It’s not unusual for the musical instrument lessons we were cajoled into taking during our school days to actually become attractive to us later on. They may have been a chore when we were 14, but perhaps your inner JJ Cale has been straining to get out lately.
Having decided that you wish to take up the guitar once more, or for the first time, the first thing to say is that’s brilliant. Playing a musical instrument regularly, irrespective of skill level is a proven tool in improving mental wellbeing and relieving stress. You may intend to play privately for personal satisfaction, serenade a loved one, become the go-to person for musical accompaniment at a social sing-along, or aspire to perform gigs. In any case, strumming chords and plucking notes opens the elusive gate to a relaxing escape from the intense world we live in.
At the beginner level, you will inevitably be after a guitar that is easy to play and makes a good sound, without costing a fortune. Luckily for you, today’s offerings of cheap guitars can indeed fulfil all the above requirements. Although genuine top-end guitars such as those from Martin, Gibson, or Fender sing better and have more unique tones than those lower down the food chain, don’t be put off and think a cheap guitar will necessarily be rubbish. Any musician will tell you that it’s the player, not the instrument that defines the music. As you improve and learn what style of playing you like, you can move towards a higher-end guitar that matches your style.
But for now, that isn’t important. What you need to focus on is getting a guitar of good value that is comfortable and enjoyable for you to play. For around £150 - £300, you can get easily find yourself a great six-string that makes a quality sound and may even have a big brand name embossed on the head. You probably don’t want to go under £100, because you can get to a point where the guitars will begin to sound tacky.
Acoustic guitars
Acoustics guitars come in a multitude of sizes and shapes. The most common type you’ll come across is the dreadnought acoustic. These are the classic acoustic guitars with larger bodies that are favoured for their impressive playability and sound range. Smaller-sized acoustics include parlour and classical guitars, among others.
Parlour guitars have a more low-key sound than the larger dreadnoughts. Meanwhile, Spanish/classical guitars with their nylon strings are often the guitars used by children but in fact, have an amazing and unique sound.
These are some of the best available:
Acoustic guitars for beginners
1 of 5Fender CD-60S
With this Fender, you mix a big industry name with value. Being an all-mahogany guitar, you will get a pleasantly rich sound that particularly excels in the blues style.
2 of 5Epiphone DR-100 Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar
The DR100 is easily the best acoustic you'll find under £150. A full-size dreadnought, it has a spruce top and mahogany body and pumps out a good sound. Its neck, also mahogany, is tapered for comfortable playing.
3 of 5Yamaha FG800
Like the Fender CD-60S, the Yamaha FG800 produces a quality sound that could be mistaken for a markedly more expensive instrument. Not only is it a good piece to learn on, but it'll keep up with you as you become more expert.
4 of 5Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic
This falls under the category of 'travel guitar'. The APXT2 is actually designed for the travelling musician – compact and easy to transport and play on buses and hotel rooms. However, it also doubles as a brilliant three-quarter size guitar for learners who require something a little smaller than the full-size dreadnoughts. Given its smaller size, the APXT2 will excel in folk-style music.
5 of 5Yamaha CX40 Classical Guitar
In the same way that the above Yamaha APXT2 is somewhat of a double act, so too is their CX40II classical guitar. It's not just meant as a playable entry-level instrument for learners, but it's made to give a spirited, quality tone, which means that even seasoned ears will appreciate this lovely classical guitar.
Electric guitars
Electric guitars look far more complicated than acoustics, but they are still quite simple pieces of equipment. Unless you already know exactly what kind of style you wish to pursue, you would ideally want an entry-level electric guitar that can range across a number of styles, from blues to metal.
Electric guitars for beginners
1 of 3Squier Bullet Mustang HH
The Bullet Mustang focuses on delivering player enjoyment for learners. It's slightly smaller size makes it easy to use while you hone your skills. What's more, you get great tone from three-way pickup switch which makes it extremely versatile. Perfect for beginners.
2 of 3Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Yamaha combined all the goodies to make the ultimate beginner's guitar: good looks, versatility, and playability. It emulates the special Stratocaster shape, which is not only pretty but very comfortable to play. By using a humbucker pickup and two single coils, along with a five-way selector, this guitar is comfortable in any style from jazz to metal.
3 of 3Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT
For an entry-level electric that focuses more on delivering a thicker tone, this is the option for you. Its rich voice comes from the mahogany construction. The Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT also looks fantastic and has heritage from mortal gods like Jimmy Page. The tradeoff with its great tone is the mahogany makes it quite heavy.
Acoustic or electric? Which is better for beginners?
There is no absolute rule on this. Electric guitars feel easier to play than acoustics because their necks and strings are thinner. However, with an acoustic guitar, all you need is the guitar and maybe a pick. On an emotional level, they are a wonderful, friendly companion that provide a clean sound where you can learn the fundamentals of guitar playing.
Good luck on your guitar journey. Remember, your fingers don’t want to do as they’re told, so you’ve really got to want to play it to overcome that hurdle.
How What's The Best selected the best guitars for beginners
All of these beginner guitars have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching guitars, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.