Thinking about learning how to play guitar but bamboozled by the huge choice of acoustic guitars on the market? Here are our top tips to help you choose your first guitar or a guitar for your child.
We’ve teamed up with Play Music Today (PMT) to bring you a selection of the best beginner-friendly guitars, plus some shopping tips to help your cash go further, leaving you to concentrate on getting to know your new instrument.
1. Choose the best type of acoustic guitar for you
You’ve already narrowed it down to an acoustic guitar rather than an electric guitar, but did you know that there are a number of different types of acoustic guitars?
You’ll need to choose between a classical guitar (also known as a Spanish guitar, equipped with Nylon strings), or a steel-stringed guitar.
Classical guitars, as the name suggests, tend to give a more mellow, softer sound more suited for classical music, whereas the more popular steel-stringed guitars are better suited for more modern rock and pop music.
2. Acoustic or electro-acoustic?
There are also electro-acoustic guitars, which are acoustic guitars with a built-in preamp, meaning that you can plug them into an amp if you want to perform live, as well as using guitar pedals.
These typically also feature a cutaway shape, which allows the player to access the upper frets more easily.
3. Shop the right size for you
Generally speaking, the size of guitar should match your body size; there’s no point trying to get a six year old to play a full-sized guitar.
For the youngest children, a ukulele is perfect. A ½ size guitar is usually good for children aged 7-11, whereas a ¾ size guitar is usually a good fit for children aged between 12-15. After which, they might prefer to use a full-sized guitar.
This is subjective to body size, of course, and both children and adults of different builds may find that they want to use a smaller or larger guitar than generally recommended.
For example, ¾ size guitars are growing in popularity, and are also great for travelling.
4. Don’t forget the accessories
At a minimum, most shops recommend that you pick up a guitar tuner, a guitar pick or two (also known as a plectrum) and a spare pack of acoustic guitar strings when you’re getting set up.
If you’re planning on travelling with your guitar, for example to and from lessons, a sturdy guitar case comes highly recommended too. A guitar strap will also allow you to play while standing.
Be sure to factor in these guitar accessories when it comes to budgeting for your first guitar.
5. Check out second hand guitars and shop savvy
A new guitar doesn’t have to cost the earth; second-hand guitars are a great way to get a quality instrument at a reduced price.
You can also check out the PMT acoustic guitar clearance sale to grab yourself a bargain.
PMT also offers Klarna, so you can spread your purchase out over multiple interest-free payments to help make it more affordable. You can also click and collect from their 13 stores or opt for home delivery.
Ready for even more tips? Find out more at the acoustic guitar buying guide.
A few options from PMT
Pre-Owned Freshman Apollo 1OC
Pre-Owned Epiphone J-45 Studio Natural
Pre-Owned Yamaha A1M w/ hard case
Check out more second-hand guitars at PMT and use SAVE10 at checkout for £10 off a spend over £250.