🎸 How to choose your first guitar? The complete guide to get started right.
You dream of learning to play the guitar but don't know where to start? Between electric, folk, and classical guitars, it can be difficult to make the right choice when you're a beginner. This guide is here to help you understand the differences between each type of instrument, based on your age, your music style, and your budget.
🧭 Table of Contents
- 1. Electric guitar: for playing rock music and with headphones
- 2. Folk guitar: perfect for singing and accompaniment
- 3. Classical guitar: ideal for children and gentle beginners
- 4. What budget should you plan for to get started?
- 5. Our product recommendations
🎸 Electric guitar: for playing rock music and with headphones
Want to play rock, metal, funk, or even jazz? The electric guitar is an excellent choice for exploring all these styles. It's easy to play (thin neck, soft strings) and allows you to plug in headphones, which is practical in an apartment.
✔️ Advantages
- Playing comfort (thin neck, low action)
- Silent with a headphone amp or a multi-effects unit
- Possibility to modulate the sound with effects
⚠️ Points to check
- Requires an amplifier or simulator
- Beware of very low-end models (poor quality settings and craftsmanship).
→ See electric guitars on MusicOnly
🎵 Folk guitar: perfect for singing and accompaniment
The folk guitar is ideal for singing around a campfire, playing acoustic pop, or light rock. It has a bright and powerful sound, but its steel strings can be tough on the fingers at first.
✔️ Advantages
- Bright sound, strong projection
- Versatile: song, pop, rock
- Available in electro-acoustic version
⚠️ Note:
- More demanding for a child in terms of finger dexterity.
- Dreadnoughts can be imposing.
→ See folk guitars at MusicOnly
🎼 Classical guitar: ideal for children and sensitive beginners
The classical guitar has nylon strings, which are very gentle on the fingers. It's often used in conservatories, but it's also perfect for children or beginners who want to play without pain.
✔️ Advantages
- Very easy to play with fingers (nylon strings)
- 1/2 or 3/4 sizes available for children.
- Silent, ideal for learning.
→ See classical guitars on MusicOnly
💰 What budget should you plan for when starting out?
A good instrument doesn't necessarily have to cost a fortune. Here's an idea of the average budgets:
- Beginner classic: €99 to €250
- Beginner folk lessons: €150 to €350
- Electric guitar + amp: €250 to €500
💡 Avoid the €79 packs with guitar + amp: they are often unplayable and frustrating.
