What to Look for in a Beginner Guitar

Picking your first guitar might feel like a big decision, and it is. But if you focus on the right criteria, you’ll avoid many of the common mistakes. Here are the real-world factors to check — drawn from expert advice and reviews.

First, playability is king. A guide on beginner guitars says you should look for something that “feels comfortable to play, doesn’t fight you” because if it’s uncomfortable you’ll stop picking it up. That means checking neck shape, string height (action), body size vs your build.
Second, brand & build quality matter. Many of the best beginner guitars come from trusted brands (Yamaha, Squier, Epiphone) because they offer decent quality for the money.
Third, budget & value. Beginner guides say you don’t need to spend a fortune; you can get a good starter guitar for a few hundred euros/dollars.
And finally, future-proofing: If you plan to stick with guitar for a while, choose something you won’t outgrow too fast. That means decent hardware, decent sound, and some versatility. Some guitars serve you for years rather than just weeks.

🪕 Top Beginner Guitar Picks

Here are 8 great choices — some acoustic, some electric — for beginners. Each with one affiliate link.

• Squier Affinity Telecaster: A classic electric guitar shape (Telecaster style) from a trusted beginner-brand. Great if you want electric and want something that will last.
• Ibanez E‑Gitarre (entry electric): Offers good value for the money, especially if you’re into modern or rock-orientated playing.
• Yamaha F370 Acoustic Guitar: A solid acoustic beginner guitar — easy to play, good build, and from a brand known for reliability.
• Taylor GS Mini: Slightly higher in budget, but excellent if you want a compact size or premium build for long term. Reviewers call it “outstanding option for beginners” despite being higher-end.
• Squier Mini Stratocaster: Shorter scale electric — great for smaller hands, younger beginners, or if you want something more manageable.
• Harley Benton ST‑20HSS SBK Standard Series: Ultra budget electric option — you sacrifice some premium features, but you get a playable instrument for low cost.
• Yamaha CX40 II Concert Classical Guitar: A classical guitar (nylon-strings) option — if you’re interested in finger-style, classical music or want gentler strings, this is a great alternative.
• Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS MN: Another electric, with a different style (Strat-HSS) for variety. Good if you like the Stratocaster vibe.

My Recommendation

If I were you, I’d say this, and I have helped customers pick instruments before.

If you know you really want electric guitar (rock, blues, modern styles), start with the Squier Affinity Telecaster or the Ibanez. Remember to set aside money for an amp as well.

If you want acoustic (strumming, singer-songwriting, easy access), the Yamaha F370 is the one to go with. It’s comfortable, and good value, and requires less gear.

If you’re on a tighter budget or younger, the Squier Mini Strat or the ultra-budget Harley Benton model are good picks as well — playability before style.

If you’re the kind of person who wants something that can last a long time, the Taylor GS Mini is a good option that I think is worth the extra price — good tone, better build, and less regrets.

Regardless of what you decided, make sure to test it out (if possible), check to see that action and intonation is well set, or get a store to do it for you, and most importantly make sure to pick something that you want to play. Because the last thing you want is a guitar that you don’t play.It is important that you have all necessary accessories such as a good tuner, a strap, and possibly a small case or a stand. Your guitar is the focal point of your setup, but the accessories you have will compliment your setup.