Start with the type of music you actually want to play

The first decision is not about price or brand—it is about what kind of guitar fits the music you want to make. An acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and a classical guitar are three different instruments that feel and sound nothing alike, and picking the wrong one means fighting the tool instead of learning it.

If you want to play folk, country, singer-songwriter, or unplugged rock, an acoustic guitar is the standard choice. It produces sound through the hollow body alone, needs no amplifier, and the strings sit higher off the neck—which makes your fingers work harder at first but gives you a fuller tone. If you want to play rock, blues, metal, or jazz, an electric guitar is what you need. It has a solid or semi-hollow body, requires an amplifier to be heard, and the strings sit much closer to the neck, making it easier on your hands when you are starting out. A classical guitar uses nylon strings instead of steel, has a wider neck, and is built for fingerstyle playing rather than a pick—it is the right choice if you want to learn classical, flamenco, or traditional Spanish music, but it is not a good first guitar if you want to play rock or pop.

Be honest about what you actually listen to and what you want to sound like. That answer tells you which type to buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Acoustic, electric, and classical guitars are three different instruments—pick the type based on the music you want to play, not on price or appearance.
  • A beginner guitar does not need to be expensive; a mid-range instrument from a known brand will stay in tune, feel comfortable, and not discourage you as you learn.
  • Play several guitars in person before you buy, because comfort in your hands and how the neck feels matter more than specs on a website.
  • Budget for a tuner, a strap, and picks along with the guitar itself—these are not optional extras, they are tools you need from day one.
  • A used guitar from a reputable seller can save money, but avoid very cheap used instruments because they may have hidden damage or be too hard to play.

Understand what "beginner" really means in guitar specs

A beginner guitar is not a toy or a training-wheel version of a real guitar. It is a full-sized, playable instrument built to a lower price point. The difference between a beginner guitar and a professional one is not that one works and one does not—it is that a professional guitar holds its tuning longer, the wood is aged and selected more carefully, and the hardware is more durable. A beginner guitar will do all of those things adequately.

What matters at the start is that the guitar stays in tune long enough for you to practice, feels comfortable in your hands, and does not punish you for being new. A guitar that is hard to play or goes out of tune every five minutes will make you quit. A guitar that is straightforward to play and sounds decent will keep you going.

Expect to spend between $150 and $300 for a beginner acoustic or electric guitar from a brand with a real reputation—Yamaha, Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez, or Takamine are all solid choices at that price. Below $100, you are taking a real risk. Above $500, you are paying for things a beginner does not yet need.

Play guitars in person before you decide

Buying a guitar online without touching it is a mistake. Guitars vary in how they feel in your hands, how wide the neck is, how high the strings sit, and how much finger strength they demand. Two guitars that look identical on a spec sheet can feel completely different when you hold them.

Go to a music store and play at least three guitars in the type and price range you are considering. You do not need to know how to play well—just hold each one, press down on the strings, and notice which one feels least awkward. Pay attention to the width of the neck (some people have smaller hands and need a narrower neck), the height of the strings above the fretboard (lower is easier on your fingers), and how the body sits against your chest if you are playing sitting down.

Ask the staff to show you the difference between a cheap guitar and a mid-range one in the same category. They can demonstrate how the tuning stability differs and why the hardware matters. This is not a sales pitch—it is you learning what your money actually buys.

Check the condition and setup of any guitar you are considering

Before you hand over money, look at the physical state of the instrument. Sight down the neck from the headstock toward the body—the neck should be straight, not twisted or bowed. Look at the frets (the metal strips across the neck) and make sure they are not worn down or pitted. Check that all the tuning pegs turn smoothly and that the bridge (the piece holding the strings at the body end) is not cracked or lifting away.

For an acoustic guitar, tap the top gently and listen—it should sound clear and resonant, not dull or cracked. For an electric guitar, plug it in and play each string to make sure none of them buzz or sound dead. Ask the store or seller whether the guitar has been set up—this means a technician has adjusted the neck, bridge, and string height so the guitar plays as well as it can. A new guitar from a reputable store is usually set up before sale. A used guitar may not be, and setup costs $50 to $100.

Decide between new and used

A new beginner guitar from a music store comes with a warranty, has been inspected, and is usually set up and ready to play. You pay full price, but you know what you are getting.

A used guitar can cost half as much, but you are taking on the risk that it has hidden damage, has not been maintained, or needs setup work that will add to the cost. Buy used only from a music store that inspects and warrants its used stock, or from a private seller if you can bring someone who knows guitars to look at it with you. Avoid very cheap used guitars—if someone is selling a guitar for $40, there is usually a reason.

If you are borrowing or renting a guitar to try before you buy, that is a smart move. Many music stores rent beginner guitars for $20 to $30 a month, and you can put part of the rental fee toward a purchase if you decide to buy from them.

Budget for the things that come with the guitar

The guitar itself is not the only cost. You will need a tuner (a small device that tells you when each string is in tune—$15 to $30), a strap (to hold the guitar while you stand—$10 to $20), and picks (the small pieces you use to pluck the strings—a pack costs $3 to $5). For an acoustic guitar, you may also want a capo (a clamp that shortens the playable length of the strings—$10 to $20) and a stand to rest it on when you are not playing ($20 to $40).

For an electric guitar, you need an amplifier. A beginner amp costs $50 to $150 and does not need to be loud—a 10-watt amp is plenty for practicing at home. You will also need a cable to connect the guitar to the amp ($5 to $15).

Add these costs to your guitar budget before you shop. If you budgeted $200 for a guitar, your real total will be closer to $250 to $300 once you have everything you need to actually play it.

Know what to avoid

Do not buy a guitar based on how it looks in a photo. Do not buy a guitar because it is the cheapest option—you will regret it. Do not buy a guitar from a big-box retailer that does not specialize in instruments; they do not set up guitars, and their return policies are often strict. Do not buy a guitar with a truss rod you cannot adjust yourself unless you are willing to pay a technician to do it (this is a rod inside the neck that controls the bow—some guitars have access to it, some do not).

Do not assume that a famous brand name means a good beginner guitar. Some well-known brands make excellent professional instruments but poor beginner models. Stick with brands that have a reputation for making solid instruments at every price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to start with acoustic or electric?

It depends on what you want to play. Acoustic is better if you like folk, country, or singer-songwriter music. Electric is better if you like rock, blues, or metal. Acoustic strings are harder on your fingers at first, but electric requires an amplifier. Pick based on the music you love, not on what you think is "easier."

Can I learn on a cheap guitar?

You can, but it is harder. A cheap guitar is often hard to play, goes out of tune quickly, and sounds bad even when you play it right. This makes you think you are doing something wrong when really the guitar is the problem. Spend at least $150 to $200 so the guitar is not fighting you.

What size guitar do I need?

Full-size is standard for adults and teenagers. Children under 12 may be more comfortable with a 3/4-size guitar. The staff at a music store can help you figure out what fits your height and hand size when you play in person.

Should I buy online or in a store?

Buy in a store so you can play the guitar before you commit. Online prices are sometimes lower, but you cannot feel the neck or hear the sound. If you find a guitar you like in a store, you can then shop for the best price, but do not skip the in-person step.

How do I know if a used guitar is a good deal?

Compare the price to what the same model costs new. If a used guitar is more than 30 percent cheaper than new and is in good condition, it is probably a fair deal. If it is much cheaper, ask why. Check the neck for straightness, the frets for wear, and the hardware for rust or damage.