The appeal of picking up a guitar is undeniable, whether your goal is to perform in sold-out venues every night or you want to fool around in your spare time. Numerous skilled artists have made a living from playing guitar, which is no surprise given that it is both a gratifying creative activity and a fantastic way to unwind at the end of a long day.
Executive vice president of Fender Products Justin Norvell claims that “music makes you smarter.” It uses mechanisms that universally positively affect mental health besides the obvious benefits of reduced stress and increased happiness.
However, trying to purchase your first guitar is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences one can have. What are the best brands and models to buy? Can’t decide between an acoustic and an electric one? Can you purchase anything of value for less than $300? To put your mind at ease, we’ve got the information you want.
We’ve compiled a list of the best electric, acoustic, and bass guitars for newbies based on our research and interviews with professionals in the music industry, as well as recommendations for where to learn how to play once you’ve made your instrument selection. Please read this guide thoroughly before beginning the shredding process.
Deciding on the type
Getting an acoustic or electric guitar is a crucial decision when purchasing your first instrument. In contrast to electric guitars, whose sound is amplified before an audience can hear it, acoustic guitars can produce sound on their own thanks to their hollow wooden bodies. In addition, there are acoustic-electric hybrids, which may be played acoustically or plugged into an amplifier for a more electric sound.
Compared to electric guitars, acoustic guitars are more cost-effective for beginners because you won’t need an amplifier. But many of the people we talked to mentioned that electric guitars are less taxing on the hands because their strings are thinner and less resistant, making them ideal for beginners.
Most people believe the acoustic guitar is the place to begin learning the instrument; however, electric guitars have thinner strings tuned lower to the fretboard, making it easier to play. Simply because it is the easiest option, that is the one that we usually advise people to go with.
The style of music you want to create may also play a role in your decision. While acoustic guitars shine in a solo setting, an electric guitar is more practical if you want to rock out with a band (and potentially annoy your neighbors).
Guidelines for purchasing your first guitar
Suppose you are unsure of how seriously you want to take guitar playing. In that case, our experts advise starting with something easy and inexpensive.
When first getting behind the wheel, you don’t go out and buy a race car, do you? First, you learn to drive, and then you buy a Chevy.
Nowadays, you can get an excellent guitar for a few hundred dollars, proving that famous brands aren’t everything. It would be best if you hunted for a reasonable value. Still, it’s equally important to choose an instrument that looks and feels nice in your hands because you’ll be using it frequently.
This is intriguing because the guitar is often seen as a symbol of romance and love. Therefore, [people] tend to trust their eyes first. However, focusing on how you feel when you’re just beginning out is more important.
Trying out a guitar in person at a store before making a purchase is highly advised. Most online stores have liberal return policies if you’re still nervous about shopping in an actual location. The 45-day return policy at Guitar Center illustrates how much time you have to evaluate if your new axe is right for you. It would be best to take your time since you want the final product to feel good.
If you’re looking for the best electric guitar for beginners, you’re in luck! Many excellent options are available on the market today, ranging from budget-friendly starter kits to professional-grade models for more experienced players. With so many options, deciding which is right can take time. It’s essential to consider factors such as price, playability, and sound quality when making your choice.
Budget-friendly electric guitars can be great for getting started and learning the basics. At the same time, more expensive models may provide a higher level of craftsmanship, better tonal capabilities, and longer-lasting hardware. Some guitars are explicitly designed for beginners, while others are built with more experienced players in mind. Ultimately, the best electric guitar for you will depend on your playing style and budget.
Acoustic guitar for newbies: Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
The Fender CD-60S has been praised for its affordable price, its ability to stay in tune, and its well-balanced tone by the professionals and reviews we researched. Critics commended the CD-60S’s ease of use and the premise that it needs minimal tinkering once you pull it out of the package. The mahogany veneer is also quite nice-looking.
Even at lesser price points, these guitars can sound great for years to come.
Electric guitar for newbies: Squier Affinity Series Telecaster
You probably know a rock guitarist who plays a Fender Telecaster. Now you can get your hands on one for a low price thanks to the Squier Affinity series. Fender’s Squier Affinity line is an excellent place to start, and many musicians have played Telecaster for many years.
We really enjoy the adaptability of these guitars. It’s possible to make them sound smooth and crystal clear without diluting their punch. They’re easy on the fingers and fun to use. This type of guitar has earned its reputation as a reliable instrument.
The Affinity Series Telecaster, available in both right- and left-handed configurations, boasts a slender and comfy neck ideal for beginners learning their first chords and riffs. It’s also accessible in a rainbow of hues, from icy white to butterscotch blonde to race green, to satisfy your every fashion whim.
Bass guitar for newbies: Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro
If you’re more into bass guitar, the Ibanez GSRM20 is widely recognized as one of the best entry-level models available. This 3/4-scale bass is perfect for younger musicians, frequent fliers, and those with limited space at home.
The GSRM20 has been praised for its user-friendliness and outstanding sound, both of which can be adjusted with the turn of a knob. It’s also available in several eye-catching hues, such as azure, purple, sunburst brown, and red.
Where to start once you buy your instrument
The guitars described above are just a few examples of excellent starting points for beginners. If you’re in a position to do so, we suggest doing your research and testing out a few instruments for yourself; after all, a guitar should look and feel good.
Remember that mastering any instrument requires time, patience, and much practice, regardless of the brand you go with.
People today want more momentary pleasure, and to fully appreciate the guitar, one must persevere through the challenges of its initial stages of learning. Once someone has gotten beyond the learning curve and is experiencing early success, they may be committed to the cause for the long haul.
The good news is that once you have your hands on a guitar, many tools are available to help you learn how to play. Video lessons for both desktop and mobile devices are available on Fender’s Fender Play platform, with options to filter by difficulty or song. Annual subscriptions begin at $44.99 with a free trial. You may follow your development as you work through different classes and benefit from Fender Play’s multi-cam video, which shows riffs and chord patterns from different perspectives.
For a more game-like experience, we highly recommend Rocksmith 2014 Edition Remastered. Rocksmith is a video game and instructional tool in one, allowing guitarists to plug their instrument into a computer, PlayStation, or Xbox and play with a plethora of well-known songs, such as those by Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Outkast, while also learning to play each song properly and competing in various high-stakes challenges. It’s very similar to Guitar Hero, except that you play on an actual instrument.
In addition to the many high-quality guitar lessons available for free on YouTube, you may also look into paid options like SkillShare and MasterClass. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, and remember that the whole point of making music is to enjoy yourself.
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