Buyer's Guide - Beginners
Guitar
Purchase Guide
Choosing the Right First Guitar
Starting guitar lessons is exciting, but choosing the right instrument can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive guitar to get started — you just need one that fits the student well and is comfortable to play.
Most important factors
- Correct size for the student
- Comfortable string height (action)
- A style that matches the music they want to play
step 1
Choose the Correct Guitar Size
Choosing the right size is especially important for younger students. A guitar that is too large can make learning difficult and discouraging.
General Size Guidelines
| Age | Recommended Guitar Size |
|---|---|
| 4–6 years old | ½ size |
| 6–12 years old | ¾ size |
| 12+ years old | Full size |
These are general guidelines. If you’re unsure, ask a teacher or staff member for help selecting the correct size.
step 2
Choose Your Guitar Type
Acoustic Guitar
Best for most beginners
Acoustic guitars are often the easiest place to start — simple, portable, and requiring no additional equipment. Our most common starting instrument for beginner students.
| Common Styles | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Pop & Indie | Comfortable body size |
| Folk | Low string action |
| Singer-songwriter | Good tuning stability |
| Worship music | |
| General beginner learning |
Recommended models
best overall
Yamaha FG800 →
Excellent sound quality and durability at a great price point.
best budget
Ibanez PF Series →
Comfortable to play with good tone at an affordable price.
Classical Guitar
Classical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and easier for younger beginners. Nylon strings make the early stages of learning more comfortable, especially for small hands.
common styles
- Correct size for the student
- Comfortable string height (action)
- A style that matches the music they want to play
Recommended models
Yamaha C40II →
Yamaha CG122MCH →
Cordoba C5 →
Electric Guitar
Best for rock, blues & modern styles
Electric guitars are great for students drawn to modern and amplified styles. Unlike acoustic guitars, they require additional equipment to play.
| Common Styles | Required Equipment |
|---|---|
| Rock & Metal | Guitar amplifier |
| Blues | Instrument cable |
| Indie rock | Picks |
| Pop rock | Optional strap |
Recommended models
Starter Pack
Fender Squier Starter Pack →
Includes guitar, amplifier, cable, strap, and picks — everything needed to start playing immediately.
Quick decision
Acoustic vs. Electric
Which should I choose?
Lifetime Investment
Under 10
Acoustic or classical guitar is usually the best place to start.
Rock Fan
Electric guitar may be the better choice for students drawn to rock music.
not sure?
Acoustic guitar is always the safest starting point.
Quick decision
Acoustic vs. Electric
editor’s choice – Age 12+
Full-Size Yamaha Acoustic Guitar
If you are unsure where to start, this is our recommendation for most beginners age 12 and up.
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable playability
- Reliable tuning
- Excellent value
An acoustic piano provides the most authentic sound and touch and can last a lifetime when properly maintained. A well-maintained used piano can be an incredible value.
– OUR HONEST RECOMMENDATION
