Choosing Your First Guitar

Anyone can learn to play guitar at practically any time and at any age. Choosing the best guitar to learn on is a completely personal decision.

Guitars can be seperated into 3 major categories.

1. Nylon String (Classical)
2. Steel String (Acoustic) 
3. Electric

There are a few key differences between steel string, nylon string, and electric guitars that may be important for beginners to consider:

1. Strings: As the name suggests, steel string guitars have strings made of steel, while nylon string guitars have strings made with nylon. This can affect the feel of the strings under the fingers and the overall sound of the guitar. Steel strings tend to be brighter and louder, while nylon strings are softer and warmer.

2. Neck: The neck of a guitar refers to the part of the instrument where the strings are attached. Nylon string guitars often have wider necks, which can make them more comfortable for beginners to play. Steel string guitars typically have narrower necks, which can take some getting used to.

3. Sound: Steel string and nylon string guitars have a very different sound, with steel strings tending to be brighter and louder, and nylon strings being softer and warmer. Electric guitars, on the other hand, are amplified through a device called an amplifier, which means they can produce a wide range of sounds depending on the settings used.

4. Playability: Nylon string guitars are generally considered to be easier to play than steel string guitars, due to the softer, thicker strings and the wider neck. However, electric guitars can also be relatively easy to play, especially for beginners, as the strings are often lighter and the action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) can be adjusted.

Overall, the best choice for a beginner will depend on the individual's personal preferences and playing style. It may be helpful for a beginner to try out a few different types of guitars to see which one feels and sounds the best.

We have made an easy to read guide to the differences between them with some the best picks for someone who is just starting out.

 

Size Guides

There isnt one size to fit all, but these are our recommended sizes

Nylon String (Classical)	Steel String (Acoustic)	Electric Guitar
Age Height (cm) Recommended Size 2 - 5 75 - 100  1/4 Size 5 - 8  100 - 125  1/2 Size  8 - 12 125 - 165 3/4 Size   12+ 165 + Full Size (4/4)	Age Height (cm) Recommended Size 5 - 10 100 - 120  3/4 Size  10 - 13  120 - 165  Small Body 15+ 165 + Full Size	Age Height (cm) Recommended Size 5 - 8 80 - 100  1/2 Size  8 - 12  100 - 125  3/4 Size 12+ 125 + Full Size

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and it is important to consider the individual's height and physical build when choosing a guitar size. It is generally best to try out a few different sizes to see which one feels the most comfortable to play.

Classical Guitars

Nylon string guitars are the most common instrument for younger players as the strings are softer on the fingers. The sound of a nylon is mostly associated with classical or Latin music styles however you can play any style on any guitar. Nylon strings also come in a range of smaller sizes to accommodate a range students.

Ashton CG44	Yamaha C40	Katoh MCG20
The range of entry level Ashton classical guitars are a reliable and affordable option for students of all sizes and come in an array of colour options. Pack includes: Guitar, gig bag and lessons From only $129	The Yamaha C40 is a great sounding entry level workhorse and is a staple in Primary and Secondary schools around the country. Pack includes full size classical guitar, tuner and instructional DVD From only $189	The MCG20 classical from Katoh, boasts great tone, build quality and playability. This guitar is a definite keeper and will remain part of your collection for years to come. From only $205

View all Classical Guitar Packs

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Acoustic Guitars

Steel string guitars have a more contemporary sound and are the most common style of acoustic (non amplified) guitar. Steel strings can be harder on fresh fingers, however steel string necks are thinner and with a low action are ideal for any learner.

 

Ashton D20	Cort CAP810	Yamaha F310P Pack
The D20 by Ashton has been designed in Australia and represents outstanding value. This dreadnought size steel string not only sounds, plays and looks great but also includes a hard case. From only $215	The CAP810 Trailblazer pack by Cort is amazing value, easy to play and contains everything you need to start playing right away. Pack includes guitar, tuner, gig bag, pitch pipe, spare strings, picks, strap and instructional DVD. From only $229	The Yamaha F310P gigmaker pack is another excellent choice for the beginner. Yamaha is known for producing quality student instruments across their entire range and this dreadnought acoustic is certainly no exception. Includes tuner, gig bag, strap, Instructional DVD, picks, string winder, spare strings, pitch pipe and capo. From only $219

View all Acoustic Guitar Packs

 

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Electric Guitars

Electric guitars involve the purchase of other equipment to get you started. If you are considering starting on an electric guitar, pre bundled amp and guitar packs are a good idea as they usually contain all the items needed to get you playing right away (guitar, amp, tuner, picks, bag, strap, etc.)

 

SX SE1SK34	Fender Squier 15 Pack	Ibanez RX40 Pack
THE SX SE1SK34 is a ¾ size electric guitar pack including all the accessories necessary to plug and play right away. A quality set up at a very affordable price, custom ¾ size is ideal for the younger learner. Candy Apple Red and Black colour options. Also available in left hand. From only $289	For decades the Fender Squier has been the go to guitar for students and teachers worldwide. Versatile and reliable, this full-scale electric guitar shares the same specs as the iconic Stratocaster or Telecaster models, the choice is yours. This pack has everything you need to start making music including the famous Frontman 15G amplifier delivering sparkling Fender clean tones to blues overdrive and beyond. From only $672	Great value packs with everything you need ALL IN THE ONE BOX - an Ibanez RX40MGN Electric Guitar, coupled with a great-sounding Orange Crush 12 Amplifier, an Armour gig bag for protection and an Armour GS10 guitar lead to get you rockin'! Available in a range of Colours From only $489

	Fender Squier 10 Pack
	The Fender Squier series of guitars have long had a reputation for excellent beginners instruments and are recommended by teachers worldwide. The SS stands for short scale making it perfect for younger or smaller players. This package has everything to you playing right away and includes a 10-watt Frontman amplifier (with headphone output jack for silent practising), instrument cable, strap and guitar picks. From only $480

View all Electric Guitar Packs

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The best way to discover which one is right for you is to play all three styles of guitar

The most important thing is choosing an instrument that you will want to pick up and play everyday.

If you have any further questions, or want to try any of these guitars, come into our Newcastle store!