The ideal beginner's guitar should be an inexpensive guitar which feels comfortable in the hands of the player.
I found starting on a classical (Spanish) guitar the most comfortable way of picking up the instrument. Learning the classical guitar helps to develop important techniques such as fingerpicking early on in your playing days. The nylon strings of a classical guitar are less punishing on your fingers than other types of guitar and will help build up strength in them. If cost is an issue, you will also find that beginner classical guitars are cheaper than electrics.
Classical Guitars
- Classical guitars are good for learning basic guitar techniques on.
- Their Nylon strings will be kinder to your fingertips.
- They will be cheaper than electric or steel-stringed acoustics. I bought my first guitar for £30!
- Classical guitars are a good base from which to develop your playing ability.
Electric Guitars
If you only wish to play electric guitar then you can purchase competitively-priced starter kits, which usually include the guitar, a lead, an amp and a gig bag. Fender Squire guitars are good electric beginners kits. They are decent value for money (around £150) and sound good enough for beginners.
Starting on an acoustic or classical guitar will benefit your long term guitar technique. Although it is not unusual for players to start on the electric guitar, doing this can lead to picking up bad habits which may be difficult to eradicate in the long term.
- Well priced electric starter kits are available.
- Electric guitars are easier to play.
- May lead to developing bad playing habits.
