Guitar Recommendations for Beginners

What to know before the first lesson!

When I first started teaching guitar, I noticed a pattern—most beginners were overwhelmed not by playing the instrument but by choosing one.

Sure, there are a few things to take care of, such as size, type, etc., but your best shot at getting started is to extract that first simple one-string melody.

Let's clear the air and ensure there's absolutely nothing between you and that first melody!

Types of Guitar

Acoustic vs Electric vs Classical - The Big Decision

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room - which type of guitar should you start with? Acoustic or electric? This debate has raged on since the dawn of the guitar itself (or at least since the 1950s).

Here’s what beginners should know about each:

Electric Guitars

Features: Electric guitars offer a wide range of sounds and effects, making them versatile across genres. They’re generally easier on the fingers, as they have lower string tension and narrower necks.
Setup Needs: Electric guitars require additional equipment, such as an amplifier, cables, and an electric power source, which can take up extra space.
Recommended Models: Yamaha Pacifica, Cort G Series, or Squier by Fender are popular and reliable starter models.

Acoustic Guitars

Features: Acoustic guitars are simple and portable, with a natural, warm sound. They don’t need external equipment, making them easy to pick up and play anytime.
Initial Finger Strength: Acoustic guitars often require more finger strength due to their steel strings, which build calluses faster but can be a bit tough on beginners at first.
Recommended Models: Yamaha F280, Cort AD810, and Granada (budget option).

Classical Guitars

Features: Classical guitars have a wider neck, nylon strings, and a warmer tone, making them ideal for fingerstyle and classical music. Their softer strings are gentle on the fingers, a plus for beginners.
Setup Needs: Classical guitars are fully acoustic and don’t require any extra equipment, similar to standard acoustics, but are specifically suited for genres like classical, flamenco, and Latin music.
Recommended Models: Yamaha C40, Cordoba C5, and Admira Alba.

Choosing the Right Type Based on Your Needs

Music Style:
- Electric: Ideal for rock, blues, and pop music.
- Acoustic: Suits folk, singer-songwriter, and country styles.
- Classical: Best for classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle music.

Practice Space: Electric guitars can be used with headphones, which is helpful in shared or noise-sensitive spaces.
Budget: Acoustic and classical guitars are generally more economical because they don’t require extra equipment like amplifiers.
Physical Comfort: If you prefer a lighter touch, start with an electric or classical guitar, as they’re gentler on the fingers compared to a standard acoustic.

I'll let you in on a little secret - there's no universally "better" option. It really comes down to your personal preferences (music taste) and of course, budget. Down below you'll see acoustic, electric, and classical guitars in left-to-right order (top to down on mobile).

Size Guide

What Size Guitar to Get?

Choosing the right size guitar is like finding the perfect shoe fit—it should feel comfortable and natural.

Adult guitars come in full size (also called 4/4), while children's guitars typically come in 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 sizes. But here's the thing — these aren't strict rules based just on age. I've had adult students who were more comfortable with 3/4 size guitars due to their build or hand size.

The right size depends on three things

Arm length (from shoulder to fingertips)
Hand size (can you wrap your fingers around the neck comfortably?)
Overall comfort (can you sit with it naturally?)

Quick test

Sit with the guitar. If you can rest your elbow on the body while your hand reaches the headstock comfortably, you're probably looking at the right size. Still confused? Use our guitar size calculator tool (right below).

Must-Have Accessories

Consider these essential accessories as part of your first investment.

Guitar Case or Gig Bag: Protects the guitar from humidity, temperature changes, and physical damage.

Picks: Start with medium thickness (around 0.73mm), which is versatile and beginner-friendly.

Tuner Options:
- Clip-on Tuner: Reliable and portable.
- Phone Apps: Good for quick tuning but less accurate in noisy spaces.

Basic Care Supplies:
- Microfiber Cloth: For wiping down the guitar.
- String Winder: Speeds up string changes.
- Wire Cutters: Needed for trimming string ends (while changing the strings).
- Humidity Control: Use a humidifier if you live in an extreme climate.

Guitar Strings Gauges

What are string gauges?

Simple! Think of it as the thickness of your guitar strings, thinner strings are easier on the fingers whereas heavier strings are preferred for their 'low end' or thick sound in general.

String Gauge Basics

Selecting the right string gauge (thickness) affects ease of play, tone, and how quickly beginners build finger strength. Here are gauge recommendations by guitar type:

Acoustic Guitar: Steel strings are standard, and light or extra-light gauges are typically best for beginners.
- Recommended Gauges: Light (.009-.045) or Medium (.010-.047).
- Suggested Brands: D’Addario or Elixir for high-quality options; Alice for budget-friendly strings.
- Benefits: Lighter gauges are easier to press, reducing finger strain.

Electric Guitar: Electric guitars use lighter steel strings, making them easier on the fingers and ideal for learning bends and slides.
- Recommended Gauge: Light gauge, 9s (.009-.042), for easier playability.
- Suggested Brands: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky or D’Addario.

Classical Guitar: Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and provide a warm, mellow tone suited for fingerstyle and classical music.
- Recommended Tension: Normal tension is generally easier for beginners, while high tension produces a slightly fuller tone but is harder to press.
- Suggested Brands: Savarez or D’Addario for quality nylon strings, Hannabach for a softer feel.
- Benefits: Nylon strings are softer than steel strings, making classical guitars easier for beginners with sensitive fingers.

Climate Tip: String Longevity

In humid climates, strings are prone to corrosion. Keep these tips in mind to prolong string life:

Wipe down strings with a cloth after playing to remove oils and moisture.
Use a humidifier in dry seasons or dehumidifier packs in cases during monsoon months to protect strings and guitar wood.
Replacement Frequency: For regular practice, expect to change strings every 2-3 months for steel strings and every 4-6 months for nylon strings. Watch for signs of wear, like discoloration or rough spots, that affect tone and playability.

Basic Maintainance Guide

Before you start...

Regular maintenance keeps your guitar in top shape, prolongs its life, and improves playability. Consider your guitar a sensitive friend that needs a stable, safe environment.

Storage

The neck of the guitar is quite sensitive as and it severely affects playability and sound. Unfortunately, as a beginner even detecting a minor change in the neck is (I will say), not possible. Your best bet? Make sure there's never any strain on the neck while you store your guitar.

Storage Tips:
- Store in a case and keep it in a stable environment away from direct sunlight or air conditioning.
- A humidifier can be helpful in dry climates or seasons.
Signs of Needed Maintenance:
- Buzzing sounds or sharp fret edges
- High string action (distance between strings and fretboard)
- Bridge lifting slightly or visible neck bowing.
Daily Care Tips:
- Wipe down strings after playing to remove oils and dirt.
- Use silica gel packets in your case during the monsoon to control humidity.
- Avoid temperature extremes by keeping the guitar away from windows or leaving it in a car.

Investment Required

Time & Money

Understanding the financial and time investments can help you prepare for a smooth start. I'll break the numbers down below to help you grasp the overall investment required including one-time and monthly recurring costs.

But that's not where most of the people who reach out to me fall short; it's the 'time commitment'. Sitting down with guitar every day is hard but also not something one can accomplish by reading blogs/books so I'll move on to the latter, money:

Initial Investment:
- Acoustic guitar: ₹5000+
- Electric guitar setup: ₹25,000-39,000 (including amp and accessories)
- Essential accessories: ₹500-3,000
Ongoing Costs:
- Strings: ₹250-800 every 2-3 months
- Basic maintenance: ₹500-1,000 annually
- Lessons: ₹2,000-8,000 monthly depending on location and frequency
Where to Save:
- Take care of strings to make them last longer.
- Start with free tuning apps.

Oh, and one more thing - don't be afraid to experiment! Try out different guitars, accessories, and techniques. The more you immerse yourself in the world of guitar, the more you'll discover what truly works for you.

Where to now? Read my comprehensive Guitar 101 blog to keep sailing!