Have you ever dreamed of strumming your favorite songs around a campfire or writing your own music? Learning the guitar is an amazing journey, but that first step—choosing the right acoustic guitar—can feel overwhelming. So many shapes, sizes, and brands fill the music store, and it’s easy to feel lost. You want a guitar that sounds good and feels comfortable, but picking the wrong one can make practice feel like a chore instead of fun.
This confusion often stops beginners before they even start. We understand that pain point! You need an instrument that encourages you to pick it up every day, not one that fights back with sharp strings or a neck too big for your hands. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a great beginner acoustic guitar.
By the end of this post, you will know the key features to look for, understand the different types of acoustics available, and confidently select the perfect first guitar that will help you succeed. Let’s dive in and find the instrument that will launch your musical adventure!
Top Guitar To Learn On Acoustic Recommendations
- Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 104 Pages - 12/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Hal Leonard (Publisher)
- Wamsted, Jay (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 77 Pages - 11/20/2019 (Publication Date) - Watch & Learn, Inc. (Publisher)
- Jackson, Jake (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 03/14/2006 (Publication Date) - Flame Tree Music (Publisher)
- Mather, Pauric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 130 Pages - 05/08/2017 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
- Casey, Bert (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 75 Pages - 05/16/2019 (Publication Date) - Watch & Learn, Inc. (Publisher)
- LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR WITH OUR NOTE GUIDE: Fantastic Finger Guides is one of the guitar learning tools that take the mystery out of learning the notes on the guitar and are a practical visual aid to improve your ear for music by helping you learn the notes with ease
- GREAT FOR BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE LEVELS: Beginners and intermediate students who use our beginner violin finger guide learn the language of music from the first day and gradually build knowledge of the notes with every lesson. Great for the Kids or Adult beginners to learn to play or just fiddle. Also, an excellent tool for classroom teachers or private studio teachers
- EASY-TO-USE GUITAR STICKERS: Each note decal has self-adhesive on the back end so that the notes won’t slip around while you are playing your instrument - and once you learn your notes, each sticker comes off without leaving a sticky mess
- 【CHORD ASSISTANT】 The Universal Chords Edition [Right Handed Only]
- 【DELUXE EDITION】Comes with a Limited Edition Carry Case to hold your Guitar Card Chords.
- 【LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR】This is the WORLD'S FIRST Card that allows you to PLAY a GUITAR Chord WHILE the Card is on the Fretboard!
- Alexander, Mr Joseph (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 100 Pages - 09/07/2021 (Publication Date) - www.fundamental-changes.com (Publisher)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your First Acoustic Guitar
Starting to play the acoustic guitar is an exciting journey! Finding the right first guitar makes learning much easier and more fun. This guide helps you pick the perfect instrument to start your musical adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When buying your first acoustic guitar, certain features really matter. These elements affect how the guitar sounds and how easy it is to play.
Size and Shape (Body Style)
- Dreadnought: This is the most common shape. It produces a loud, full sound. It might feel a little big for very small learners.
- Concert/Auditorium (OM): These are slightly smaller than Dreadnoughts. They offer a balanced sound and are very comfortable for many beginners.
- Parlor: These are the smallest full-sized options. They sound quieter but are excellent for travel or for younger students.
Action (String Height)
Action refers to how high the strings sit above the fretboard. Low action means you push the strings down easily. High action makes your fingers hurt faster! Always check that the action is low enough for comfortable pressing.
Neck Comfort
The back of the neck should feel good in your hand. Some necks are thinner, and some are thicker. Try holding the guitar to see which one feels natural for your hand size.
Important Materials Matter
The wood used in a guitar greatly changes its tone and durability.
Top Wood (Soundboard)
The top is the most important part for sound production.
- Spruce: This is the standard choice. It sounds bright and projects sound well. Most beginner guitars use Spruce tops.
- Mahogany: This wood gives a warmer, woodier tone.
Back and Sides
These parts affect the guitar’s overall resonance.
- Laminate (Plywood): Most affordable beginner guitars use laminated wood. This wood resists changes in humidity well, making the guitar durable.
- Solid Wood: Higher-end guitars use solid wood. This sounds richer, but these guitars need more careful handling regarding temperature and moisture. For a first guitar, laminate is perfectly fine.
Fretboard and Bridge
Look for a dark, hard wood like Rosewood or Ebony for the fretboard and bridge. These materials hold up well against string friction and sweat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good construction makes a huge difference in playability.
Tuning Machines (Tuners)
High-quality tuners keep the guitar in tune longer. Metal tuners that turn smoothly are better than cheap plastic ones. If the tuners slip, you spend more time tuning and less time practicing!
Intonation
Intonation means the notes sound correct as you play up the neck. A well-set-up guitar will have good intonation. Poor intonation makes chords sound sour higher up the neck.
Setup
A professional setup adjusts the neck angle, string height (action), and nut slots. A good setup turns an average guitar into a great playing guitar. Many new guitars need a professional setup right out of the box.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to use your new instrument.
Practice vs. Performance
If you only plan to practice quietly in your room, a smaller body style might be perfect. If you plan to play around a campfire with friends, you need a louder Dreadnought shape.
Comfort for Long Sessions
If you are a child or have smaller hands, a 3/4 size guitar might be necessary first. Comfort keeps you motivated. A guitar that hurts your fingers will sit in the corner!
Always try to physically hold the guitar before you buy it, if possible. Feel how the neck fits your hand.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying a Beginner Acoustic Guitar
Q: Should I buy a steel-string or nylon-string guitar first?
A: For most popular music (rock, pop, folk), choose a steel-string acoustic. Nylon strings are softer on the fingers but are typically used for classical music.
Q: What is the best budget for a first acoustic guitar?
A: Generally, aim for a guitar in the $150 to $350 range. Guitars much cheaper than this often have significant setup issues that frustrate beginners.
Q: Do I need to buy a guitar case immediately?
A: Yes. You need a case or a gig bag to protect the guitar from dust, bumps, and sudden temperature changes. Protection is crucial for longevity.
Q: What is a “cutaway” guitar?
A: A cutaway is a scoop taken out of the body near the neck joint. This feature lets you reach the highest frets more easily. It is a nice feature but not essential for a beginner.
Q: How important is the guitar’s finish (glossy vs. matte)?
A: Finish mainly affects looks and feel. Matte (satin) finishes often feel less sticky on the neck than thick, glossy finishes, which some players prefer.
Q: Can I use an electric guitar guitar amp with an acoustic guitar?
A: You can plug an acoustic into an electric amp, but it will sound thin or distorted. Acoustic guitars sound best through a dedicated acoustic amplifier or a PA system.
Q: How often should I tune my new guitar?
A: New guitars need frequent tuning for the first few weeks as the strings stretch. Tune it every time you pick it up until it holds pitch consistently.
Q: What is the standard scale length for an acoustic guitar?
A: Most full-sized acoustics have a scale length around 25.4 inches. Smaller guitars have shorter scales, which makes the strings feel slightly looser and easier to press.
Q: What is the difference between “action” and “tension”?
A: Action is the string height above the frets. Tension is how tight the strings feel when tuned. Thicker strings have higher tension, making them harder to press down.
Q: Should I buy a guitar with electronics (a pickup)?
A: For learning, electronics are not necessary. You only need a pickup system if you plan to plug the guitar into a speaker or record it soon.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!