I generally recommend the starter sets from Fender guitars. They are generally student-model Stratocaster. This model guitar is very comfortable and isn’t too heavy to hold. Electric guitars are made of solid wood. They are always a bit heavier than acoustic guitars.
There are different price points on the various packs. The guitars are generally very similar. Even exact in some cases. If anything, the guitar amp might be better than a cheaper pack. Buying the top pack is unnecessary. A basic amp is absolutely fine for a beginner.
Full vs. ¾ Size
Steel-string acoustics, classical/nylon string acoustics, and electric guitars are all available in full size and ¾ size. The ¾ is great for kids. They don’t have to struggle with the instrument as much as the full size. This can be the difference between a student enjoying themselves or becoming frustrated and quitting.
People will try to bypass the ¾ size for a full size. This is generally in an effort to avoid an extra guitar purchase. They prefer to buy the full size as the student will need a full size at some point if they continue playing for years to come.
It is my experience that this is not a good idea. BE WARNED! A ¾ size nylon string acoustic is approximately $150. Now think about how much lessons are. Not spending the money on the right size instrument will probably have you wasting money on lessons if the frustrated student quits.
Ukulele for Kids
With some of my younger students, I will elect to start them on the ukulele. It’s smaller, has fewer strings (four strings instead of the guitars 6 strings), and has nylon strings. Kids are comfortable with the size and can transition to a guitar rather easily later on. Ukulele is a real instrument and can be a great alternative for young students of 4-8 years of age.
How Much Should I Spend on a Guitar?
I have had people come in with every price point of a guitar to start lessons. Some have a friend or relative that had a guitar in the basement collecting dust. I have had wealthy adult students come in with guitars that are worth as much as some people’s cars. I have had some come in with low budget no-name brands. Please, please, PLEASE consult your instructor about any purchase of a guitar!
Expect to pay $150-350 for a starter instrument. If you pay any less, you might get a virtually unplayable piece of junk. Anything over this price could be a waste of money. Don’t buy an expensive instrument until you have been playing for a while.
Just because some of your guitar heroes play a certain instrument, it doesn’t mean you will bond with it too. Every guitar model has its own feel, sound, and features. Educate yourself as a player before a big purchase. In short, just because you can afford it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
What Guitar is Best for the Music You Like
Also, keep in mind what type of music you want to play. If you are a folk music fan, you may like the steel string acoustic guitar better. If you are a rock music fan, you may want the electric. If you love classical or flamenco guitar, the nylon string might be your best bet.
I hope you find all this information helpful. This advice comes from observing many first-time guitar buyers try to get their initial purchase correct. Use this information to make your decision. Have fun!
-JD