Published July 20, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
Buying your first guitar is exciting but can be overwhelming with so many options. This guide walks you through each step: from setting a budget and choosing between acoustic and electric, to finding the right size and essential accessories. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for and where to buy your first guitar.
1. Set Your Budget
Your budget determines the quality and playability of your first guitar. For a beginner, aim for $150 to $300. Guitars in this range from brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone offer solid construction and decent sound. Avoid guitars under $100 as they often have high action (strings far from the fretboard) and poor tuning stability, which can be discouraging. If you can stretch a little, a $300 to $500 guitar will have better materials and craftsmanship, but it's not necessary to start. Remember, you can always upgrade later. For example, the Yamaha FG800 acoustic is around $200 and widely praised for its build quality and tone. The Squier Affinity Stratocaster electric is about $250 and offers a comfortable playing experience. Setting a realistic budget helps narrow your options and ensures you get a guitar that will encourage practice rather than frustrate you.
2. Choose Acoustic or Electric
This is the biggest decision. Acoustic guitars produce sound entirely from the vibrating strings and the hollow body. They are portable, require no amplifier, and are great for folk, country, and singer-songwriter styles. However, acoustic strings are thicker and the action is often higher, making them harder on your fingers. Electric guitars rely on pickups and an amplifier to produce sound. They have thinner strings and lower action, making them easier to play. Electric guitars are ideal for rock, blues, and metal. A common compromise is an acoustic-electric guitar, which can be played unplugged or plugged in. Consider what music you want to play and where you'll practice. If you live in an apartment and need to practice quietly, an electric guitar with a headphone amp might be best. If you want to play around a campfire, an acoustic is more practical. Many beginners start on acoustic to build finger strength, then switch to electric later. But there is no wrong choice; pick the one that excites you most.
3. Pick the Right Body Shape and Size
For acoustic guitars, common body shapes include dreadnought, concert, and parlor. Dreadnoughts are large and loud but can be uncomfortable for smaller players. Concert and parlor sizes are smaller and more comfortable, with a balanced tone. For example, the Yamaha FS800 is a concert size that is easier to hold than a dreadnought. For electric guitars, the body shape affects weight and feel: Stratocaster and Telecaster are classic, while Les Pauls are heavier. Size matters for comfort: a full-size (4/4) guitar is standard for adults. Children or small adults may prefer a 3/4 or travel size. Visit a store to hold different shapes and sizes to see what feels best. Pay attention to how the guitar rests on your leg and how your fretting hand reaches the lower frets. A comfortable guitar will make practice sessions longer and more enjoyable.
4. Essential Accessories
Beyond the guitar, you'll need a few accessories. A tuner (clip-on or app) is essential for keeping in tune. Extra strings (buy a pack of the same gauge as the factory strings). A strap for playing standing up. Picks in medium thickness (0.73mm) are a good start. For electric guitars, you'll need an amplifier (a small practice amp like a Fender Champion 20 or Boss Katana Mini is fine) and a cable. A gig bag or hard case protects your guitar. A stand keeps it accessible. Budget an extra $50 to $100 for these items. For example, a Snark clip-on tuner costs about $10, a pack of D'Addario strings is $6, and a basic strap is $10. A Fender Champion 20 amp is around $100. Don't forget a cable (about $10) and a gig bag (around $30). These accessories ensure you can play comfortably and maintain your instrument.
5. Where to Buy and What to Look For
Buy from a reputable music store (online or local) that offers setup services. A proper setup ensures the guitar plays well: the action is adjusted, intonation is set, and the neck is straight. Avoid big-box retailers that don't specialize in instruments. Online stores like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Amazon offer good return policies. If buying used, inspect for neck warping, fret wear, and tuning stability. When you get the guitar, check that the neck is straight (sight down the fretboard). The action should be low enough to press strings easily without buzzing. Tune the guitar and play each fret on every string to ensure no dead notes. The intonation should be accurate (the 12th fret note matches the open string pitch). Trust your hands: if it feels comfortable and sounds good, it's a winner. Many stores offer a free setup with purchase, which is a great bonus.
Choosing your first guitar is a personal journey. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for help. The right guitar will inspire you to practice and improve. Check the current price on Amazon for top beginner models like the Yamaha FG800, Fender Squier Affinity Series, or Epiphone DR-100. Remember, the best guitar for you is the one that makes you want to pick it up and play every day.
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See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.