The best guitar for beginners: how to find the right model

“You don't learn guitar to be perfect. You learn it to express yourself,” once said Jimi Hendrix. But of course, no master has ever fallen from the sky, which is why at the beginning of every guitar career, it’s all about: practice, practice, practice. However, especially at the start, it’s crucial to choose the right beginner guitar to achieve the best possible learning success.

But which guitar is the right choice for beginners? In this blog post, you’ll find out which models are popular for starting out and what you should look for when buying one.

Which guitar is best suited for beginners

First of all, there’s no one perfect beginner guitar—it depends on your personal taste in music which guitar suits you best. One thing is certain: the music you love listening to is the easiest to learn. If you are passionate about acoustic ballads, you might enjoy an electric guitar less—just like an aspiring rock guitarist probably won’t be happy with a classical concert guitar.

So, before buying a guitar, it’s worth pausing and thinking: What music genre excites me the most? In what sound world do I want to start? The answers to these questions will help you make the right decision about your first guitar—whether it’s a concert, western, or electric guitar.

Our insider tip for beginners: The Peter Busch guitar book, which helps you learn to play guitar without sheet music thanks to its proven method.

The concert guitar – the all-rounder for beginners

Generally, both the concert guitar and the classical guitar are good choices for beginners. Thanks to nylon strings, these guitars are easy to play and produce a warm and soft sound. Many well-known songs from pop, classical, Latin, or traditional music can be played very well on these guitars.

The concert guitar is also available in different sizes, making it an excellent beginner guitar, especially for children.

Compared to other guitar models, the fretboard of a concert guitar is slightly wider, which may require a bit more practice for beginners when gripping chords.

The western guitar – a suitable alternative?

“I said: Maybe you’re gonna be the one that saves me. And after all, you’re my wonderwall” – one of the most famous choruses of all time. To best replicate the sound of this Oasis song or similar hits, you need a western guitar. It is ideal for beginners who lean towards blues, folk, or pop music.

The fretboard is slightly narrower compared to a concert guitar, making it easier to play chords. Western guitars have steel strings, which require more finger strength to press down and thus take some practice. They are available in various shapes but are generally larger, making them a better choice for adults as beginner guitars.

What beginners should know about electric guitars

You don’t need to tap like Van Halen or play with your teeth like Hendrix—a simple power chord at the right moment already feels legendary. If you’re into rock and metal, an electric guitar is the perfect choice to start with. It’s very versatile and can be used in pop, jazz, blues, and many other music styles. With additional effects pedals, you can create a wide variety of sounds. Playing it is similar to a western guitar, but since electric guitars have thinner steel strings, they are generally easier to play.

What accessories do I need?

For optimal protection when transporting your guitar, a gig bag is recommended. Make sure it matches the shape of your guitar. The body of an electric guitar is much smaller than that of a western or concert guitar—accordingly, the gig bag will have a different shape. A guitar stand ensures your guitar always has a safe place—no tipping over, no risk. To keep your guitar in tune and sounding great, consider a tuner or enhancing effect pedals. A footrest is traditionally used for playing while seated, mainly with concert guitars.

How to recognize a good quality beginner guitar

Many sellers attract buyers with low prices—sometimes offering guitars plus a matching bag for under 50 euros. These inexpensive models are mainly suitable for occasional players. If you plan to play regularly, we recommend choosing a higher-quality guitar even as a beginner.

A good guitar has a flawless finish with no sharp edges. The strings should press down evenly and easily. All screwed and glued parts should be well-crafted and firmly attached to the guitar.

Size recommendations for beginner guitars

Finding the right guitar size can be tricky for beginners. With our size chart, you can quickly determine the right fit for your body size. Using guidelines based on the player’s height, you can easily find your ideal guitar size:

Guitar size	Scale length	Total length	Suitable for height
4/4	63 – 65 cm	99 cm	From 150 cm
7/8	62 – 63 cm	95 cm	140 – 160 cm
3/4	59.4 – 61.4 cm	90 cm	130 – 150 cm
1/2	53 – 54.7 cm	83 cm	120 – 140 cm
1/4	47.2 – 48.7 cm	78 cm	110 – 130 cm
1/8	39.7 – 44 cm	74 cm	Under 110 cm

Conclusion: How to find the right beginner guitar

Starting your guitar journey isn’t just about motivation and practice—it also depends on choosing the right guitar. Whether it’s a concert, western, or electric guitar: what matters is that it fits you, your music taste, and your body size. With the right guitar and accessories, your start in the world of music will be pure joy. At Zoundhouse, with our years of experience, passion for music, and personal advice, we’ll help you find the beginner guitar that truly suits you.