Best Beginner Guitar Gear: Your Essential Buying Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Electric vs. Acoustic: How To Choose Your First Guitar
Let me start by busting the age-old myth that everyone should start with an acoustic guitar. Not true. Your beginner guitar journey can start with whatever you want! You can use this comparison article to help you choose, and then contact me to start having fun on your awesome new guitar right away.
My beginner guitar learning process started with an acoustic when I was a teenager because I was enamored with Nancy Wilson from the iconic rock band, Heart. I wanted to be just like her, and at that time, she was mainly playing an acoustic guitar. So I began with that. But I quickly realized I also wanted to play solos and melt faces with loud power chords, so within my first year of learning, I was playing both acoustic and electric guitar regularly and have been ever since.
Which one is easier to learn on and play? In terms of the physicality of playing, the electric can be bit easier on the fingertips, because the strings are generally closer to the fretboard and thinner. However, those elements can also be found on many good acoustic guitars as well, which is why I recommend using the following 5 questions to help you choose.
5 Questions To Help You Choose Your First Guitar
What style of music do you want to play?
Where do you want to play your guitar?
Which type of guitar do you feel drawn to and why?
Do you want to sing along while playing?
Do you want to learn to improvise and play solos?
Question 1: What style of music do you want to play?
If your answer is country, folk, fingerstyle, or bluegrass, then go with an acoustic as your first guitar. If you lean more toward rock or blues, then the best option is an electric guitar. Of course, there is overlap. Both could be used for any style. Spend some time listening to your favorite music and focus on which type of guitar you hear the most.
Question 2: Where do you want to play your guitar?
In what kind of setting do you imagine yourself playing? If it’s playing around a campfire or in the living room with friends, then an acoustic guitar would be the best choice. If you want to play with a band, on a stage, or play great solos, then an electric would be the best beginning guitar choice.
Question 3: Which type of guitar do you feel drawn to and why?
This one is more about that internal feeling you get when thinking about playing your first guitar. So take a moment to imagine yourself playing. What do you see yourself with and why? There are so many reasons you might be drawn to one over the other: how it looks, how it sounds, the color, the audience it attracts or doesn’t attract, maybe it emulates an artist you admire, etc. Follow your heart’s desire, and you won’t go wrong.
Question 4: Do you want to learn how to sing along while playing?
This is a consideration I rarely hear, but it does matter. As a vocalist, when I want to sing solo, I almost always pick up my acoustic guitar. That’s because the acoustic guitar is well-suited for simply strumming chords and accompanying yourself, and you don’t need an amp. However, when I’m singing with a band, most of the time, I will use my electric guitar because I’m playing rock music with loud power chords. Which direction feels more like you?
Question 5: Do you want to learn to improvise and play solos?
Again, this is another consideration that I don’t hear much, but your answer will definitely impact the choice for your first guitar. In fact, this is one of the main reasons I wanted to start learning electric guitar along with acoustic. If you want to learn how to play solos or improvise, then an electric guitar is the way to go. It’s easier to move around the neck, bend the strings, and create different tones.
PROS AND CONS
To further help make your decision about choosing your first guitar, here are some basic advantages and disadvantages of both electric and acoustic guitars.
Acoustic Guitars – Pros and Cons
Acoustic Pros
No amp required
Easier to fingerpick the strings
Easy to grab and go – excellent for portability
Possibly buy a better instrument with the money you save not buying an amp
Acoustic Cons
Limited range of sounds and tones
As a beginner, thicker strings can hurt your fingers until you build calluses
Full-sized acoustics are bulkier to carry and travel with
May require installation of additional equipment to plug into a sound system
Electric Guitars – Pros and Cons
Electric Pros
Versatile and capable of producing a variety of tones
Thinner strings and neck make it easier to play for a beginner’s hands
Ability to control volume and play with headphones
Electric Cons
Requires an amp and cables – more stuff to carry
Heavier to hold and carry
Less portable due to the need for amps and cables
Now make your choice and contact me to start having fun on your awesome new guitar today!
How To Choose Your First Acoustic Guitar - A Beginner's Guide
I love the acoustic guitar! I started out with an Ovation acoustic guitar when I was in high school, and I took it everywhere. Many days were spent on the Mission Beach Boardwalk playing my guitar with friends. It was a given that I would play and sing for our summer beach bonfires, and it was always packed in the car for any road trip. It’s such a fun instrument, but how do you choose your very first acoustic guitar?
No worries. I'm here to help you buy the one that’s right for you! I won’t go into detail about the differences between high-end professional guitars versus entry-level instruments. The goal of this article is simply to help you get the best bang for your buck on your first guitar without breaking the bank, and to feel excited about playing it.
If you eventually do upgrade, your first guitar can always become your backup, and it will always hold a nostalgic place in your heart. I still have mine. Let’s get started with the basics.
4 Basic Requirements For Every Guitar
Above all else, any guitar you are considering for purchase must have these four qualities:
It must stay in tune.
It must have a straight neck.
The strings should be relatively close to the fretboard.
You must be able to comfortably reach the entire fretboard.
If your beginner guitar meets these criteria, then you’re off to a great start!
Here is a closer look at each of these essential requirements.
1 - It Must Stay In Tune
An easy way for a beginner guitarist to check the guitar tuning ability is to ask the guitar store salesperson to tune it for you and also play some chords. Ask them to play chords in various positions up the neck. It should sound “good” to your ears. After a few minutes, ask them to check the tuning again. If it is still the same, you are good to go. Guitars that are very cheaply made generally go out of tune almost right away.
2 - It Must Have A Straight Neck
Look at the side of the neck. If there is a significant difference between the height of the strings near the headstock and the body (more than 1/8th of an inch), then the neck is likely not straight. If that’s the case, then it will make playing very difficult because it won’t stay in tune and it will hurt your fingers. You can also look straight down from the headstock to the body and see if there are any curves in the neck. If so, do not buy it.
3 - The Strings Should Be Close To The Fretboard (Action)
The technical term for the height of the strings above the fretboard is “action.” They can be adjusted, but if they are more than ½” inch high, then look for another guitar. This is especially true for acoustic guitars which do not have the same easy adjustment screws as electric guitars. Start with good action from the beginning, and you are golden.
4 - Comfortable Fretboard Reach
Hold the guitar on your lap as if you are going to play it, and move your left hand up and down the fretboard. You should feel almost as comfortable on the 1st fret as you do on the 12th fret. Your wrist should not have to significantly bend to reach the notes near the headstock, but instead should be able to remain relatively straight. Your first acoustic guitar should be comfortable to hold and play. We will discuss the various shapes and sizes of acoustic guitars later in this article.
Buying a Used vs. New Guitar for Beginners
My recommendation for you as a beginner guitarist is to buy a new guitar and save yourself the stress of looking for a used one.
While it is true that you can buy a higher quality used guitar for less money than the same quality new one, when it comes to buying your very first guitar, I recommend buying a new one for several reasons: 1) You have the option to return it; 2) You have the expertise of the salesperson to help you; 3) You will have many guitars to choose from; and 4) There are plenty of fantastic entry-level guitars that are extremely affordable when you buy them new.
Steel Strings vs. Nylon Strings: Which to Choose?
Choose based on what style of music you want to play. Steel strings for rock, pop, country, or folk. Nylon strings for classical or fingerstyle. That’s basically it. It’s about tone and style. Another important thing to know is that they are not interchangeable. Once a nylon stringed guitar, always a nylon stringed guitar and vice-versa. So choosing the right guitar for the musical genre you want to learn is important.
Size and Shape Matter When Choosing Your Acoustic Guitar
Size
Acoustic guitars come in various sizes. Here is a simple list that uses age as a guide:
Age 5 to 7 – 1/2-size guitar
Age 8 to 10 – 3/4-size guitar
Ages 11 and up – Full-size guitar
Shape
For your first acoustic guitar, I recommend a Dreadnought or a Concert type body.
Acoustic guitars have bodies that come in a variety of shapes. Three of the most common are Jumbo, Dreadnought, and Concert. Jumbo is the largest, and Concert is the smallest of these three. As you might expect, the bigger the guitar, the fuller the sound. Though the tone varies for each size, the two sizes I would recommend for the beginning guitarist to consider are the Dreadnought and the Concert.
Dreadnought is the workhorse of the industry. It is very well suited for playing rock, country, pop, and folk. It’s medium-large size works well for most guitar players 11 and older, and it will sound good both on the stage and in the studio. If that size fits your body, then just go with that.
If you have a smaller sized body, then you might consider the Concert size acoustic guitar. It still sounds good for the genres listed above, but is also well suited for fingerpicking and softer styles. Plus it fits people with smaller hands and shorter arm lengths.
Buying Guide - Recommended Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Ready to buy your first acoustic guitar? If you've skipped ahead to this section, that's totally fine! Any of these guitars will be a great option for your first acoustic guitar as a new learner. Just choose something that fits your budget and gets you excited to play.
These guitars and bundles* offer incredible value and include everything a beginner needs to comfortably dive into learning the acoustic guitar. I’ve chosen them for their playability, sound quality, and durability, making your learning journey enjoyable.
The links below are not Affiliate links. I am not making any commission off of sales. They are simply my personal recommendations from retailers I have used and like.
*Note: If you don't need a bundle, any of these guitars can be purchased separately.
Full-Size Dreadnought Guitar Bundles
Yamaha FG800J Acoustic Guitar Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Fender FA115 Acoustic Guitar Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Full-Size Concert Guitars and Bundles
Fender CC-60S Concert Guitar Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Yamaha FS800 Concert Acoustic Guitar (from Sweetwater)
3/4-size Guitars and Bundles
Yamaha JR1 3/4-size Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Ibanez IJV 3/4-size Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Fender FA-15 3/4-size Acoustic Guitar (from Sweetwater)
1/2-size (Mini) Guitars and Bundles
Fender Sonoran Mini Acoustic Bundle (from Sweetwater)
Taylor GS Mini Sapele Acoustic Guitar (from Sweetwater)
How To Choose Your First Electric Guitar: A Beginner's Guide
There's nothing quite like the thrill of plugging in your first electric guitar and hearing the raw power of those rock chords ringing out! When I was in high school, I began with an acoustic guitar, but it wasn't long before I was dreaming of a stage, a roaring crowd, and playing in my own rock band – and for that, I needed an electric guitar.
From the moment I picked up my first cheap, used, beat-up electric guitar, I was completely hooked! It truly felt like living out the Foreigner song, "Juke Box Hero." With stars in my eyes, I knew that one guitar, slung way down low, was my one-way ticket to becoming a Rockstar.
Perhaps you don't dream of the big stage, but if you're eager to learn rock music, master guitar solos, or just shred a little, then an electric guitar is absolutely the way to go. So, how do you choose your first electric guitar? I'm happy to tell you that there are many fantastic and very affordable electric guitar options for beginners that will get you off to a roaring start.
Key factors for purchasing a beginner electric guitar are: Staying in tune, size and comfort, and having a good sound. Also consider the style of music you want to learn. Find out which guitar your favorite artists and bands play, and use that as a guide.
No matter which guitar you choose, there are some basic requirements for every electric guitar. Let’s look at those more closely.
The 4 Basic Requirements For Every Electric Guitar
Above all else, any guitar you are considering for purchase must have these four qualities:
It must stay in tune.
It must have a straight neck.
The strings should be relatively close to the fretboard.
You must be able to comfortably reach the entire fretboard.
If your beginner electric guitar meets these criteria, then you’re off to a great start! Here is a closer look at each of these essential requirements.
Here is a closer look at each of these essential requirements.
1 - It Must Stay In Tune
An easy way for a beginner guitarist to check the guitar tuning ability is to ask the guitar store salesperson to tune it for you and also play some chords. Ask them to play chords in various positions up the neck. It should sound “good” to your ears. After a few minutes, ask them to check the tuning again. If it is still the same, you are good to go. Guitars that are very cheaply made generally go out of tune almost right away.
2 - It Must Have A Straight Neck
Look at the side of the neck. If there is a significant difference between the height of the strings near the headstock and the body (more than 1/8th of an inch), then the neck is likely not straight. If that’s the case, then it will make playing very difficult because it won’t stay in tune and it will hurt your fingers. You can also look straight down from the headstock to the body and see if there are any curves in the neck. If so, do not buy it.
3 - The Strings Should Be Close To The Fretboard (Action)
The technical term for the height of the strings above the fretboard is “action.” They can be adjusted, but if they are more than ½” inch high, then look for another guitar. This is especially true for acoustic guitars which do not have the same easy adjustment screws as electric guitars. Start with good action from the beginning, and you are golden.
4 - Comfortable Fretboard Reach
Hold the guitar on your lap as if you are going to play it, and move your left hand up and down the fretboard. You should feel almost as comfortable on the 1st fret as you do on the 12th fret. Your wrist should not have to significantly bend to reach the notes near the headstock, but instead should be able to remain relatively straight. Your first electric guitar should be comfortable to hold and play.
Buying a Used vs. New Guitar for Beginners
My recommendation for you as a beginner guitarist is to buy a new guitar and save yourself the stress of looking for a used one.
While it is true that you can buy a higher quality used guitar for less money than the same quality new one, when it comes to buying your very first guitar, I recommend buying a new one for several reasons: 1) You have the option to return it; 2) You have the expertise of the salesperson to help you; 3) You will have many guitars to choose from; and 4) There are plenty of fantastic entry-level guitars that are extremely affordable when you buy them new.
Electric Guitar Body Types – Does It Matter?
The short answer is “Yes, body type does matter.” Each body type produces a different sound, and is used for different types of music. Here is a short comparison list:
Solid Body – Used for all genres including rock, punk, blues, jazz, country, and pop.
Hollow Body – Used mostly for jazz.
Semi-Hollow Body – Used for blues, jazz, rockabilly, or punk rock.
I recommend buying a solid body for your first guitar because it is the most versatile and the most widely used especially for beginner guitarists. Plus they are available at very affordable prices.
Electronics, Pickups, and Switches
Electric guitars have all kinds of cool knobs, switches, and electronics. Those electronics are used to change the tone, which is part of the reason electric guitars are so fun to play!
A guitar pickup is an electronic device that converts the vibrations of a guitar's strings into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an amplifier, which makes the sound audible. These have the biggest impact on tone. There are two types that we will look at here:
Single-Coil Pickups
Single-coil pickups tend to be bright and crisp sounding. They produce a tone that cuts through a loud band sound, but they are also prone to generating a hum and can be subject to magnetic interference, which can be noisy. These pickups are generally found on Fender guitars, and many famous guitarists use them such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, and Kurt Cobain.
Humbucker Pickups
This design incorporates two single-coil pickups that are wound together in a series. This design helps to eliminate the hum, hence the name “hum-buckers.” They have a thicker, more powerful tone and lend themselves very well to heavy metal, rock, and blues. They are often found on Gibson guitars. Some famous guitarists renowned for using humbucker-equipped guitars are Slash, Jimmy Page, Zakk Wylde, Angus Young, James Hetfield, and Steve Vai.
Your best bet for choosing pickups for your first electric guitar is to find out what type of guitar and pickups your favorite artist uses and go with that.
Which Electric Guitar Should I Choose?
Let’s summarize all the considerations from above:
The 4 Basic Requirements: Stay in tune, straight neck, low action, comfortable
Body-Type: Solid body is the most versatile and widely available for beginner budgets
Electronics: Single-Coil & Humbucker. Either is great for rock, punk, blues, country, or jazz. If you're looking to rock hard and melt faces, I'd suggest using humbuckers.
The great news is that there are many fantastic and affordable options for your first electric guitar that are $300 or less! The next section will provide a buying guide to help you choose. Then contact me for your first lesson and start having fun on your guitar!
Buying Guide - Recommended Electric Guitars for Beginners
Ready to buy your first electric guitar? If you've skipped ahead to this section, that's totally fine! Any of these guitars will be a great option for your first electric guitar as a new learner. Just choose something that fits your budget and gets you excited to play.
Listed below are some guitar bundles* that offer incredible value and include everything a beginner needs to comfortably dive into learning the electric guitar. I’ve chosen them for their playability, sound quality, and durability, making your learning journey enjoyable.
These bundles also include a guitar amp which was not discussed in detail above. However, for the beginning learner I simply recommend getting a small combo amp that has two channels: one clean and one distorted. The amps included in these bundles meet that criteria. Some even have a headphone jack for silent practicing.
The links below are not Affiliate links. I am not making any commission off of sales. They are simply my personal recommendations from retailers I have used and like.
*Note: If you don't need the bundle, any of these guitars or amps can be purchased separately.
Electric Guitar Bundles – Full Size (Adults & Teens)
Fender Squier Sonic Stratocaster Series (from Sweetwater)
Affordable and great entry-level guitar and 2-channel amp. Available in different colors.
Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Series (from Sweetwater)
Slightly nicer guitar and 2-channel amp for about $50 more than the Sonic series. The Affinity Series guitar has both single-coil and humbucker pickups for more versatility. Available in different colors.
Epiphone Slash Special (from Musician’s Friend)
Very cool special edition guitar and 2-channel amp. It looks just like the Les Paul model guitar that Slash uses with the same electronics. Even comes with Slash guitar picks. Awesome for rock music.
Epiphone Les Paul Series (from Musician’s Friend)
A less expensive option for the Les Paul style guitar. Great entry-level guitar for rock. Available in different colors.
Yamaha GigMaker Series (from Sweetwater)
Another very affordable option for a 2-channel amp and a guitar with both single-coil and humbucker pickups. Available in different colors.
Electric Guitar Bundles - 3/4-Size (Kids 6-10 years old)
Fender Mini Squier Stratocaster (from Sweetwater)
Probably the most popular beginner mini guitar for kids. Comes with a 2-channel amp and tuner.
Loog Mini Electric Guitar (from Sweetwater)
A mini 3-string guitar perfect for very young learners! It even has a built-in speaker and amp. Available in different colors. It's worth a look.
Now go get a guitar and then contact me for your first lesson. Let's get started now!
The Essential Guitar Accessories Buying Guide for Beginner Guitarists
(Acoustic & Electric)
So, you've got your first guitar – congratulations! Now, what else do you need? For every aspiring musician, having the right guitar accessories is crucial for a smooth learning journey. While the world of guitar gear can seem overwhelming, some items are truly essential, while others are great additions as you progress.
As an experienced guitar instructor, I consistently recommend these three fundamental accessories to all my beginning guitar students, whether they play acoustic or electric:
Guitar Tuner: Absolutely non-negotiable! Learning to play in tune is paramount.
Guitar Picks: Explore different thicknesses to find what suits your playing style.
Guitar Strings: Be prepared for string breaks and keep your tone fresh.
Beyond these essentials, there are several other highly recommended guitar accessories that will significantly enhance your playing experience and protect your instrument:
Guitar Strap: Essential for playing standing up.
Guitar Capo: Opens up new musical possibilities and simplifies playing in different keys.
Guitar Stand: Keeps your instrument safe, accessible, and on display.
Guitar Gig Bag / Case: Crucial for protecting your investment when transporting your guitar.
Guitar String Changing Multi-Tool: Makes string changes quicker and easier.
Don't Want to Read? Quick Pick Guitar Accessory Links!
If you're eager to get started and prefer to dive straight into purchasing, I've compiled "quick pick" links below for my top recommendations. These are not affiliate links; I don't earn any commission. They are simply personal endorsements from reputable retailers I trust and have used myself.
Quick Pick Buying Links:
Choosing the Best Guitar Tuner: Options & Recommendations
One of the first and most crucial guitar accessories every beginner needs is a reliable guitar tuner. Accurate tuning is fundamental to sounding good and developing your ear.
While there are free guitar tuning apps available for smartphones, they often have limitations. These apps typically rely on your phone's microphone, meaning they can struggle to accurately detect your guitar's pitch in noisy environments. Background noise can make tuning frustratingly difficult. While they can work "in a pinch," they're not ideal for consistent, hassle-free tuning.
For a more reliable and convenient experience, a dedicated digital guitar tuner is highly recommended. You'll find various types, including pedal tuners (which require a cable) and clip-on tuners. In my opinion, the best guitar tuner for beginners and seasoned players alike is a clip-on guitar tuner. Here's why:
Portability: They're small and easy to carry in your gig bag.
Ease of Use: Simply clip them onto your guitar's headstock.
Accuracy: They detect vibrations directly from your guitar, making them highly accurate even in loud rooms or with background noise.
Convenience: Many clip-on tuners can be left on your guitar for quick, on-the-fly adjustments during practice or performance.
Recommended Clip-On Guitar Tuners for Acoustic & Electric Guitars:
Below are my top picks for reliable clip-on tuners that work great for both acoustic and electric guitars. Choose one that fits your budget and preferences:
Snark ST-8 Clip-on Tuner (from Sweetwater): A popular and affordable choice known for its bright, easy-to-read display.
D'Addario Eclipse Clip-on Tuner (from Sweetwater): A sleek, compact tuner offering fast and accurate tuning.
D'Addario PW-CT-12 Micro Headstock Tuner (from Sweetwater): Discreet and nearly invisible when clipped to your headstock.
Best Tuner for Acoustic Guitar (Soundhole Tuner):
If you primarily play acoustic guitar and prefer a tuner that's even more discreet, a soundhole tuner is an excellent option:
D'Addario PW-CT-15 Micro Soundhole Tuner (from Sweetwater): Designed to fit inside the soundhole of your acoustic guitar, making it virtually invisible from the front.
Understanding Guitar Picks: Material, Thickness, and Your First Choice
Guitar picks (also known as plectrums) are small, flat tools essential for strumming or plucking guitar strings in most genres like rock, pop, folk, and blues. They help produce a clearer, louder, and more consistent tone while protecting your fingertips.
Types of Guitar Picks: A Quick Overview
Guitar picks come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and thicknesses, each offering a different feel and sound.
Materials: Common materials include plastic (like celluloid, Delrin, or Ultex), nylon, wood, metal, and even stone. Each material imparts a unique tonal quality and feel.
Shapes: While the classic teardrop shape is most common, you'll also find smaller jazz picks, larger triangular picks, and even fingerpicks for banjo-style playing.
Thickness (Gauge): This is perhaps the most important variable for beginners. Picks range from "Extra Thin" (around 0.40mm) to "Extra Heavy" (over 1.5mm).
The Best Guitar Picks for Beginners
For beginner guitarists, I strongly recommend starting with medium-gauge celluloid guitar picks.
Why Medium Celluloid Picks are Best for Beginners:
Versatility: Medium picks balance flexibility for strumming chords and rigidity for picking single notes.
Classic Feel & Tone: Celluloid picks offer a warm, traditional sound and a comfortable, "grippy" feel.
Durability: They're tough enough for practice yet flexible enough to be forgiving on your strumming hand.
Affordability: Celluloid picks are inexpensive, allowing you to buy multi-packs for spares.
Recommended Guitar Picks for Beginners:
Fender Medium Celluloid Guitar Picks, 12-pack (from Sweetwater): A timeless choice, these Fender picks are a standard in the industry and perfect for any beginner. They offer consistent quality and a classic feel.
D'Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks, Medium 10-Pack (from Amazon): These classic celluloid picks offer a natural feel and warm tone, suitable for acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. A great versatile choice for any player.
Choosing the Best Guitar Strings for Beginners: Steel vs. Nylon & Gauge
Guitar strings are a fundamental component of your instrument and significantly impact both playability and tone. For beginner guitarists, understanding string types and gauges is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience.
When selecting guitar strings, two primary characteristics to consider are their gauge (thickness) and the material they are made from. Generally, strings are categorized into steel strings and nylon strings.
Electric guitars exclusively use steel strings. There's no interchangeable option here.
Acoustic guitars can use either steel or nylon strings. However, it's vital to note that steel and nylon strings are not interchangeable on the same acoustic guitar. Your acoustic guitar will be specifically designed and braced for one or the other. Attempting to put steel strings on a nylon-string guitar (or vice versa) can damage the instrument.
Steel Strings vs. Nylon Strings for Acoustic Guitars
Many new acoustic guitar players wonder if nylon guitar strings are better for beginners because they are softer and gentler on the fingers than steel strings. While nylon strings do feel different, they produce a distinct, mellow sound best suited for classical guitar, fingerpicking, and certain folk styles. If your goal is to play general acoustic music, pop, rock, or country, you'll want an acoustic guitar set up for steel strings.
It's true that developing calluses on your fingertips to comfortably press down steel strings takes time. This initial discomfort is a normal part of learning! However, if you've chosen a good quality beginner acoustic guitar with proper setup (like those I recommended elsewhere in this guide), your fingers will quickly adapt, build strength, and develop the necessary calluses to play pain-free.
Understanding Guitar String Gauge for Beginners
The gauge of guitar strings refers to their thickness. For beginner guitarists, I strongly recommend starting with Extra Light or Light gauge strings. Thinner strings are much easier to press down, requiring less finger strength and making chords and single notes more comfortable to play. Even many professional guitarists prefer lighter gauges for their ease of bending notes during solos and general playability.
Best Guitar String Brands for Beginners: My Recommendations
There's a vast array of guitar string brands and types on the market. I've personally been a long-time fan of D'Addario guitar strings and have used them throughout my own playing career. They were recommended to me by my first teacher, and their consistent quality has kept me a loyal user. D'Addario is widely considered one of the best guitar string brands available, making them an excellent starting point for any beginner.
Here are my specific recommendations for beginner electric and acoustic guitar strings:
Electric Guitar Strings for Beginners:
D'Addario EXL120-3D Super Light Electric Guitar Strings (from Sweetwater): A fantastic choice for electric guitar beginners, offering easy playability and a bright, clear tone.
Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners:
D'Addario EJ15-3D Extra Light Acoustic Guitar Strings (from Sweetwater): Ideal for acoustic guitar beginners, these strings provide a comfortable feel and a balanced acoustic sound.