Beginner Guitars

The first decision you need to make when buying a beginner guitar, is what type of music you want to play. If you want to play classical, Latin or some types of pop and folk music you should choose a nylon-string classical acoustic guitar. Country, some pop and folk is best with a steel-string acoustic guitar. If you want to play rock, then you definitely want an electric guitar. You will need to play with the different types to decide what sound you prefer for your beginner guitar.

Many instructors will suggest buying a nylon-string acoustic guitar for a beginner guitar simply because the nylon strings are easier on the fingers at first. This isnt such a great idea because if youre learning to play guitar because you want to play like a rock star, or dont like the tone of the classical guitar, the nylon string acoustic guitar is never going to sound right to you. If you want to end up playing steel-string music, start with a steel string guitar. Sure, your fingers will be sore for a while, but the calluses will develop after about a month or two of regular practice. The same goes if you want to play classical guitar music. Dont let someone talk you into a steel-string if you want to play classical music.

If youre in the market for a classical nylon-string acoustic guitar, keep in mind that one of the reasons theyre called classic is that theyve all got the same relative dimensions. Classical guitars have smaller bodies and wide fingerboards, with a distinctly classical sound. They will still all be a bit different in feel and tone. Be sure to try several out before deciding on one that you like.

If you want to buy a beginner acoustic guitar that is a steel-string, the one that most people start with is a six-string dreadnought guitar. Dreadnought guitars vary only slightly in size, and have that sound that many beginners are looking for.

The type of wood your beginner acoustic guitar is made of will affect the tone of the instrument. Most beginner acoustic guitars have a spruce top. Be sure to choose one with a solid spruce top rather than a two-piece top. The solid top will be more durable. As for the back and sides, your choices will probably be mahogany, rosewood and spruce. If youre looking for a lighter tone, try guitars with a mahogany back and sides. Guitars with a rosewood back and sides will produce a heavier tone.

Other things to look for in a beginner guitar are a relatively low action. The action is the space between the strings and the neck. If the action is too high, it can be distracting and get in the way of learning.

Be sure to also get a good electronic tuner when you buy your beginner guitar. As a beginner, your ear isnt developed yet. Tuning your guitar without having to fuss with it too much will increase the time that you will be able to spend practicing and playing.