The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Guitar: Everything You Need to Succeed
Choosing your first guitar should feel exciting, not like a test you need to pass. Whether you’re buying for a child, a teenager or yourself, the best place to start is with a few simple questions: What music do you want to play? What feels comfortable to hold? And what suits your budget?
You don’t need to know all the technical details before you begin. This guide will help you compare acoustic and electric guitars, understand children’s guitar sizes, and choose a sensible budget. With the right instrument, it’s much easier to enjoy the first steps as you learn guitar for beginners.
ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
There’s no single right answer. The guitar that suits you best is usually the one that feels comfortable and makes you want to pick it up.
Acoustic guitar: simple, portable and ready to play
An acoustic guitar makes its sound without an amplifier. That means fewer pieces of equipment and an easy setup for home practice, songwriting or playing along with a singer.
Good to know:
- You can play it almost anywhere without plugging in.
- It works well for pop, folk, country and singer-songwriter styles.
- Steel strings can feel firm on new fingertips at first.
- A large-bodied model may be awkward for a smaller player.
A smaller-bodied acoustic can be a comfortable alternative to a full-sized dreadnought. You can compare styles in our acoustic guitar collection, which includes options such as parlour-sized and travel-sized guitars.
Electric guitar: flexible sounds and lighter fretting
If you’re inspired by rock, indie, pop, blues or metal, an electric might be the more motivating choice. Electric guitars often have thinner strings and lower string height than steel-string acoustics, which can make pressing the strings down feel easier for some beginners.
Good to know:
- You can explore a wide range of sounds with the guitar’s controls and an amplifier.
- You’ll need to budget for a practice amp and cable, as well as the guitar.
- The guitar is quiet when unplugged, but a practice amp with a headphone output can help keep practice quieter.
- There are more controls and equipment to get used to at the start.
Browse the electric guitar collection to see current styles and prices. If you’re unsure, try holding both types and think about the music you’re most excited to play.
What about a classical guitar?
Classical guitars are acoustic guitars with nylon strings. These strings tend to feel softer under the fingers than steel strings, which can be appealing to younger players and some beginners. Classical guitars also have a wider neck, so they won’t suit everyone’s hands or preferred style. If you’re considering one for lessons, check that it matches the tutor’s recommendation and the music you want to learn.
WHAT SHOULD YOU SPEND ON YOUR FIRST GUITAR?
A realistic starting point for a playable beginner instrument is around £85–£200 for an acoustic or classical guitar and roughly £120–£250 for an electric guitar. These are guide prices rather than guarantees, and you’ll see different options depending on the model, size and what’s included.
For an electric, remember to add the cost of an amp, cable and basic accessories. A practical total budget might be around £200–£350, depending on the equipment you choose. It’s worth checking whether a case, strap, tuner or other essentials are included before you compare prices.
These ranges are a starting point, not a rule that says you must spend a certain amount. At the time of writing, DeRosa Music Buntingford’s online listings include half-size and three-quarter-size classical guitars at £85, as well as entry-level acoustic and electric options at different prices. Check the collection pages for current availability and pricing.
Why avoid the very cheapest option?
A lower price doesn’t automatically mean a bad guitar. But if an instrument is poorly made or set up, it may be harder to keep in tune or press the strings down comfortably. That can make early practice frustrating, even when the learner is doing everything right.
When you try a guitar, check that it feels manageable to hold, stays in tune and doesn’t make notes buzz unexpectedly. Ask the shop to check the setup if you’re not sure. A properly prepared, affordable guitar is often a better beginning than an instrument chosen on price alone.
RENTING CAN BE A GOOD WAY TO START
Not sure whether guitar will become a long-term hobby? Buying isn’t your only option. Renting can be a lower-commitment way to get started, particularly for a child who is still finding out what they enjoy or who may need a different size as they grow.
Before arranging a rental, ask what the price includes, whether a deposit is required, and what happens if the guitar needs repairs or becomes too small. Rental terms and availability can vary, so check the details before you decide.
DeRosa Music Buntingford offers an instrument rental service alongside instrument sales. If you’re local, ask us what’s available and what might suit the player, rather than guessing at a size or model online.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GUITAR SIZE FOR A CHILD
A guitar that’s too big can be uncomfortable to hold and difficult to fret. A smaller guitar can make the instrument easier to manage, helping a young learner concentrate on the music rather than stretching to reach the strings.
Age can offer a rough guide, but height, arm reach and comfort matter more. Size labels are not perfectly consistent between manufacturers, so treat the suggestions below as a starting point, not a final answer.
| Approximate guitar size | Approximate height | Rough age guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 size | Up to around 114 cm | About 4–6 |
| 1/2 size | Around 117–135 cm | About 6–8 |
| 3/4 size | Around 137–150 cm | About 8–11 |
| Full size (4/4) | Around 152 cm and above | About 12+ |
These ranges are broad and can overlap. A child’s build and the type of guitar can also affect which one feels right. A music retailer or guitar tutor can help check the fit. For further guidance, see Andertons’ guide to choosing a child’s first guitar.
When trying a guitar, have the child sit down and hold it in a playing position. Check that they can reach the frets near the headstock without straining their arm, and that the guitar’s body doesn’t feel too large or heavy. If they’re struggling, try a smaller size. “Growing into it” isn’t much help if it makes playing difficult today.
A QUICK CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY
Whether you’re shopping for an adult or a child, use this simple checklist:
- Hold the guitar. Check that the body and neck feel comfortable in a seated playing position.
- Try pressing a few strings down. They shouldn’t feel unreasonably hard to fret.
- Listen to a few notes. Ask someone at the shop to check for unwanted buzzing or other obvious problems.
- Check the full cost. For an electric, include the amp and cable; for either type, ask about a case and tuner.
- Ask for help. You don’t need to diagnose every detail yourself.
NEED A HAND FINDING YOUR FIRST GUITAR?
Searching for a music shop near me is a useful start, but being able to see and hold a guitar can make the choice much easier. At DeRosa Music Buntingford, we’re a proudly independent, locally led music school and shop in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. We’ve been supporting musicians for over 30 years, with friendly advice, instrument sales and rentals, plus tailored, fun and engaging teaching.
Our approach looks after the whole experience, from choosing an instrument to getting support as you learn. If you’d like to learn with a tutor, find out about our guitar lessons in Buntingford. You’re also welcome to visit the shop and ask us what might suit you or your child.
The right first guitar doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Choose one that fits the player, suits the music they want to make and feels good enough to pick up again tomorrow. Then take it one chord at a time.