By Joshua LeBlanc
One of the most common questions I hear is:
“What kind of guitar should I start with?”
Before you buy your first guitar, there are a few important things to consider. This guide will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when shopping for your first instrument.
Where Do I Start?
Step 1: Decide Your Budget
Before anything else, figure out how much you’re comfortable spending. Different guitar brands perform better at different price points. For example, if I’m shopping for a budget acoustic guitar under $500, I’d often choose a Yamaha over a Taylor — not because one is “better” in general, but because Yamaha tends to deliver more at that price range.
Don’t let a popular brand name (like Fender or Gibson) be the only reason you buy a guitar. Big names often mean good quality and strong marketing, but you want the best guitar for you, not just the most famous logo.
Step 2: Acoustic or Electric?
Decide whether you want to start on an acoustic or electric guitar. Either is fine — it depends on what kind of music excites you. I’ll break down what to look for in each type below, but keep in mind you’ll also want to budget for a few accessories:
- Case (soft gig bag or hard case)
- Strap
- Picks
- Tuner
If you go acoustic, a capo can be useful later — but you don’t need it right away. It’s more important to take a few lessons and learn some basic chords first.
If you’re getting an electric guitar, you might think you need an amplifier immediately. You don’t. You can start without one and get a small practice amp later. In fact, I recommend putting more of your budget into a better guitar and waiting a month or two before buying an amp if needed. While amps can be inspiring to play through, they’re not essential at the very beginning.
Step 3: Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, buy your guitar in person. I know it’s convenient to order online, but many students who’ve done that without knowing what to look for end up regretting it. If you have to buy online, at least try the same model in a store first to see how it feels in your hands.
Step 4: New vs. Used
Buying a used guitar can save money — but be cautious. Think of it like buying a used car. If you’re buying used, especially an acoustic, try to have a professional guitar tech or luthier look it over first.
With electric guitars, buying used is usually safer because most problems are fixable. Acoustic guitars are more delicate, and issues aren’t always obvious to a beginner. No matter how good the deal seems, a quick inspection from a pro can help you avoid surprises.
One exception: if you’re buying used from a music store, the guitar has likely been checked by their staff and might even come with a short warranty.
What To Look For in an Acoustic Guitar
Unless you’re on a tight budget, one of the first things to check is whether the top of the guitar is made from solid woodor laminate. Laminate (similar to plywood) is cheaper and doesn’t sound as rich, but it can still be okay for beginners. Don’t worry too much about the type of wood — just look for „solid top“ if possible.
Check if the guitar has a strap peg on the neck heel (where the neck meets the body). It’s not a dealbreaker if it doesn’t, but ask the store if they can install one for you.
Built-in electronics (like pickups and tuners) aren’t super important for beginners. Most built-in tuners are just okay, and you’re not likely to be plugging in right away.
Watch out for “starter packs.” Guitars bundled with accessories at a discount might seem like a great deal, but the guitar itself is often lower in quality. It’s usually better to buy a better instrument and add accessories separately.
Comfort matters. Even if you don’t know how to play yet, sit down with a few guitars. See how each one feels in your lap. Can you easily strum across the strings? Can your fretting hand reach the neck comfortably? Once you find a few that feel good, ask someone to play the same thing on each so you can hear how they sound.
What To Look For in an Electric Guitar
Most of the same advice applies here, but there are a few key differences.
Body Shape: Electric guitars are usually thinner and come in many shapes. Some may feel awkward to hold at first, so sit down with different models and see which one feels the best.
Pickups: These affect the sound your guitar makes when plugged in. Here’s a quick overview:
- Single-Coil Pickups:
Found in guitars like the Fender Stratocaster. They produce a bright, clear sound and are great for styles like country, blues, funk, and pop. - Humbucker Pickups:
These are basically two single-coils combined into one. They cancel out unwanted noise and produce a thicker, warmer sound — often used in rock and metal. - Active vs. Passive Pickups:
Active pickups (used in metal) have a built-in battery-powered boost. Passive pickups are more traditional and work great for most styles. If you’re not sure, go with passive — they’re easier to use and maintain.
Does the wood matter? Some people say the wood on electric guitars affects tone. I personally don’t think it makes a big enough difference to worry about — especially for your first guitar.
The most important thing is that the guitar feels comfortable and inspires you to play.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first guitar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think about your budget, your musical goals, and what feels good in your hands. Don’t rush the process — and if you’re unsure, ask for help. A little guidance goes a long way in making sure your first guitar is something you’ll love playing every day.
Joshua LeBlanc is the owner and instructor of Lafayette School of Guitar which specializes in guitar lessons in Lafayette, LA.