So, you’ve decided to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. Congratulations! Whether you’re dreaming of strumming around a campfire, writing your own songs, or simply learning a new skill, the acoustic guitar is a great place to start. But with so many options out there, choosing the right guitar for beginners can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though; this guide will help you navigate the choices and find the perfect guitar to kickstart your musical journey.
Why an Acoustic Guitar?
Acoustic guitars are a popular choice for beginners because they’re versatile, portable, and don’t require any extra gear like amplifiers. The sound is produced naturally by the strings and the body of the guitar, making it easy to pick up and play anywhere. Plus, learning on an acoustic guitar can help build finger strength and technique that will serve you well if you decide to transition to other types of guitars later on.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Acoustic Guitar
1. Budget
Your budget is likely the first factor to consider. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a quality guitar can make a significant difference in your learning experience. A poorly made guitar might be harder to play, leading to frustration and discouragement. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality. Generally, a good beginner acoustic guitar ranges from £150 to £250.
Overall, the good news is that budget guitars today are infinitely better than those 20 or even 10 years ago.
2. Size and Comfort
Guitars come in various sizes, and it’s essential to choose one that feels comfortable to play. Here are the most common sizes:
Full-Size: Standard for most adults and teens. These come in different sizes too, from jumbos (like the archetypal Gibson), to more manageable beasts. Basically the bigger the guitar, the louder it is, and more for banging out chords than intricate playing.
Parlour or Concert Size: Slightly smaller than a full-size guitar, making it easier to hold and play. These often come with a cutaway which makes it easier to access strings higher up the neck and can reduce the weight a little too. Takamines, for example, are a solid mid-range models.
Think also here whether you want a nylon (more classical) or steel-strung guitar.
3/4 Size: Ideal for younger players or those with smaller hands. However, you'll want to graduate up from these as soon as you can.
If possible, try out different sizes in a music store to see which feels most comfortable for you.
3. Tone woods
The type of wood used in a guitar can affect its sound and durability. Common tone woods for beginner guitars include:
Spruce: Known for its bright, clear tone, spruce is a popular choice for guitar tops.
Mahogany: Offers a warmer, more resonant sound, often used for the back and sides.
Laminate vs. Solid Wood: Solid wood guitars typically have better sound quality, but laminate (a blend of wood layers) is more affordable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
ADVICE: Typically, your beginner guitar will be laminate. Moving up the scale you'll find guitars with laminate backs and solid wood fronts (spruce being most common) - It's the front body of the guitar that resonates the most. Your high end guitars will sport solid bodies, and you'll also find a range of exotic woods, both for their look and sound. For a beginner guitar however, don't fret too much over whether it's solid wood or not (not all solid woods sound as good as each other anyway as it also comes down to construction).
4. Playability
The guitar’s action (the height of the strings from the fretboard) is crucial for beginners. A guitar with low action is easier to play, reducing finger strain, while a high action can make it difficult to press the strings down. beginner guitars MAY BE set up with lower action to accommodate new players
ADVICE - A big difference between cheaper and more expensive guitars (including the big brands) is quality control. More expensive guitars will generally be better overall, but it's also how they come out of the factory: high quality guitars will be checked and properly set up. It's more hit and miss with cheaper guitars. But that's easy to address - just make sure the guitar is set up well when you get it - you can even often ask the shop to do this because they want your custom. And suddenly you may find your budget instrument transforms from near unplayable to something quite nice
Final Tips for Beginners
Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit a local music store to try out different guitars. Feeling the guitar in your hands and hearing it in person can help you make a more informed decision.
Remember to consider a Guitar Setup: Some beginner guitars might need a professional setup to adjust the action or intonation, making them easier to play.
Don’t Forget Accessories: Along with your guitar, you’ll need a few essential accessories, like a tuner, a strap, picks, and a gig bag for protection.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Remember, the key to learning guitar is consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first, every guitarist started as a beginner!
Conclusion
Choosing the right acoustic guitar as a beginner can make all the difference in your learning experience. Whatever you opt for the most important thing is to find a guitar that feels comfortable and inspires you to play. With the right guitar in hand and a commitment to practice, you’ll be strumming your favourite songs in no time. Happy playing!
