With so many options available on the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed trying to choose the right beginner guitar. While this is a difficult decision, it's an important one if you want to start learning guitar as you will spend lots of time with your instrument! The dedicated guitar teachers at Greater Toronto Music School have created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know to find the best beginner guitar and begin learning guitar with confidence.
Introduction
For a beginner guitarist, finding the perfect is an important decision with many factors to consider. Learning guitar with a great instrument will inspire confidence, make the learning process easier and help keep students motivated to work towards their musical goals. This detailed blog post covers both acoustic and electric guitars for beginners as well as shopping tips in order to help you make an informed decision.
How To Choose The Perfect Guitar For Beginners: Quick Menu
What To Look For When Buying A Beginner Guitar
When looking for a beginner guitar there are various factors to consider. Make sure to look for a guitar that has great playability, good build quality and fits within your budget. Here are some key components to focus on:
Comfort: Make sure that the guitar feels easy to hold and comfortable while playing. A bulky guitar or one that is too heavy can be discouraging to new players. It's important that you feel good while playing your guitar!
Price: Look for a reasonably priced instrument that with a good, sturdy build. It's possible to find a great quality instrument on a budget between $150 - $300. Click here to read our guide A solid beginner guitar doesn't need to be expensive.
Brand reputation: Top brands earned their reputation and trust for a reason. If you buy a beginner guitar from brands like Yamaha, Fender, or Epiphone, you can rest assured that you will end up with a good quality instrument.
Remember that beginners will benefit from lightweight guitars and low string tension. This will allow new players to play chords and scales with ease. We recommend trying a few different guitars to find what feels best for you before making a purchase.
Acoustic Guitars vs. Electric Guitars: Which is Best for Beginners?
Acoustic guitars and electric guitars share many similarities but each also has many unique features. Understanding both the similarities and differences between the two will help you decide which best suits your needs.
Acoustic Guitars
Often considered the best choice for beginners, acoustic guitars produce sound when the strings vibrate above a hole in the guitar's body. While many acoustic guitars do come with a pickup and the ability to plug them in, they are able to produce a rich full sound without any additional equipment.
Pros:
Producing sound from an acoustic guitar does not require additional equipment like amplifiers or cables.
Versatile instruments that work well in various styles like folk, indie, country, classical or bluegrass.
Cons:
Thicker strings and higher string tension make them more difficult to play
Limited tonal range compared to electric guitars which can be affected by amplifiers, pedals and more.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars produce their sound when strings vibrate over an electric pickup (microphone) which is connected to an amplifier. They are versatile and easier on the fingers.
Pros:
Softer strings and lower action make them easier to play.
Can produce infinite sounds with the help of amplifiers and pedals
Cons:
Additional gear such as amplifiers and cables are necessary
For beginners, it's advantageous to condition your fingers with an acoustic guitar before switching to electric.
Tip: If you lean toward rock, blues, or pop, electric may be your choice. If you prefer unplugged music, go acoustic. Many of our top Toronto guitar teachers recommend beginning with acoustic and transitioning to electric once you've mastered the basics.
Also Read: 7 Eras of Classical Music
How to Choose the Right Guitar Size
Both acoustic and electric guitars are available in a number of sizes. The reason for this is to accommodate both children and adults and for those who are looking for a particularly portable guitar. In this section of our blog, we will help you understand the best size for your needs.
Guitar Sizes
1/2 Size:
Half-size guitars are small and lightweight, making them easy to hold. They're an ideal choice for people under the age of 8 years old who are keen to start guitar. Their smaller size makes them easier to handle for small children. While electric guitars are difficult to find in true half-size, this LyxPro bundle is pretty close to true half-size and good for most children.
3/4 Size:
3/4 size guitars are best from children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. They strike a great balance between playability and sound quality. Some adults who are looking for something portable and easy to travel around with will consider 3/4 size guitars as well.
Full Size:
For teens and up, full-size guitars will be easy enough to handle. They fit comfortably against your body and will be easy enough to handle once fully grown.
How to Test Size
Sit down and hold it as if you were playing. Your arm If you're able to test a guitar in person, start by sitting down and holding it in your playing position. Ensure that your arm can fit comfortably over the body and your fingers can easily press down on the strings on the fretboard. The action shouldn't be too high and should be comfortable. If it's an electric guitar, make sure to plug it in so you can hear the true tone!
You Should Check Out: Our Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners
Top Features to Consider When Buying a Guitar
It's important to make sure that you are aware of what to look for so that you can make a smart and informed decision. Choosing the right guitar is an important step in your learning process!
Build Quality
Make sure the guitar has solid construction and a smooth finish. If the instrument has visible defects or the neck isn't totally straight (warped), its best to keep looking and avoid buying that particular guitar. A well-built guitar will be more enjoyable to play, will stay in tune better and will last you much longer.
Action and Playability
The term action, with regards to guitars, refers to the height of the strings from the fretboard. For beginners, lower action is easier to manage since it reduces finger strain and makes it easier to play the guitar. If the action is too low, you risk having the strings buzzing against the frets which will ruin the tone of the guitar. It's important to find a good balance to ensure easy playability and great tone.
Accessories
While acoustic guitars may not require fancy amplifiers or instrument cables, there are some essentials for both electric and acoustic guitars. Read on to find out some accessories that you will require to start learning guitar.
Picks: Also known as plectrums, picks come in various shapes and sizes. As you become more comfortable and gain more experience, you will start to develop a preference. When you're just starting out, it's recommended to pick up a variety pack of picks so you can experiment with different sizes and thicknesses.
Tuner: There are a couple of options for tuners but it's imperative to have one. No matter how skilled a guitarist may be, if the instrument is out of tune it will not sound good. There are free apps available, such as the Guitar Tuna app, however, a clip on digital tuner is recommended. They're easy to use and work for various instruments including guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, mandolin, banjo and more!
Strap and Gig Bag: Straps will ensure comfort and will give you the ability to play while standing up. They come in a variety of materials and designs. Gig bags will allow you to transport your guitar without damaging it.
Check Out: Our Classical Guitar Method Book
Where to Buy the Best Beginner Guitar in Toronto
Finding the right retailer ensures you get expert advice and quality instruments. Amazon is a great option because of their fast delivery, fantastic return policy and abundance of choices. For those who prefer to buy in person, look up the best music store near you.
FAQs About Buying a Beginner Guitar
What is the best beginner guitar for kids?
A 1/2 size (8 and under) or 3/4 size (9 and over) guitar from brands like Yamaha or Fender is ideal for children. While it's recommended to begin on acoustic, it's possible to start learning guitar with an electric as well.
How much should I spend on a beginner guitar?
While personal budget varies from person to person, you can acquire a good quality starter guitar for $150–$300. You can always increase your budget and opt for an intermediate or pro level guitar right away but this is not necessary and not recommended. As you learn, you will develop preferences and understand better what you would like out of a higher quality & more expensive instrument.
Is it better to buy a new or used guitar?
You can find some great deals buying used but need to be weary of hidden defects. If you have a friend, guitar teacher or family member who can check out the used guitar that you are considering and make sure that there are no defects, buying used is a good option. If you do not have someone in your network who is able to help, we advise buying new.
Do I need lessons to learn guitar as a beginner?
It's possible to teach yourself with the many resources available today on the internet, however, taking guitar lessons in Toronto with a qualified teacher —either online or in person—can accelerate your progress and ensure proper technique.
Conclusion
Finding the best beginner guitar for you does not need to be an overwhelming process. Consider the factors listed in this blog to find an instrument that suits your needs fits your budget and inspires you to play. Once you’ve chosen your guitar, pair it with guitar lessons for a smooth and rewarding learning journey. The perfect guitar is out there—start your search today!
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