Guitar

So you’ve decided to learn guitar — congratulations, that’s an exciting decision! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a young learner, picking the right guitar can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the different types of guitars, which one is right for your stage of learning, what size to choose, and our top picks. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to make your first purchase and strum your first chord.

The Guitar Family: Meet the Main Types

Before you buy anything, it’s worth understanding that "guitar" is actually a broad family of instruments. Each type has a distinct sound, feel, and purpose — and choosing the right one for your goals will make a huge difference in how quickly you progress and how much you enjoy playing. Don’t worry, we’ll make this simple!

• Classical / Spanish Guitar — The original acoustic guitar, strung with nylon strings. Warm, mellow tone. Wider neck, gentle on fingers — ideal for absolute beginners and kids.
• Acoustic Guitar — Steel-stringed, loud and bright without needing an amp. The most popular choice for beginners learning folk, pop, or country. Versatile and self-contained.
• Electric Guitar — Requires an amplifier. Thinner strings and lower action make it physically easier to play. Best suited for rock, blues, and metal players who are serious about a specific genre.
• Bass Guitar — Four thick strings, deep low-end tones. Plays the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of a band. Not ideal as a first instrument unless you specifically want to be a bassist.

Classical / Spanish Guitar — The Gentle Starter

The classical (or Spanish) guitar is one of the oldest and most elegant forms of the instrument. With its rounded body, wide flat neck, and nylon strings, it produces a warm, soft tone that is perfect for fingerpicking styles, classical music, flamenco, and Latin music. The nylon strings are significantly kinder on your fingertips compared to steel strings, which makes them a popular choice for young children and adult beginners who are worried about finger pain in those early weeks of practice.

The wider neck, however, can be a double-edged sword — it makes chord shapes slightly harder to reach for people with smaller hands, but it also teaches proper finger placement and discipline from the start. If your child is under 10 or you are drawn to classical, flamenco, or fingerstyle music, starting on a Spanish guitar is a wonderful choice. Many professional guitarists began their journey on a classical guitar precisely because of the foundational technique it builds.

• Best For: Children, classical music lovers, fingerstyle learners, and those with sensitive fingertips
• Watch Out For: Wide neck can be tricky for small hands; nylon strings won’t suit rock or pop strumming styles well
• Genres: Classical, Flamenco, Latin, Fingerstyle, Bossa Nova

Acoustic Guitar — The All-Rounder Champion

If you could only recommend one guitar type to a beginner, most music teachers would point straight to the steel-string acoustic guitar. It’s self-contained — no amp, no cables, no extra gear required. Just pick it up and play. The steel strings give it a bright, crisp tone that works beautifully for strumming chords to songs you already love, whether that’s Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, John Denver, or classic rock anthems.

Yes, steel strings do require your fingers to build up calluses — small hardened patches of skin on your fingertips — but most beginners develop these within two to four weeks of consistent practice. After that, playing becomes comfortable and even enjoyable. The acoustic guitar comes in several body sizes: parlour (small), concert, grand auditorium, and dreadnought (large). For most beginners, a dreadnought or grand auditorium is the go-to choice for a balanced, full sound.

Why Acoustic Is Perfect for Beginners

• No amp or electricity needed — just grab and play
• Teaches finger strength faster than nylon strings
• Works for virtually every popular music genre
• Encourages better technique and posture
• Widely available in beginner-friendly price ranges

Things to Keep in Mind

• Steel strings can cause finger soreness in the first 1–3 weeks
• Louder than classical — neighbours may notice!
• Heavier body can feel bulky for very young children
• A quality entry-level acoustic can still sound excellent
• Strumming patterns take time but feel very rewarding

Electric Guitar — Power, Tone & Complexity

The electric guitar is the instrument of rock legends, blues masters, and jazz virtuosos. It uses magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and shaped through a guitar amplifier. This setup gives you enormous control over your tone — from sparkling clean sounds to crunchy distortion to soaring lead tones. Physically, electric guitars are often easier to press down on because the strings have lighter gauge (thinner) and the action (string height) is usually lower than on an acoustic.

However, here’s the catch for beginners: you need an amplifier, a cable, and often a basic understanding of tone controls to get started. The total cost of entry is higher, and you may feel overwhelmed if you’re just trying to learn your first three chords. That said, if your heart is firmly set on playing rock, metal, blues, or jazz — there’s nothing wrong with starting on an electric guitar. Many great teachers will tell you that you should learn on the instrument you’re most passionate about, because passion keeps you motivated.

• Starter Cost: Guitar + amp + cable + picks + strap. Budget at least $300–$500 AUD for a decent beginner electric setup
• Ease of Playing: Physically easier on fingers than acoustic. Lighter strings, lower action — great if you have small hands or finger pain concerns
• Best Genres: Rock, Metal, Blues, Jazz, Funk. Not the best choice if you want to strum campfire songs or play unplugged
• Beginner Verdict: Great if you’re genre-committed. Overkill if you just want to explore. Revisit after 6–12 months on acoustic

Bass Guitar — The Backbone of the Band

The bass guitar is often misunderstood and underappreciated, yet it is arguably the most important instrument in a band setting. While guitarists and vocalists get most of the spotlight, the bassist locks in with the drummer to create the rhythmic and harmonic foundation that everything else sits on top of. A bass guitar typically has four thick strings (tuned E-A-D-G, one octave below a standard guitar), a longer neck called a "scale length," and produces deep, resonant low-frequency tones.

For most absolute beginners, the bass guitar is not the recommended starting point — primarily because its role is most meaningful when playing alongside other musicians. It can feel a little lonely to practice bass alone! That said, if you have a specific dream of being a bassist in a band, starting on bass is totally valid and bass players are always in high demand. One advantage: reading music and understanding rhythm feels very natural on bass, and many bass players report faster progress in musical theory.

Bass Guitar vs. Regular Guitar

Understanding the key differences helps you make the right call for your journey:

• String count: Usually 4 strings (guitar has 6)
• Role: Rhythmic low-end support vs. melody and chords
• Neck: Longer scale length, harder to grip for small hands
• Requires amp: Always — a bass unplugged is almost silent
• Best context: Band/ensemble playing; less satisfying solo
• Learning curve: Individual notes are simpler; rhythm mastery takes time

Who Should Start on Bass?

Consider bass guitar if you:

• Already have friends who play guitar and drums
• Love groove-heavy music (funk, R&B, reggae)
• Are drawn to a support/team role in music
• Want to join a band quickly
• Otherwise, start on acoustic and revisit bass later if you’re curious.

Guitar Type Comparison at a Glance

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of all the main guitar types to help you decide what’s right for your situation. Remember: there’s no wrong answer — the best guitar is the one that gets you excited to pick it up every day!

The 12-string acoustic and semi-hollow/hollow-body electric are considered intermediate-to-advanced instruments. We recommend mastering a standard 6-string before exploring these exciting options!

Which Guitar for Which Stage of Learning?

One of the most common questions beginners ask is: "Should I start on one type of guitar and switch later, or just begin with what I ultimately want to play?" The answer depends on your goals, but here’s a practical roadmap that works for most learners. Think of it as a learning journey — each stage unlocks new possibilities!

• Choose Your Goal — Decide style and long-term aims
• Start Practical — Begin on an accessible guitar
• Build Fundamentals — Practice chords, rhythm, technique
• Transition Thoughtfully — Switch when skills align with goals
• Expand & Specialise — Refine tone, repertoire, and gear

This progression is a guide, not a rigid rule. Many players stay happily on acoustic their entire lives. Others transition to electric after just six months. What matters most is that you keep practicing consistently — even 15 minutes a day will get you further than an hour-long session once a week.

Beginner vs. High-End Guitars: What’s Actually Different?

You might have seen guitars ranging from $80 to $8,000 and wondered — what on earth justifies that price difference? Is a $3,000 guitar really 30 times better than a $100 one? The honest answer is: no, not for a beginner. But there are real differences worth understanding so you can make a smart purchase at the right time in your journey.

• Materials & Tonewoods: Budget guitars use laminate wood (layers glued together) for the top, back, and sides. Mid-range and premium guitars use solid woods like spruce, cedar, mahogany, or rosewood. Solid wood resonates more richly and actually improves in sound quality as it ages — laminate does not. For a beginner, laminate is perfectly fine. As your ear develops and you become more discerning, you’ll appreciate upgrading.
• Setup & Playability: High-end guitars typically receive a professional "setup" before leaving the factory or shop — this means the nut, saddle, and frets are precisely adjusted for optimal playability. Budget guitars often have higher action (strings too far from the fretboard), which makes them harder to press down. The good news? A local guitar tech can set up any beginner guitar for around $30–$50 AUD, making a huge difference to playability.
• Hardware & Electronics: On acoustics, this means tuning pegs (tuners) and the saddle/nut material. Budget guitars use cheaper die-cast tuners that can slip out of tune quickly. Premium guitars use sealed gear tuners with a higher gear ratio that hold tuning much more reliably. For electric guitars, premium pickups, potentiometers, and switches make a significant tonal difference — but again, not critical for a beginner just learning to play.
• Finish & Craftsmanship: Cosmetically, premium guitars feature book-matched tops, hand-applied finishes, mother-of-pearl inlays, and binding details. Budget guitars have simpler finishes that are perfectly functional. Unless you’re playing on stage in front of a crowd, looks matter far less than playability. Save the beautiful premium instruments for when your skills can fully appreciate and justify them.

Getting the Size Right — This Really Matters!

Guitar size is one of the most overlooked factors when buying for a child or young teen — but it’s critically important. Playing a guitar that’s too large will cause frustration, poor posture, and slow progress. A well-fitted guitar, on the other hand, feels natural from day one and makes learning so much more enjoyable. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you choose the right size based on age and height.

• 1/4 Size — 30": Ages 4–6 years, height under 115cm. The smallest option, designed for very young children. Limited availability but essential for tiny learners.
• 1/2 Size — 34": Ages 6–9 years, height 115–135cm. Most recommended for kids. Comfortable to hold, easy to reach across the fretboard, great for building confidence.
• 3/4 Size — 36–38": Ages 9–12 years, height 135–155cm. A great bridge size for pre-teens and smaller adults. Many adults with petite frames prefer this size.
• Full Size — 41": Ages 12+ years and adults. The standard size for most guitars. Dreadnought body at 41" is the classic acoustic guitar everyone pictures. Full, rich sound.

Quick tip from the seller: For kids, 34 inches is the comfortable starting size. Once they outgrow that, move up to 38 inches, and eventually to the full 41-inch adult size. Don’t buy a full-size guitar for a 7-year-old hoping they’ll "grow into it" — it will hinder their learning!

Our Top Picks: Recommended Beginner Guitars

Here are four solid beginner acoustic guitar options. Each has been noted for its quality-to-price ratio, and they’re all appropriate for 1–2 years of learning — plenty of time to decide if you want to upgrade to something more premium. Note the sizes carefully when ordering!

• Option 1 — Acoustic Guitar (38"): A reliable entry-level acoustic perfect for older kids (10+) and adults. Steel strings, dreadnought-style body, decent tuners. Great first guitar for strumming chords and learning songs. Good build quality for the price range.
• Option 2 — Acoustic Guitar (38"): Another solid 38-inch acoustic with good playability out of the box. Slightly different tonal character — worth comparing reviews side by side. Recommended for teens and adults starting fresh. Comes with basic accessories in some bundles.
• Option 3 — Acoustic Guitar (38"): A popular beginner choice in the 38-inch range. Easy to play, good string action, and holds tuning reasonably well. Perfect for someone who wants to start without spending a fortune. Suitable for ages 10 and above.
• Option 4 — Alpha Acoustic Guitar with Strap: A full-sized acoustic bundled with a strap — great value for adult beginners who want to jump in with everything they need. The ALPHA brand offers good quality at an accessible price point. Comes in multiple finishes.

The Standout Pick: Yamaha JR1 Junior Guitar

The Yamaha JR1 deserves its own spotlight moment. While the other four options are solid budget guitars that will serve a beginner well for 1–2 years, the Yamaha JR1 sits in a different class entirely. Yamaha is one of the most respected musical instrument brands in the world — their quality control, craftsmanship, and playability consistently outperform guitars in the same price range from lesser-known brands.

The JR1 is a 3/4 size (34-inch) acoustic guitar specifically designed for junior players — perfect for children aged 6–10 or smaller-framed adults and teens who find full-size guitars uncomfortable. What makes it special is that despite being a smaller instrument, it doesn’t sacrifice sound quality. The spruce top gives it a bright, clear tone that is genuinely enjoyable to listen to. The neck is comfortable, the tuners hold reliably, and many teachers and parents report that children are noticeably more motivated to practice when they have a guitar that actually sounds good.

• Brand Heritage: Yamaha has been making instruments since 1887. The JR1 benefits from decades of acoustic design expertise at an accessible price point
• Size & Fit: 34-inch 3/4 size — ideal for ages 6–10 or petite adults. Proportioned for small hands and shorter arms. Much easier to learn on when the guitar fits properly
• Long-Term Value: Holds its value well and sounds better than its price suggests. A child who outgrows it will have built solid habits on a quality instrument — making their next guitar feel even better

Budget Guide: What Should You Spend?

One of the biggest anxieties for new guitar buyers is the question of budget. Spend too little and you risk getting a frustrating instrument that hinders progress. Spend too much and you’ve over-invested before you even know if you’ll stick with it. Here’s a practical breakdown of what different budget levels actually get you.

• $40–$75 USD — Entry Level: Basic laminate acoustic. Playable but may need a setup. Good for casual exploration. The options listed above sit in this range.
• $95–$190 USD — Sweet Spot: Where the Yamaha JR1 and similar quality brands live. Better tuners, better sound, more consistent quality. Recommended for anyone serious about learning.
• $190–$380 USD — Intermediate: Solid top acoustics begin appearing. Brands like Fender, Epiphone, Cort. Noticeably better tone and playability. Consider this after 1–2 years of consistent practice.
• $380–$950 USD — Pro Beginner: All-solid wood guitars. Taylor Academy, Yamaha FG series, Seagull. These are instruments that will last a lifetime and inspire you to play more.
• $950+ USD — Premium & Collector: Martin, Taylor, Gibson. Hand-crafted, exceptional tone. Reserve for when you’re truly committed and your skill level can appreciate the investment.

Essential Accessories for Your First Guitar

When you buy your first guitar, there are a handful of accessories that transform the experience from "I have a guitar in a corner" to "I’m actually set up to learn and play." You don’t need to spend a fortune, but these items genuinely matter for your progress and enjoyment. Think of them as the supporting cast that lets the guitar shine!

• Guitar Tuner or Tuner App: An out-of-tune guitar sounds terrible and teaches your ears the wrong thing. A clip-on chromatic tuner costs around $10–$15 AUD and makes tuning easy. Alternatively, free apps like GuitarTuna work brilliantly on your phone.
• Picks (Plectrums): Buy a variety pack — thin, medium, and heavy gauges. Thin picks are easier for beginners strumming chords. Heavy picks suit lead playing. They cost almost nothing and you’ll lose them constantly, so buy in bulk!
• Guitar Strap: Essential for standing up to play, and also helps with posture while seated. An adjustable nylon strap is perfect for beginners. Make sure to get strap locks if the strap pins feel loose — dropping your guitar is no fun!
• Capo: A capo clamps across the fretboard to change the key of the guitar, allowing you to play the same chord shapes in different keys. Hugely useful for beginners who want to play along with songs. Costs around $10–$20 AUD.
• Spare Strings: Strings break — usually at the worst possible moment. Always have a spare set on hand. For most beginner acoustics, light gauge strings (.012–.053) are recommended. They’re easier to press down than medium gauge.
• Guitar Stand: Keep your guitar on a stand, not in its case. Guitars that are visible and accessible get played. Guitars that are tucked away collect dust. A basic folding stand costs around $15–$25 AUD and is worth every cent.

Caring for Your Beginner Guitar

A little care goes a long way in keeping your guitar playing well and sounding great. You don’t need to be overly precious about it — guitars are built to be played — but a few simple habits will extend its life and keep it in good shape. These tips apply to all acoustic guitars, including the beginner models listed in this guide.

Daily & Weekly Habits

• Wipe down strings with a dry cloth after each session — this removes oils from your fingers and dramatically extends string life
• Keep the guitar on a stand in a room-temperature environment — avoid leaving it in a hot car or cold garage
• Tune it every time you pick it up — this keeps your ears sharp and ensures your practice sounds good from the first note
• Store away from direct sunlight to prevent finish fading and wood warping

Monthly & Yearly Care

• Change your strings every 3–6 months depending on how often you play — fresh strings make a huge difference to tone and tuning stability
• Check the tuning pegs for looseness and tighten gently if needed
• In dry climates or winter, consider a guitar humidifier inside the case to prevent wood cracking
• Take it to a local music shop once a year for a basic setup check — small adjustments to the nut, saddle and truss rod keep it playing optimally

Learning Resources: Where to Get Started

Having a great guitar is just the beginning — now you need to actually learn to play it! The good news is that we’re living in the golden age of free guitar learning resources. Between YouTube tutorials, structured apps, and online courses, there has never been a better (or cheaper) time to teach yourself guitar. Here are the best ways to get started quickly and keep improving over time.

• Justin Guitar (justinguitar.com): Widely considered the best free guitar learning resource on the internet. Justin Sandercoe has taught over 4 million people to play guitar through his structured, progressive lessons. Start with his Beginner Course — it’s completely free and expertly organised. Available as a website and app.
• YouTube — Marty Music & Paul Davids: For song-by-song tutorials and technique deep dives, YouTube is unbeatable. Marty Music has hundreds of beginner-friendly song tutorials. Paul Davids is excellent for technique and music theory as you advance. Search for any song you love with "beginner guitar tutorial."
• Yousician App: A gamified guitar learning app that listens to you play through your phone’s microphone and gives real-time feedback. Great for kids and visual learners. The free tier offers a limited number of lessons per day, but it’s engaging and genuinely effective for building habits.
• Local Music Teacher (In-Person): Nothing replaces personalised feedback from a real teacher, especially in the first month. Even four to six lessons with a local guitar teacher can set you up with proper technique and posture, preventing bad habits that are hard to undo later. Many tutors offer affordable 30-minute beginner lessons.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Almost every beginner makes the same handful of mistakes — and knowing about them in advance can save you weeks of frustration. These aren’t criticisms, just friendly heads-ups so you can fast-track your progress and enjoy the journey more from day one!

• Not Tuning Before Every Practice: If your guitar is out of tune, everything you play sounds wrong, your ear develops incorrectly, and it’s demoralising. Tune up — every single time. It takes 30 seconds.
• Trying to Skip Ahead Too Quickly: Many beginners try to learn complex songs before mastering basic chord transitions. Nail your open chords (G, C, D, Em, Am) first. Clean chord changes are the foundation of everything else.
• Inconsistent Practice Instead of Daily Habits: Two hours on Sunday won’t help as much as 15 minutes every single day. Daily practice builds muscle memory and finger strength far more effectively than sporadic long sessions.
• Quitting During the "Finger Soreness" Phase: The first 2–3 weeks on steel strings, your fingertips will ache. This is completely normal and temporary. Push through — calluses develop quickly and after that, playing becomes genuinely comfortable.
• Buying a Guitar That Doesn’t Fit: A guitar that’s too big, too hard to press, or too low in quality will fight you at every step. Match the guitar to the player’s size and budget. Refer back to our sizing guide and recommended picks!

Your Guitar Journey Starts Now

Buying your first guitar is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make. Whether you choose a budget beginner acoustic, the beloved Yamaha JR1, or eventually work your way up to an electric or a premium all-solid acoustic, every single guitar journey begins with the same first step: picking up the instrument and playing your very first note.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the "perfect" moment or the "perfect" guitar. Buy one of the recommended options, grab a tuner app, find a free lesson on Justin Guitar, and start today. Your future guitar-playing self will thank you for getting started!

• Pick Your Guitar: Choose from our recommended list. Match size to the player. Yamaha JR1 for kids, acoustic full-size for adults.
• Grab the Basics: Add a tuner, picks, and a strap. Keep a spare set of strings. Consider a guitar stand to keep it visible and accessible.
• Start Learning Today: Open Justin Guitar or YouTube. Learn 3 open chords first. Practice 15 minutes daily. Progress will surprise you!