If you are taking guitar lessons and need a personal guitar to practice or play, a beginner guitar is a good option.
There are options for a wide range of budgets, and the guitar choice depends on your preferences and your priorities. But first, it is essential to have more information on the requirements for a beginner guitar and the features you should look for.
In this article, we explore how much a beginner guitar costs and important factors to consider.
How Much Does a Guitar Cost For a Beginner (Quick answer)
A good beginner guitar costs about $100 and above for a basic guitar. However, with a budget of $200 to $400, you will have plenty of options from some of the popular guitar brands.
Acoustic Guitar VS Electric Guitar for Beginners
If you are split between starting with an electric guitar or a beginner acoustic, it all comes down to what you prefer. However, there are differences between acoustic and electric that might help you make a decision easily.
One, if your main consideration is cost, then an acoustic guitar might be cheaper to start with because you do not have to purchase extra electronic accessories such as an amplifier.
Also, if you want more of a natural sound for your beginner guitar, the best option is acoustic. Acoustic guitars are simple and portable.
For beginners who want a wide range of sound effects, and all the fun that comes with using a pedal and amplified sound, the best option is an electric guitar.
In addition, electric guitar strings are lighter compared to acoustic guitar strings, making them easier to play for beginners who are practicing fingerstyle.
Things to Consider When Buying a Beginner Guitar
Before you go shopping for a beginner guitar, here are a few things you should have in mind to get the best deal:
Neck Width
As a beginner, it is important that your guitar feels comfortable and convenient to hold. If you have small hands, your guitar should have a thin neck. Guitar players with fat fingers should buy a wide-neck guitar.
Weight and Size
Consider how much the guitar weighs before buying. Heavy guitars can be tedious to hold for beginners. Guitar weight also affects the tone. Light guitars are convenient to carry and do not strain the back, neck, or shoulders when playing.
Material and Construction
Check the quality of wood, and electronics on the beginner guitar to ensure that they are of good quality. Woods such as mahogany, ash, rosewood, alder, and maple are great for beginner guitars.
The construction of the guitar should be great, and durable. Before buying a guitar, also check on the quality of the workmanship.
Budget
If this is your first guitar, you should have a budget in mind. it is recommended that you have a low or medium budget for a beginner guitar so as not to make a big investment in something you have to upgrade in the future.
However, if you want a high-end guitar, you need a slightly higher budget. A high-end guitar might cost much but it delivers the best in sound, workmanship, and playability.
Brand
When buying a beginner guitar, it is essential to choose a reputable brand that produces quality guitars at affordable prices. For instance, brands such as Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone are known for producing quality beginner guitars at reasonable prices. These brands are also great for upgrading to an intermediate guitar.
Accessories
To avoid the extra cost of buying many guitar accessories, check if the guitar comes with accessories such as a strap, guitar picks, and a case. There are beginner guitars that come with a complete package, which is ideal for saving on extra costs.
Tips to Get the Best Experience From a Beginner Guitar
Start Guitar Lessons
If you are not enrolled in a guitar lesson, find one. Guitar lessons make it easier and fast to learn guitar because you have the guidance of an expert. You can choose to take online or physical classes, depending on your budget and availability.
Regular Practice
Ensure that you do consistent practice to improve your skills on the guitar. Aim to practice at least 20-30 minutes every day, even if it’s just playing some chords or scales. This consistency ensures that you perfect your flaws and learn a new skill in playing guitar.
Learn How to Tune
Ensure that you can tune your guitar as often as needed. If you are not confident about tuning, you can use an electronic tuner or a tuning app to help you.
FAQs
Is It Okay To Play Beginner With a Cheap Guitar?
You do not require an expensive guitar for the beginner level. You can start with a cheap guitar, as long as it has the basic features to play.
Why Do Beginners Quit Guitar?
Mostly, beginners quit when it is frustrating or uninteresting to practice. Others find it hard to commit to the journey.
Can You Learn Guitar Without Talent?
Yes. You do not need to be incredibly talented in music to learn guitar. You only need commitment and interest in guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, How Much Should I Spend on a First Guitar?
In my years of being a musical instrument shop owner, I would confidently guide you towards a set budget range for your first musical exploration. If you’ve got a taste for electric, a good beginner model would ideally cost you around $200. I would recommend against spending more than $400 at the onset as you might not utilize all the features of high-end models just yet. On the other hand, if your preference leans towards an acoustic or a classical guitar, a decent beginner model can cost around $150. Again, it’s advised not to exceed $250 as these initial investment should see you through your early stages of learning.
Is a $100 dollar guitar good for beginners?
Absolutely, a $100 guitar can get you started on your musical journey! My first guitar was a budget-friendly model, and it served me well as I learned the basics. Don’t underestimate these entry-level instruments – some of the best entry-level acoustic guitars can be had for under $100. It is indeed a misconception that lower priced guitars are inferior. Rather, you’ll find guitars in this range that have received the highest praises in their category, which shows how quality and affordability can come hand in hand.
What kind of guitar does a beginner need?
I’ve taught guitar lessons to folks of all ages, and one type consistently stands out as a great beginner option – the classical guitar. These are an excellent starting point for new learners, especially younger ones, as they are usually inexpensive and present less playing difficulty. If your aim is to master fingerpicking, then these guitars are for you. However, the trade-off is they won’t sound as loud or bright compared to guitars with steel strings. But given the affordability and ease of use, a classical guitar is a remarkable option for beginners!
Is it OK to start with a cheap guitar?
I wholeheartedly condone starting your musical journey with a cheaper model. As a beginner, your main focus should be learning the basics and understanding if the guitar is the right instrument for you. Purchasing a budget-friendly guitar helps you make a low-risk investment at the start. In fact, from my own beginner days to now owning a music shop, I can confirm that starting with a cheap guitar is often a smart and rewarding choice, and it in no way hampers the inspiring journey that learning a musical instrument should be.