What Guitar Should a Beginner Buy?

In over 25 years of teaching guitar, this is probably the question I get asked most. There is nothing more demotivating than thinking you have bought a decent guitar at your local Cash Crusaders, only to find out it plays terribly and needs a setup that might cost you an extra R1500 or more. So here are some brief pointers to point you in the right direction.

Should I choose an electric or acoustic guitar?

It really depends on the style of music you like. If you are into hard rock or metal, you can jump straight to an electric guitar — just bear in mind you will need extra accessories like an amp and a cable. Those two alone can cost anything from R3500 upwards.

If you are a beginner, an acoustic guitar might be a better option. You can always move to an electric guitar once you have built up confidence on the acoustic.

The other option is a classical guitar. It is similar to an acoustic guitar, but it has nylon strings, which are much kinder on your fingers when you start out.

How much money should I spend?

Buying a guitar is a lot like buying a car: much of it comes down to your budget and personal preference. Good entry-level acoustic brands include Tanglewood, Cort, Takamine G-Series and Alvarez, to mention a few. A word of caution: please stay away from a brand called Sanchez.

For electric guitars, start by looking at brands like Ibanez, Fender Squier and Cort. With any of these brands, expect to spend from around R3500–R4000 for a good guitar. That usually excludes a bag or hard case, which is a must to protect your guitar — sometimes you can get a good deal on a starter pack that includes a bag.

What should I know about my first guitar?

So you have bought your first guitar and you are excited to start lessons — what happens next? A guitar bought straight off the shelf at a music shop should go for a setup to make sure it plays well. I can't tell you how many times someone has arrived with a brand-new guitar, only for me to tell them the strings are old and rusty or the intonation is out.

Think of a setup as taking your guitar for a service, like your car. You will get so much more pleasure from playing in the long run. If you need someone who specialises in guitar setups, I can recommend a very reasonably priced technician who lives close to the studio.

What guitar size should I get?

Guitars come in different sizes, which can feel daunting. Children can start on a 3/4-size guitar, while adults are best off with a full-size guitar. It is essential to sit with the guitar and make sure it feels comfortable for you or your child.

The best advice I can give is to visit a music shop and try a few until you find one that feels good and fits your budget. If you need help choosing a good entry-level electric or acoustic guitar, just ask — I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

Takeaway

The key to choosing the right guitar is finding one that suits your needs, your style and your budget. Once you have it, the next step is learning the first chords every beginner should know. Until next time — play with passion.