The steel strings that most acoustic guitars use can be relatively hard on your fingers, however. Acoustic guitars are great for all kinds of music, including folk, rock, country, and virtually every other style.
Nylon-stringed classics don’t produce as much tone as traditional acoustic guitars. If you want to play quietly, however, this can be an advantage. Classical guitars have wider necks than traditional ones. This can make it easier for beginners to fret notes, but if you have small hands, you may find a classical more challenging to play. You don’t have to just play classical music to play a nylon-stringed guitar. Willie Nelson, for instance, has played country and folk on a nylon-stringed guitar for many years, and classical guitar is featured in many rock songs, like Metallica’s “Battery. ”
Some beginners avoid buying an electric guitar because they think it will be louder than an acoustic. While it’s true that electrics can get loud, it is possible to play them quietly. Practice amps generally play at relatively low volumes. Many have headphone jacks, allowing you to play even more quietly than you could with an acoustic. Electric guitars are as versatile as acoustics and can be used for many styles of music, from punk to jazz and everything in between.
Fender Stratocaster (Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Frusciante, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy) Gibson Les Paul (Jimmy Page, Duane Allman, Joe Perry, Slash) Gibson E-335 (B. B. King, Alex Lifeson) Fender Jazzmaster (J. Mascis, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Nels Cline) Gibson SG (Tony Iommi, Jerry Garcia, Angus Young) Danelectro Silvertone (Cat Power, Jimmy Page) Martin D-28 (Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell, Michael Mumford) Gibson J-45 (John Lennon, Jeff Tweedy)
Acoustic starter kits typically include an entry-level guitar plus extra strings, a strap, picks, a tuner, and instructional materials. Electric guitar starter kits typically include all of the above plus a practice amplifier and cord.
How heavy is the guitar? Does the neck feel comfortable in your hand? How wide is the guitar? Does your playing arm fit comfortably over the top of it? How complicated are the controls (for electric guitars)?
Decent acoustic and electric guitars can be purchased new for a few hundred dollars. There are solid budget options (under two hundred dollars) in both categories. The brand is not as important as the quality of the material–if the guitar stays in tune, produces a decent tone, and feels comfortable to play, it is just fine for a beginner. If you’re unsure which guitars will provide quality within your price range, ask sales staff for help.
Used acoustic and electric guitars can be found at local instrument stores, through online classifieds, and even major online music retailers.
A small practice amp and a guitar cord (if you buy an electric) A guitar strap Picks (medium gauge are best for beginners) A case or stand to hold your instrument when you’re not playing it Extra strings A tuner
Smaller shops may have more attentive staff, while larger stores may have a larger selection to choose from.
Many online retailers also sell used instruments. You can usually find options on online classified and auction sites as well.
