Which Guitar Should You Start With? A Practical Guide for Beginners

The guitar is one of the most widely played instruments in the world. Choosing the type of guitar that suits you best depends on several factors.

If you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start, here’s what you need to know before you begin playing this instrument.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Guitar

From my personal experience, my advice is simple: listen to yourself and make the choice that feels right for you. I don’t believe there’s one “perfect beginner guitar” that works for everyone. I see each type of guitar as its own instrument, with unique techniques and playing styles. That’s why your decision should ultimately be based on your personal taste.

The Three Main Types of Guitar

To start understanding which guitar might be right for you, let’s divide them into three main categories:

• Classical guitar

• Acoustic guitar

• Electric guitar

These three instruments have a lot in common, like having six strings, but at the same time, they each have completely different personalities and characteristics.

Choose Based on the Music You Love

My main advice for beginners is to think about the kind of music you love and would like to play.

If you’re into rock, for example, starting with a classical guitar might not be the best idea. Sooner or later, you’ll feel drawn toward the electric guitar. You know that irresistible pull of the ring in The Lord of the Rings? It feels a bit like that.

On the other hand, if you enjoy classical music or simply love the warm sound of nylon strings and want to play in that style, then a classical guitar is probably the best choice for you.

As for the acoustic guitar, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it as an accompaniment instrument—especially if you’re a singer-songwriter—or explore styles like fingerstyle, where the guitar becomes a full expressive tool on its own.

Understanding Each Guitar’s Identity

Understanding the uniqueness of each of these instruments is essential when choosing the one that suits you best.

Learning Opportunities Matter

Another important factor to consider is what learning opportunities are available to you. For example, if you live in a small town where the only guitar teacher specializes in classical guitar, learning electric guitar might be more challenging—unless you’re open to taking online lessons.

This was my experience: I started learning guitar in Sicily, attending a basic course focused on classical and acoustic guitar. Later on, I moved into electric guitar, first teaching myself and eventually finding a dedicated teacher.

Different Guitars, Different Techniques

Also, if you plan to study guitar seriously or take graded exams, keep in mind that the technical requirements for each type of guitar are completely different. You can’t approach an acoustic guitar the same way as a classical one, or vice versa.

Left-Handed or Right-Handed?

One more thing to consider when choosing your instrument, especially as a beginner, is whether you’re left-handed. You can start playing either right-handed or left-handed, but there’s something important to keep in mind. If you choose a left-handed guitar, you’ll have fewer options when buying instruments in the future.

Also, if you visit someone and they have a guitar, it will most likely be right-handed, which limits your chances to play. So if you’re starting from scratch and deciding between left- or right-handed, think carefully before choosing.

Final Advice

To wrap it up: if you love bands like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, or Metallica, don’t start with a classical guitar. Go straight for an electric guitar. You can always explore other types later if you feel like it, and you’ll save both time and money in the process.