Buying your first guitar
The right first guitar is comfortable to play, stays in tune and sounds good enough that you want to keep practising.
Classical or acoustic?
- Classical guitars have soft nylon strings that are gentler on beginners' fingertips and a wider neck. They're ideal for children and for classical or fingerstyle music.
- Acoustic guitars have steel strings and a brighter, louder sound for strumming pop, rock and worship songs. They take a little more finger strength at first.
Sizes for children
As a rough guide, a 1/2 size suits most children aged about 5 to 8, a 3/4 size about 8 to 12, and a full size from about 12 upwards. Height and arm length matter more than age, so bring the player to the shop and we'll check the fit.
Why setup matters
A cheap guitar that's properly set up is easier to play than an expensive one that isn't. If the strings sit too high above the neck, pressing them hurts and chords buzz. Many beginners give up for exactly this reason. Ask us to check the setup and fit fresh strings when you buy.
What else you'll need
- A tuner, either clip-on or an app.
- A gig bag or case to protect it from knocks and humidity.
- A few picks for acoustic guitar, a strap and a spare set of strings.