Choosing the right guitar is crucial for beginners, as it can influence your learning experience. Acoustic guitars are often recommended because they are straightforward, require minimal maintenance, and help build finger strength. However, an electric guitar can be a great choice as well. The best type of guitar ultimately depends on the style of music you are interested in.
Three Types of Guitars for Beginners:
1) Acoustic Guitar:
These are great to start with, as they don't need an amplifier. They are good to go right out of the box. Just tune them up, and you're ready to go. They are great for music styles such as folk, pop, and country music. So, if this is the kind of music that inspires you to want to learn to play, I recommend you start with an acoustic guitar.
As you can see from the picture above, this kind of guitar fits comfortably in your hands, and you should have access to the whole instrument. One hand is designed for forming and holding chords along the fretboard, and the other hand is intended to strum or pick the strings individually.
This is the basis of how all guitars are played. What makes the acoustic guitar unique over the electric is its size. Since there is no amplifier to project the sound, this is done through the sound hole, which makes the body of the guitar more boxy. Which means your arm will need to be in a certain position to play it. This can take some getting used to in the beginning.
Fender Acoustic Guitar
Here is a great acoustic guitar to get started with. The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar. It comes with a tuner, extra strings, picks, an instructional DVD, and everything else needed to start having fun. Fender has been making quality guitars for decades, so you know it is a great guitar and will have a great tone. If you're thinking about getting started with an acoustic guitar, I recommend one like this.
2) Electric Guitar:
The next type of guitar that is most popular and easily available is the electric guitar. This was a revolutionary concept at the time of its creation. This kind of guitar is ideal for rock, blues, and jazz. It requires an amplifier and cable, but offers a wider range of sounds and options for enhanced creativity.
As you can see from the picture above, the electric guitar is very similar to the acoustic guitar. It sits on your lap comfortably as you play it. Your arm is stretched over the body to strum or pick the guitar strings, and the other hand is placed on the fretboard to play chords for rhythm, or individual notes for melodies.
As mentioned before, the electric guitar does require an amplifier. The reason for this is that it is made out of a solid piece of wood and does not have a sound hole like the acoustic guitar does. It uses what are called pickups. These are magnets that "pick up" the vibration of the strings, send them through the guitar, to the amp through a cable, and out the speaker.
This picture shows one of my students playing the electric guitar, using guitar pedals (which is another lesson altogether), and plugged into an amplifier. This is what makes the electric guitar so fun to play. You can get an unlimited number of sounds out of it. With that being said, it does require more than just taking it out of the box, tuning it up, and playing it like an acoustic guitar.
What's also great about the electric guitar is that it is thinner, and the strings are not as thick. This makes it easier to start with. But it will require a cable and an amplifier. Not all the stuff in the picture above as this is a more experienced player, but a small practice amp will be needed.
An amplifier like the one above would be a good choice. It's not too big, but not too small either. There are many different types of amps and electric guitars to choose from. Too many for this intro lesson, but if you do some research, go to your local music store and look online, you will find what works best if you choose to start with an electric guitar.
Fender Squier Debut Series
The Fender Squier Debut Series electric guitar starter pack gives you everything you need to get started. It offers you an excellent guitar, amplifier, cable, strap, picks, and all other accessories to start your guitar-playing journey.
Fender has been building guitars since the late 40s, so you know they provide a good, solid product. In fact, the Fender Stratocaster is as iconic today as it was back in the 50s when it was invented. Along with the Fender amplifier. These two products have been on countless stages throughout the years, and are a great place to start.
If the music that inspires you to play is on the electric, I recommend you start here. And if you are not too sure what type of guitar and amp to get (besides what's been recommended), I'd look into what your favorite players are using.
3) Classical Guitar:
This is another very popular guitar for starting on. Very similar to the acoustic guitar but a little bit different. This type of guitar is perfect for fingerpicking and classical pieces. It is a little bit lighter than an acoustic guitar. It has nylon strings that are easier on the fingers to play.
As you can see from the picture above, this type of guitar is very similar to the acoustic. It does not need an amplifier and produces its sound from the sound hole. The difference between a classical guitar and an acoustic guitar is that the classical has a wider fretboard and nylon strings. These qualities give it a different sound and feel when you play it.
It will be easier for melodies because of the way it is designed, so if that is something that attracts your attention about the guitar and you like the way the classical sounds, it might be a great place to start. Because the acoustic guitar uses steel strings, and the classical guitar uses nylon strings, they produce different types of sound. Something to take into consideration when choosing what guitar to start with.
Cordoba Nylon Classical
The Cordoba Nylon Classical guitar offers a nice-sounding guitar at an affordable price. A spruce top with mahogany back and sides for a classic look and feel. A great choice for students who are just starting out and need a guitar with a quality tone to keep them progressing forward.
Make sure to get a guitar of quality. As this will make a huge difference in determing whether you play it or not. Make sure that it is comfortable in your hand when you hold it. The Cordoba nylon classical guitar will provide all this and more.
Guitar Conclusion:
Like I mentioned before, it depends on the type of music that draws you to want to learn the guitar. This is why it is important to do research. The right guitar will inspire you to play and get through the ups and downs of learning the instrument. The wrong guitar will leave you uninspired to practice and progress into the guitar player you want to become.
Remember, a classical and acoustic will allow you to get started fairly easily. Just get the guitar, tune it up, and you're on your way. The electric will require a little bit more with the cable and amplifier. So make sure to do your due diligence when choosing which one to get started with.
Guitar Lessons Available:
Once you find the right guitar, you might want to look into taking lessons. Or you can choose the DIY option. Either way, I got you covered. I offer guitar lessons in many formats. Books, Video Courses, Online and In-Person. These will allow you to choose which method is best for you.
If you do decide on the DIY method, I recommend getting a good method book. These work very well as they allow you to go step-by-step and progress properly. This will allow for the best use of your time and your practice time. Video courses are great for this as well.
If you want a more personalized approach, I recommend in-person or online lessons. These are customized lessons that cater to your interests, and all ages are welcome. I teach studio lessons in Broomfield, CO. I teach lessons in your home throughout Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, and Westminster, CO. And online lessons are taught worldwide, no matter where you are located.
So if you are interested in this service, feel free to contact me at my website, Dwayne's Guitar Lessons, and I will be happy to help you unlock your full potential and reach your guitar playing goals.
Thanks for your time today, and good luck with your guitar playing.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
