5 Tips for Choosing Your First Guitar: A Beginner's Guide



Are you a beginner looking to purchase your first guitar? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don't worry - at Musicmaker, we're here to help. In this article, we'll provide you with a few tips for choosing your first guitar and help you find the perfect instrument to suit your needs.



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  • Consider the size and shape of the guitar.

Classical or Nylon string guitars are typically smaller in size than other acoustic guitars, with a scale length of around 650mm. They are designed for classical and flamenco music, and typically have a wider neck and fingerboard to accommodate fingerstyle playing. Acoustic steel string guitars also come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it's important to choose one that feels comfortable to play. If you're a smaller person, a smaller guitar like a parlour or concert size might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're a larger person, a dreadnought or jumbo size guitar might be more suitable. 




There are several different sizes of acoustic guitars, each with its own unique characteristics and intended use. Here are some of the most common sizes:

  1. Classical/Flamenco Guitars: These guitars are typically smaller in size than other acoustic guitars, with a scale length of around 650mm. They are designed for classical and flamenco music, and typically have a wider neck and fingerboard to accommodate fingerstyle playing.
  1. Parlour Guitars: Parlour guitars are small-bodied guitars that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They have a smaller soundbox and shorter scale length, which gives them a distinctive, intimate sound that is well-suited to fingerpicking and blues playing.
  1. Dreadnought Guitars: Dreadnought guitars are one of the most popular types of acoustic guitar, with a larger body and deeper soundbox than other acoustic guitars. They were first introduced by Martin Guitars in the 1930s and have since become a staple of country, folk, and rock music.
  1. Jumbo Guitars: Jumbo guitars are similar in size to dreadnought guitars, but with a more rounded shape and a larger soundbox. They have a big, powerful sound that is well-suited to strumming and heavy playing.
  1. Travel Guitars: Travel guitars are small, compact guitars designed for easy portability. They typically have a shorter scale length and smaller body than other guitars, but are still designed to be played like a full-sized instrument.


  • Think about the type of music you want to play.

Different types of guitars are better suited for different styles of music and you probably don't want to show up for an audition with the Butchers of NekroFlesh with a 1/2 size nylon string classical guitar. It might be awkward. So, If you're interested in playing folk or country music (or any music really), an acoustic guitar might be a good choice. If you're interested in playing rock or metal, an electric guitar is likely going to be more suitable. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose a guitar that's well-suited to that style.



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  • Set a budget.
I mean, this one should be fairly obvious but guitars come in a wide range of prices, and it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. That said, I would spend as much as you can afford as it is much easier to learn how to play on a quality instrument. At Musicmaker, we offer a wide range of guitars at different price points, so you're sure to find something that fits your budget.


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  • Look for quality construction.
This is where the staff at Musicmaker will really be able to help. Obviously if it's your first guitar it can be hard to know what to look for so have a chat with one of our knowledgable staff and they can point you in exactly the right direction. A well-made guitar will not only sound better but will also be easier to play and more durable. Look for solid wood construction, good hardware, and a well-set-up neck.

  • Try before you buy.
Finally, it's important to try out a guitar before you make a purchase. At Musicmaker, we encourage our customers to play the guitars in-store and find one that feels comfortable to play. Our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and help you find the perfect instrument.


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When it comes to playing guitar, there are quite a few different types of guitars to choose from, some of which we had a look at above. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suited to different styles of music. In this section, we'll explore some of the most common types of guitars and their unique features.

Acoustic guitars are the most common type of guitar and are often the first guitar that beginners learn to play. They are typically made of wood and produce sound through the vibration of their strings, which are plucked or strummed by the player. Acoustic guitars come in a variety of sizes, from smaller "parlour" guitars to larger "jumbo" guitars.


The Vintage Statesboro' 'Parlour' Acoustic Guitar ~ Whisky Sour

Classical guitars are similar to acoustic guitars, but have some key differences. They typically have wider necks and use nylon strings instead of steel strings, which gives them a softer, warmer sound. Classical guitars are often used for playing classical music, but can be used for a variety of styles.



Jose Ferrer Estudiante 4/4 Classical Guitar, with Gig Bag

Electric guitars produce sound through electronic amplification, which allows them to be played at much higher volumes than acoustic guitars. They typically have thinner necks and use steel strings, which gives them a brighter, sharper sound. Electric guitars are commonly used in rock, blues, and heavy metal music.

Epiphone Les Paul Melody Maker, Vintage Sunburst

Bass guitars are similar to electric guitars, but have a longer neck and thicker strings that are tuned to lower pitches. They are typically used to provide the low-end rhythm section of a band and are commonly used in rock, pop, and funk music.




Stagg BC300-WS 4 String Fusion Electric Bass Guitar - Walnut Stain

Resonator guitars, also known as "dobros," are similar to acoustic guitars but have a metal resonator cone inside the body that amplifies the sound. They have a distinctive sound that is often used in blues and bluegrass music.


Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck - Natural


So there you have it!

At Musicmaker, we're committed to helping beginners find the perfect guitar to suit their needs. We offer a wide range of guitars and accessories from top brands like Fender, Gibson, and Epiphone, as well as expert advice and repair and maintenance services. Visit us in-store or online today and start your journey to becoming a guitar player with Musicmaker, one of Dublin's oldest musical instrument stores.