What is The Best Beginner Guitar to Learn on?

Beginner guitars come in all shapes and sizes. Retailers like major department stores even carry instruments for beginners nowadays. If you want to build a solid foundation in guitar technique as you begin learning to play, it is important to consider the type of investment you are willing to make and the type of sound quality that you want. The best type of guitar to learn on is heavily dependent on the needs of the player.

Classicals

If you are interested in learning music theory, reading notation, and developing speed and accuracy with guitar playing, then starting with a classical guitar might be the right place. If you purchase a classical guitar, you will find instructional materials that will focus on teaching to read notes and rhythm, and your understanding of music theory will definitely increase.

Classical guitars are similar to acoustic guitars, with a few minor differences. The biggest difference is that the fingerboard on a classical is much wider than that of a traditional acoustic. This presents numerous challenges for young beginners, or players with smaller hands,

because the demands of the instrument may seem uncomfortable, due to the large size of the fingerboard.

There are some smaller classicals on the market that are geared toward beginners and those with small hands. On a very positive note, classical guitars are strung with nylon strings, which are much softer and less grueling on the fingers of a beginner.

Acoustics

Acoustic guitars are great for beginners because they are versatile, mobile, and capable of creating music from a variety of genres. You won't need many accessories like amplifiers and cables to get started with an acoustic guitar. It produces sound on its own, and it can be effective on stage or in a small intimate setting at home as you advance in your playing level. If you are interested in amplification, it is easy to install a unit on any guitar that can pick up the sounds of your acoustic and amplify them. Also consider that there are very affordable acoustic electric guitars that come with everything you need to plug in.

The strings on an acoustic guitar tend to be thicker and harsher on the fingers than classical strings or those found on beginner electric guitars. You can purchase lighter strings and move to a heavier, fuller sounding set once you have developed more endurance with your fingers.

Electrics

If you're planning to sit down at the fireside with the family in the middle of the woods, this is not the instrument for you. But, if you are interested in playing some sweet and heavy lead guitar solos, then the electric guitar might be the best fit.

Electrics are smaller and easier to handle, and the fingerboards tend to be narrower than most acoustics and classicals. Once you get going, the opportunities to modify your sound will be limitless, as you can purchase a number of effects pedals and accessories that will give you hours of enjoyment. However, electric guitars need amplifiers. The downside to them is that without a power source and an amplifier, you won't get much sound from one.

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