How to Choose Your First Guitar (Beginner Buyer’s Guide)
People love variety.
Walk into any guitar store and you’ll see it immediately—rows of instruments in every shape, size, and color imaginable.
There are:
Big guitars, small guitars
Bright colors and classic finishes
6-string, 7-string, even 8-string guitars
Minimal controls or tons of knobs and switches
With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
So where do you start?
What Matters Most for Beginner Guitarists
If you’re just starting out, keep one principle in mind:
Simplicity wins.
Guitars with extra features often come with higher prices and added complexity—things you simply don’t need yet.
Instead, focus on what will help you learn faster and stay motivated.
Stick With a 6-String Guitar
For beginners, the best choice is almost always:
A standard 6-string guitar.
Why?
Most beginner songs and lessons are written for 6 strings
Learning materials (tabs, videos, teachers) assume this setup
Fewer strings = less confusion and easier navigation
Can you start on a 7- or 8-string? Sure.
But more strings mean more complexity—and when you’re learning, clarity is everything.
Choose Fewer Knobs and Controls
When it comes to controls:
Less is better.
At the beginning, all you really need is:
A volume knob
That’s it.
While guitars can include:
Tone knobs
Pickup selector switches
Advanced electronics
These features won’t matter until you can actually play music consistently.
Keep it simple so you can focus on developing real skill.
Playability and Comfort Come First
Specs don’t matter if the guitar doesn’t feel good in your hands.
When you’re at the store:
Pick up multiple guitars
Notice which ones feel comfortable and natural
Avoid anything that feels too heavy or awkward
Pay attention to what makes you want to keep playing
And don’t ignore this:
How the guitar looks matters.
If you love the way it looks, you’re far more likely to pick it up and practice.
There Is No “Perfect” Beginner Guitar
Here’s the reality:
You probably won’t find a guitar that is:
Ultra-light
Minimal in features
Perfectly comfortable
Visually stunning
And within budget
And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding a guitar that is:
Simple to use
Comfortable to play
Exciting to pick up every day
Key Takeaway
Don’t get caught up chasing the “perfect” guitar.
Focus on what actually matters:
6 strings
Simple controls
Comfort and feel
Personal preference
Because in the end:
The best beginner guitar is the one you’ll actually play.
Play Loud. Be Heard.
Gavin F. Haley
Instructor
Apex Guitar Institute
Beaumont, TX
