Guitars are one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. They come in different shapes, sizes, and styles, making it a versatile instrument for players of all levels. If you've always wanted to learn how to play guitar but don't know where to start, this guide

There are two main types of guitars: acoustic and electric. Acoustic guitars produce sound naturally without the need for an amplifier, while most electric guitars require an amplifier to produce sound. Both types have their own unique characteristics and are suitable for different styles of music.

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitars are renowned for their rich, full-bodied sound and are primarily used in folk, country, bluegrass, and pop music. There are two main subcategories: the steel-string and the classical guitar. Steel-string guitars are known for their bright and metallic sound, while classical guitars, with their nylon strings, offer a mellow and soft tone.

The various guitar body size and shape can also affect the sound production and playability. For beginners, the acoustic guitar is a great starting point as it helps in building finger strength and doesn't require additional equipment like an amplifier.

The classical guitar, often favoured for its softer, mellower tones, is a standout amongst other stringed instruments. It typically consists of six nylon strings, unlike the steel-stringed acoustic guitar. This difference in string composition contributes to the classical guitar's gentler, more rounded sound, which is particularly well-suited for classical music and flamenco. The guitar necks of the classical guitars are also wider than that of an acoustic, allowing for more space between strings. This makes it an excellent option for beginners learning the foundational finger placements.

Acoustic Electric Guitar

Acoustic electric guitars are a hybrid of acoustic and electric guitars, offering the best of both worlds. They have built-in pickups, preamps, and an electronic interface to directly connect to sound systems, allowing for amplified performances without compromising the natural acoustic sound. This type of guitar is versatile and can be played acoustically or plugged into an amplifier or PA system, making it suitable for a variety of performance settings.

The acoustic electric guitar provides the rich tonality of an acoustic guitar with the added benefit of volume control and amplification, making it an excellent choice for beginners eager to experiment with a range of various guitar sounds first.

12 String Guitar

The 12-string guitar, as the name suggests, is a guitar fitted with 12 strings, arranged in six pairs. Each pair of strings is tuned to the same note or an octave apart, which creates a rich, ringing sound that is much fuller and louder than a traditional six-string guitar. This distinctive 'chorus' effect is a result of the pairs of strings being struck simultaneously.

The 12-string guitar is particularly popular in folk, blues, and rock music. While it offers a unique sound, the 12-string guitar can be physically challenging for beginners due to the extra strings. However, for those willing to tackle its complexities, it can offer a rewarding and resonant sound not achievable by its six-string counterparts.

Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are a cornerstone of the guitar world in many genres like rock, blues, and jazz. Unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars require an amplifier to produce a louder sound. This is because they are equipped with magnetic pickups that capture the vibration of the strings and convert it into electrical signals, which are then amplified.

The electric guitar's body is typically made of solid wood, which contributes less to the sound than the pickups and the amplifier. This means the tone and volume can be manipulated more extensively, providing a wide range of sonic possibilities. The strings on an electric guitar are also generally lighter than those on an acoustic, making them easier to play for beginners. However, it's worth noting that buying an electric guitar also entails investing in an amplifier and cable, adding to the initial cost.

Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

The semi-hollow electric guitar, often simply referred to as a semi-hollow guitar, is a popular choice among many guitarists due to its versatility and the unique tonal qualities it brings to the table. It features a solid centre block inside a hollow body, which helps to reduce the feedback that can sometimes plague fully hollow electric guitars.

This design gives the semi-hollow electric guitar a warm, resonant tone, somewhere between the brightness of the solid body electric guitar and the deeper, mellow tones of a fully hollow body guitar. With their combination of electric pickups and acoustic resonance, semi-hollow guitars can effectively cover a wide range of music genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop.

The added acoustic resonance can also provide beginners with a more forgiving and softer sound. However, due to their complex construction, semi-hollow guitars are generally more expensive than which is something beginners should consider when picking their first instrument.

Bass Guitar

The bass guitar, commonly referred to as the 'bass', plays a crucial role in setting the rhythmic and harmonic foundation in many genres of music, including rock, pop, country, jazz, and blues. Bass guitars typically have four strings, which are thicker and provide lower pitches than regular guitars. This instrument is designed to provide a powerful, percussive tone that complements the melodic lines of other instruments, such as the guitar or keyboard.

Bass guitars come in both acoustic and electric forms, though the electric version is more common. One of the key characteristics of the bass guitar that sets it apart from most guitars is its scale length, which is longer than that of a regular guitar. This means the frets are spaced further apart, which can be a challenge for beginners.

Travel Guitar

The travel guitar is a compact, portable version of the traditional guitar, designed especially for musicians on the go. Its smaller size and lightweight nature make it ideal for travelling, without compromising too much on the quality of sound. The travel guitar typically has a shorter scale length, which can make it an excellent choice for beginners or players with smaller hands. Despite its smaller body, a travel guitar is fully capable of producing a rich and vibrant sound, due to its high-quality construction and excellent craftsmanship.

A variety of travel guitars also come with built-in pickups, enabling them to be plugged into an amplifier, just like their larger counterparts. However, it's worth noting that due to their smaller size, travel guitars may not provide the same depth and resonance as a full-sized guitar.

Left Handed Guitars

For left-handed individuals, playing a standard guitar can be a challenging feat. This is where left-handed guitars come into play. Essentially mirror images of their right-handed counterparts, left-handed guitars are designed to be played with the left hand on the fretboard and the right hand strumming or picking.

They come in all varieties, from acoustic to electric and bass, ensuring that left-handed players have the same array of options as right-handed ones. While the internal components and quality of materials used are identical to right-handed guitars, the main difference lies in the reversed layout of guitar neck.

When it comes to selecting your first guitar, the wide range of options available can seem overwhelming. However, there are a few key factors to consider that can help guide you towards finding the perfect instrument for you.

Firstly, think about the type of music you want to play on particular guitar and what sound you're looking for. This will help narrow down your choices based on the different tonal qualities of each type of guitar.

Next, consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in your first guitar. While it's always tempting to go for the most expensive option, it's important to remember that skill development and practice are more crucial than the instrument itself.

 
Finally, try out different guitars before making a decision. Get a feel for the weight, size, and string tension, and see which one is most comfortable for you. Remember, the right guitar will inspire you to play and learn more, so choose wisely and enjoy your musical journey with your new instrument!

Lastly, do some research on the brand and reputation of the guitar you're interested in. Look for reviews and feedback from guitar makers and other players to get an idea of its overall quality and durability. Remember, a well-built guitar can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

The choice between an acoustic and electric guitar largely depends on the beginner's musical preferences. An acoustic guitar is often recommended for beginners because it allows one to learn the basics without any additional equipment such as an amplifier. Its wider neck and stronger string tension can also improve finger strength. However, electric guitars, with their thinner necks and lighter strings, are easier to play, which might be less discouraging for a beginner.

The guitar's body shape and tonewood significantly influence the instrument's sound and playability. The body shape affects the guitar's tone and how comfortable it is to hold and play. Larger bodied guitars, such as dreadnoughts or jumbos, typically produce a louder, fuller sound, making them ideal for strumming and flatpicking styles. Smaller bodied guitars, like parlor or concert guitars, are often preferred for fingerpicking and produce a more delicate, focused tone.

Tonewood, on the other hand, refers to the type of wood used to construct the guitar. Different woods resonate in unique ways, influencing the guitar's sound. For instance, spruce, a common choice for the top (soundboard) of the guitar, is known for its bright, clear tone, while mahogany, often used for back and sides, contributes to a warmer, darker sound. Understanding these elements can help beginners choose a guitar that best fits their musical style and preferences.

The size of the guitar you choose should primarily depend on your physical comfort and the style of music you wish to play. Smaller bodied guitars, like the concert or parlor size, are ideal for younger players or those with a smaller build, as they're easier to hold and play. They also tend to produce a more delicate, focused tone, suitable for fingerstyle playing.

On the other hand, larger guitars like dreadnought or jumbo are perfect for a big, bold sound, often used for strumming or flatpicking styles. However, their larger size might pose a challenge for players with a smaller frame or younger learners.

Always remember that comfort is crucial as it directly affects your playing technique and the time you can spend practicing. Therefore, it's advisable to try a few different sizes before settling on your guitar.

Tuning your guitar is an essential skill that every beginner should learn. It ensures that your guitar produces the correct notes when you play it. You'll typically need a guitar tuning tool, such as a guitar tuner or a tuning app on your smartphone.

Yes, when purchasing a beginner's guitar, it is beneficial to consider a few essential accessories to enhance your playing experience and to protect your instrument.

1. Guitar Case or Gig Bag: This is crucial for protecting your guitar from damage when you're not playing it, and for ease of transport if you plan on travelling with your guitar. Cases come in hard and soft varieties, with hard cases offering more protection, and soft cases (or gig bags) being more lightweight and portable.

2. Strap: A guitar strap is particularly useful if you plan to play standing up. It supports the weight of the guitar and allows you to position it comfortably.

3. Tuner: As a beginner, you'll want to make sure your guitar is always in tune. An electronic tuner makes this task simple and efficient.

4. Picks: Particularly for electric and bass guitars, you'll likely want a pick. They come in various materials and thicknesses, so you might want to try a few to see what suits you best.

5. Extra Guitar Strings: Guitar strings can break or lose their tonal quality over time, having a set of replacement strings at hand is always useful.

6. Guitar Capo: This is a device that clamps onto the guitar's neck to raise the pitch of the strings. While not a necessity for all beginners, it can open up a wider range of songs you can play.

Remember, while these accessories can help, the most important thing is practice and enjoyment. Happy playing!

The choice between a solid body and hollow body guitar largely depends on the style of music you plan to play. Solid body guitars are known for their versatility and are particularly suited for genres that require high gain, such as rock, metal, and punk. They are less prone to feedback, allow for higher amplification, and offer a wide range of tones, which makes them a popular choice among electric guitar players.

Hollow body guitars, on the other hand, have a rich, resonant sound that is well-suited for genres such as jazz, blues, and country. They are generally quieter and have a warm, full tone due to the resonance within the guitar's body. However, at high volumes or with high gain, they are more prone to feedback than solid body.

There are many reputable guitar brands that cater to beginners, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some popular options include Fender, Alvarez, D'Angelico, G&L, Ibanez, and Martin. These brands have a long history of producing quality instruments at various price points, making them suitable for beginners looking for their first guitar.

 
The choice between nylon and steel strings depends largely on the type of music you want to play, as well as your personal comfort. Nylon string guitars such as classical guitars, are softer and easier on the fingers, making them a comfortable choice for beginners. They produce a warm, mellow tone, perfect for classical or flamenco music.

On the other hand, steel strings, used on acoustic guitars, deliver a brighter and louder sound, ideal for rock, country, and folk music. They can be a bit harsh on the fingers until you develop calluses, but with regular practice, this discomfort will lessen.

Choosing your first guitar can be a daunting task with so many options available. By understanding the distinctions between different body sizes, tonewoods, and whether to go for a solid or hollow body guitar, an electric or acoustic guitar, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision.

Remember, it's essential to consider your physical comfort, the style of music you wish to play, and your budget.