What is the best beginner guitar?
A Guide by Good Vibes Teachers.
If you or your child are new to playing the guitar, you might be wondering which type of guitar is best to start with. The good news is that once you learn the basics, the skills you acquire are transferable across different types of guitars. Whether you begin with an acoustic or an electric guitar, you'll be able to pick up other types with ease later on. While certain guitars are better suited for specific music styles and techniques, at the end of the day, a guitar is simply six strings and a fretboard. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose your first guitar:
Nylon-String Guitar
Also known as a ‘Classical Guitar’
A classical guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that uses nylon strings. This guitar is particularly popular for beginners, especially children, because the nylon strings are softer and easier on the fingers, making it less painful to press down on the fretboard. Classical guitars come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your hands comfortably, and they are often very affordable. If you’re interested in classical music, flamenco, or just want a gentle introduction to guitar playing, this could be the perfect choice.
Steel-String Guitar
Also known as a ‘Folk Guitar’.
When most people think of an acoustic guitar, they’re usually picturing a steel-string guitar. While it looks similar to a nylon-string guitar, the steel-string guitar has a larger body and metal strings, which produce a louder, brighter sound. The steel strings can be a bit tougher on the fingers at first, but they are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of musical genres, from folk and country to rock and pop. If you’re drawn to any of these styles, a steel-string guitar is a great starting point.
Electric Guitar
Electric guitars are a favorite for many beginners, especially those who are into rock & pop. Although electric guitars function similarly to steel-string acoustics, they have lighter strings, which makes techniques like string bending easier to master. One key thing to note is that an electric guitar requires an amplifier to produce sound. If you’re excited about the idea of playing with different effects and tones, or if you’re inspired by your favorite rock guitarists, an electric guitar might be the right choice for you.
No matter which type of guitar you start with, remember that the most important thing is to choose an instrument that feels comfortable and inspires you to play. Each type of guitar offers something unique, and your choice should reflect the kind of music you want to explore. At Good Vibes Music Academy, we encourage all beginners to start with the guitar that excites them the most, as passion is the key to developing your skills and enjoying the learning process. Happy strumming!