A beginner guitar doesn't need to be expensive or complicated
The best guitar for you depends on what kind of music you want to play and how much you're willing to spend, not on some universal "best" model. A classical guitar (nylon strings, wider neck) is gentler on your fingers and suits fingerpicking and folk. An acoustic guitar (steel strings, narrower neck) is louder and works for strumming and singer-songwriter styles. An electric guitar (thin body, needs an amplifier) is easier on your hands but requires more gear. All three can be learned on. The real difference is comfort and what sounds good to you.
Most beginners do fine with a mid-range acoustic or classical guitar in the $100 to $300 range. Avoid the cheapest models—they often have hardware that breaks, necks that warp, and strings that sit too high off the fretboard, making them painful to play. Avoid the temptation to buy a "starter pack" with a cheap amplifier bundled in; you're better off with a decent guitar alone. If you're drawn to electric, budget for a small amplifier (around $50 to $100) as well.
Key Takeaways
- Classical guitars have nylon strings and are easiest on your fingers; acoustics have steel strings and project more sound; electric guitars require an amplifier but are comfortable to play for long sessions.
- Spend $100 to $300 on your first guitar—cheap models have hardware problems and high action that makes learning painful.
- Try before you buy if possible, because neck width and body size vary and comfort matters more than brand name.
- A guitar that stays in tune, has strings that don't buzz, and feels good in your hands will keep you practicing instead of frustrating you into quitting.
Classical vs. acoustic: which is easier to learn on
Classical guitars have nylon strings, a wider neck, and more space between the strings. Your fingers don't have to press as hard, and the wider spacing means you're less likely to accidentally mute an adjacent string. This makes classical guitars the gentler choice for the first few weeks, when your fingertips are still soft and your hand strength is building. If you like folk, fingerpicking, or flamenco, classical is a natural fit.
Acoustic guitars have steel strings, a narrower neck, and tighter string spacing. They're louder and project better in a room, which some people find motivating. Steel strings require more finger strength, so your hands will hurt more at first—but not so much that you can't learn. If you want to play pop, country, or singer-songwriter music, or if you like the brighter tone, acoustic is the way to go. Many people switch from classical to acoustic after a few months once their hands are stronger.
The choice between them is mostly about the sound you want and what hurts less. Neither is objectively easier; it depends on your hands and your taste.
Electric guitars and what you actually need to buy
An electric guitar has a thin, solid body and requires an amplifier to be heard. The strings are thinner and sit closer to the fretboard, so pressing down is easier on your hands than it is on an acoustic. If you have hand pain, arthritis, or small hands, electric is often the most comfortable option. The downside is that you need to buy an amplifier, and you can't just pick it up and play unplugged.
A small practice amplifier (5 to 15 watts) costs $50 to $150 and is loud enough for a bedroom or living room. You don't need anything bigger when you're learning. You'll also need a cable to connect the guitar to the amp, which costs $10 to $20. Some beginner packages bundle a cheap amp with a cheap guitar; avoid these. Buy a decent guitar and a separate small amp instead.
Electric is a good choice if you like rock, blues, metal, or funk, or if you know you want to play in a band later. It's also the right choice if your hands are small or if you have pain playing acoustic or classical.
What to look for when you're shopping
Hold the guitar and see if it feels balanced in your lap. The neck should feel comfortable in your hand—not too thick, not too thin. Play a few open strings and some notes up the fretboard. The strings should not buzz against the frets, and the action (the height of the strings above the fretboard) should not be so high that it hurts to press down. If a guitar feels wrong in your hands, it's wrong for you, no matter what the price tag says.
Check that the tuning pegs turn smoothly and that the guitar stays in tune after you play it for a few minutes. Pluck each string and listen for buzzing or dead spots. Look at the neck from the side to make sure it's straight, not bowed or twisted. If you're buying used, ask the seller if the guitar has been dropped or if the neck has ever been repaired.
If you can, play in a music store where you can try several guitars back to back. If you're buying online, read reviews from people who actually play, not just from the seller. Watch a video of someone playing the model you're considering so you can hear what it sounds like.
Budget breakdown for different starting points
If you want to spend under $150, look for a used classical or acoustic guitar from a local seller or a reputable online marketplace. A used guitar that was well cared for is often a better choice than a new cheap one. Check the neck, the tuning pegs, and the strings before you buy.
If you can spend $150 to $300, you have good options in new classical and acoustic guitars from brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Cordoba. These guitars will stay in tune, won't buzz, and will feel good enough that you won't get frustrated. This is the sweet spot for most beginners.
If you're buying an electric guitar, budget $150 to $250 for the guitar and $50 to $100 for a small amplifier. Brands like Squier (Fender's budget line), Epiphone (Gibson's budget line), and Ibanez make solid beginner electrics. Don't spend more than this on your first guitar; you don't know yet what you'll want, and a more expensive guitar won't teach you faster.
Where to buy and what to avoid
Music stores let you hold and play guitars before you buy, which is worth the trip. Staff can answer questions and help you find something that fits your hands and budget. Big-box retailers sometimes carry guitars, but the staff usually can't help much, and the selection is limited.
Online retailers have wider selection and sometimes lower prices, but you can't play the guitar first. If you buy online, choose a seller with a return policy so you can send it back if it doesn't feel right when it arrives. Reverb.com and Sweetwater are reliable for new and used guitars.
Avoid "starter packs" that bundle a cheap guitar, a cheap amplifier, a cheap strap, and cheap strings. You're paying for packaging, not quality. Buy a decent guitar alone, and add a strap and strings separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what brand I buy?
Brand matters less than the individual guitar. A well-made Yamaha or Fender will serve you better than a poorly made expensive guitar. Play several guitars in your budget range and pick the one that feels best and sounds good to you. Avoid no-name brands from unknown makers.
Should I buy a used guitar to save money?
A used guitar from a careful owner is often a better value than a new cheap one. Check the neck, tuning pegs, and strings. Ask if it's been dropped or repaired. If it feels and sounds good, used is fine. Avoid guitars with cracks, warped necks, or tuning pegs that don't turn smoothly.
Can I learn on a cheap guitar and upgrade later?
You can, but a guitar that buzzes, won't stay in tune, or hurts your hands will make you quit before you get good enough to know what you want to upgrade to. Spend a little more upfront on something playable. You'll practice more and learn faster.
Do I need to buy anything else besides the guitar?
You need a strap (around $10 to $20) and extra strings (around $5 to $10 per set). A tuner (around $15 to $30) is useful so you can keep the guitar in tune while you're learning. Everything else—a capo, a music stand, a metronome—can wait until you know what you need.
What if my hands are small or I have pain playing?
Try a classical guitar first because the wider neck and nylon strings are gentler. If that still hurts, try an electric guitar with thin strings and low action. Some people also do well with a smaller-bodied acoustic called a parlor guitar. If pain persists, talk to a doctor or a physical therapist before you assume the guitar is wrong for you.