Choosing your first guitar can feel confusing, especially if you’re a parent trying to help your child get started or an adult beginner who has no idea where to begin.
There are acoustic guitars, classical guitars, electric guitars, different sizes, different shapes, amps, leads, picks, strings, and loads of opinions from people who all say something different.
The honest answer is this: the best guitar to start with is usually the one you’ll actually want to pick up and play.
In my beginner guitar lessons at Peppercorns Academy in St Neots, students can bring their own guitar or use one at Peppercorns. That means you do not need to buy everything before you’ve even had a first lesson.
Do beginners need their own guitar?
No, not straight away.
If you’re booking a free trial guitar lesson with me at Legend Music, you can use a guitar at Peppercorns Academy. That makes it easier to try a lesson, see how it feels and work out what kind of guitar suits you before spending money.
If you already have a guitar at home, bring it with you. I can help check whether it feels comfortable, whether it’s the right size, and whether it’s suitable for the music you want to play.
Is electric guitar okay for beginners?
Yes, electric guitar is absolutely okay for beginners.
A lot of people think you have to start on acoustic guitar first, but that’s not always true. If electric guitar is what makes you excited to learn, it can be a great starting point.
Electric guitar is especially good for students who like rock, metal, riffs, solos and heavier sounds. It’s fun because you can shape the sound through an amp and effects, and you can learn short riffs that feel exciting quite quickly.
For some beginners, that makes practice feel less like a chore and more like something they actually want to do.
Is acoustic guitar better for beginners?
Acoustic guitar can be a good place to start if you like singer-songwriter music, pop songs, chords, strumming or playing without an amp.
You can pick it up and play anywhere, which makes it simple. You do not need leads, pedals or extra gear.
The main thing to know is that steel-string acoustic guitars can sometimes feel harder on beginner fingers at first. That does not mean they are bad for beginners, it just means your fingers may need time to build strength.
What about classical guitar?
Classical guitars usually have nylon strings, which can feel softer on the fingers.
That can make them a nice option for younger beginners or students who are worried about sore fingertips. They also have a wider neck, which some people like and some people find harder.
Classical guitar is not only for classical music, either. You can still use it to learn basic chords, finger movement, timing and simple songs.
What guitar is best for rock and metal?
For rock and metal, electric guitar is usually the best fit.
It gives you the sound, feel and energy that suits riffs, power chords, solos and heavier songs. You can also experiment with different tones using an amp or effects.
That said, plenty of guitar skills cross over. Chords, timing, finger strength, picking, rhythm and practice habits all matter whether you start on electric, acoustic or classical guitar.
What gear do beginner electric guitarists need?
You do not need loads of expensive gear to start electric guitar.
A simple beginner setup could include:
- An electric guitar
- A small practice amp
- A lead
- A pick
- A tuner or tuning app
That is enough to get going.
You do not need fancy pedals, expensive amps or a professional guitar at the beginning. You need something playable, comfortable and reliable enough to practise on.
What size guitar should a child use?
The right size depends on the child’s age, height, hand size and comfort.
Some young players are fine with a full-size guitar. Others may need something smaller or lighter. The main thing is that they can hold it comfortably, reach the strings and can sit or stand comfortably.
This is another reason it can help to try a guitar lesson before buying. I can help spot whether a guitar feels too big, too awkward or difficult to play.
Should beginners buy new or second-hand?
Both can work.
A new guitar can be a good option if it is set up properly and comfortable to play. A second-hand or refurbished guitar can also be brilliant, especially if it has been checked over by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Peppercorns Academy often has guitars around, and there may be refurbished options available. That can be useful if you want a beginner guitar that has been looked after rather than guessing online.
The main thing is not whether the guitar is new or second-hand. The main thing is whether it stays in tune, feels comfortable, and does not make learning harder than it needs to be.
What should you avoid when buying a first guitar?
Try to avoid buying a guitar just because it is the cheapest one you can find.
Very cheap guitars can sometimes be harder to play because the strings sit too high, the tuning is unstable or the instrument feels uncomfortable. That can make beginners think they are the problem, when actually the guitar is making everything harder.
You also do not need to buy the most expensive guitar. A good beginner guitar should feel comfortable, sound decent and make you want to keep playing.
Can you start lessons before buying a guitar?
Yes. That can be a really good idea.
A free trial guitar lesson gives you a chance to see whether guitar feels right before buying anything. It also gives you a better idea of whether electric, acoustic or classical guitar would suit you best.
For parents, this can save money and stress. For adult beginners, it can take away the pressure of trying to make the perfect gear choice before you’ve even started.
Beginner guitar lessons in St Neots
At Legend Music, I teach beginner-friendly guitar lessons in St Neots from Peppercorns Academy.
I work with young players, teens, adult beginners and returning guitarists. Lessons are mainly one-to-one, with a focus on practical playing, rock, metal, riffs, technique, confidence and songs students actually want to learn.
You can bring your own guitar or use one at Peppercorns for your first lesson.
If you’re not sure what guitar to start with, book a free 30-minute trial lesson and we can figure it out together.
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