Congratulations on hopping on one of the most exciting journeys in life – learning to play a beautiful instrument like the guitar! Whether it’s for your child or yourself, picking your first instrument is as interesting as starting to play it and is the first step towards mastering it. You probably know the main types of guitars but might wonder which is the best for a beginner. Once you decide on the type, you must consider various factors to choose the right one for your music-learning journey.
Which Guitar Is Best to Start With?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best guitar for beginners will vary depending on the individual’s preferences, needs, and physiology. When searching for premium-quality guitars, you’ll encounter acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, each with various designs. It’s crucial to consider what feels right for you or your child and the type of music you plan to play.
Another major factor is to consider the type of music you’ll play. For example, an acoustic guitar may be your best first fit if you love indie or folk music. On the other hand, if you plan on jamming out your favourite metal and rock songs, then an electric guitar may be the right choice.
Many music schools and instructors claim that when students feel inspired by their instrument, they improve their playing that much more quickly. A smart place to start looking for a beginning guitar that will grab your or your child’s attention is your/their favourite bands and musical genres.
Acoustic Guitar for Beginners
Acoustic guitars are designed to generate a rich sound without an electronic amplification. These guitars are most used for playing folk, singer-songwriter, country, and bluegrass genres, but also occasionally in rock, blues, and R&B.
Many want to know if learning on an electric guitar differs from learning on an acoustic. Fundamentally, they’re the same tool and you can use the knowledge you gain on each type. Yet, since the neck of an electric guitar is narrower and the strings are easier to press down, it may be the most excellent for beginners to learn.
Benefits of an Acoustic Guitar
- No need for extra amplification
- Equipped with a detachable pickup for amplification
- Vibrant tone that is excellent for chord playing
- You can save money and purchase a better first instrument (since you don’t need to buy an amp)
Disadvantages of an Acoustic Guitar
- Many models need extra equipment to be installed to connect to an amplifier or sound system, which makes it more difficult to be heard while performing with a band-restricted variety of tones and noises
- It requires thicker strings, making it more difficult for a beginner to play
- Some starter and small-scale models are of poor quality
Electric Guitar for Beginners
Electric guitars are the most widely used guitar style in contemporary music out of all the other varieties. When coupled with an amplifier, electrics can produce a wide range of sounds, even though they only make the slightest sound themselves. The main musical genres that use these guitars are pop, rock, metal, blues, jazz, country, and R&B.
Benefits of an Electric Guitar
- It’s simpler to perform than classical or acoustic
- Because it comes in various sizes, it’s ideal for younger players
- Adaptable and able to generate a range of tones
- Used often throughout the most popular musical genres
- It’s possible to adjust the amplifier to be as loud or quiet as you choose
Disadvantages of an Electric Guitar
- It needs a few extra parts, like an amplifier and a connecting wire, to produce a rich sound
What’s an Acoustic-electric Guitar?
An acoustic-electric guitar combines the best features of both acoustic and electric guitars. These guitars come with integrated microphones or pickups, allowing them to be amplified when necessary. While they perform and sound like acoustic guitars, they can be connected to an amplifier or sound system.
One con is that you’ll likely spend more on these guitars because they feature electronic hardware that acoustic guitars don’t have. However, the price can be similar to that of an electric guitar, so it might be an alternative for you if you wish to play a certain genre of music.
What to Consider When Buying a Guitar?
As previously said, the kind of instrument you search for may depend on the musical genre you choose to concentrate your lessons on; however, there are other, more specific considerations to make to select the best one for you.
Size
The size, weight, and dimensions of the fretboard are crucial when selecting a guitar. Younger players might benefit from smaller instruments that are easier to hold and handle. Musicians with smaller hands might prefer a thinner neck to stretch their fingers comfortably. Those with shorter arms could look for a shorter neck for easier fretboard navigation.
Price
It’s essential to find a guitar that fits your budget. Remember, you’ll also need to budget for accessories like practice amps or wires if you’re choosing an electric guitar. Beginner guitar bundles can be a great way to get everything you need while staying within your budget.
