How To Choose Your First Guitar
The Complete Beginner's Guide To Buying Your First Guitar
Buying your first guitar (or any instrument) is one of life's great adventures.
It's exciting. It's inspiring.
And if you've spent more than five minutes searching online, it's probably become just a little bit overwhelming.
Should you buy an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar? Is a dreadnought better than an orchestra model? Do expensive guitars make learning easier? Should you buy a complete guitar bundle? What accessories do you actually need? Which guitar brands are best for beginners?
The internet is full of opinions. This guide is here to make things simple.
Whether you're looking for your first acoustic guitar, your first electric guitar, a complete beginner guitar bundle, or simply wondering which guitar is best for beginners in Ireland, you've come to the right place.
At Musicmaker Dublin, we've been helping musicians choose their first instrument since the early 1980s, and if there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's this:
The best first guitar isn't the most expensive one.
It's the one that makes you want to pick it up tomorrow.
Welcome to one of the best decisions you'll ever make.
Acoustic Or Electric?
The Question Everybody Asks
Let's get the biggest question out of the way first.
Should your first guitar be acoustic or electric? The honest answer? Neither is "better."
They're simply built for different musical journeys.
An acoustic guitar is wonderfully straightforward. Pick it up, tune it, and start playing. There's no amplifier, no cables and no complicated settings. It's perfect for singer-songwriters, learning chords, writing songs and playing around the kitchen table or campfire.
An electric guitar opens an entirely different world. Lighter strings, slimmer necks and the addition of an amplifier make them incredibly comfortable to play, while effects pedals and amplifiers allow you to explore everything from sparkling cleans to soaring rock solos.
If you're inspired by artists like Noah Kahan, Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, an acoustic guitar is probably calling your name.
If it's Slash, Metallica, Green Day, Queen or Hendrix...
You already know where your heart is.
The important thing is choosing the guitar that makes you excited to practise.
How Much Should You Spend On Your First Guitar?
One of the biggest myths in music is that beginners should simply buy the cheapest guitar available.
In reality, a well-built beginner guitar is often easier to play, stays in tune more reliably and makes learning far more enjoyable. The good news is that modern beginner guitars are better than they've ever been. Brands like Flight, Vintage, Epiphone, Jet and Alvarez now produce instruments that would have amazed players only twenty years ago.
Rather than chasing the lowest price, look for a guitar that's comfortable, dependable and properly set up.
You'll enjoy playing it more.
And that's what really matters.
Your First Acoustic Guitar
There's something magical about an acoustic guitar.
No cables. No amplifier. Just you and the music.
It's still one of the most rewarding ways to learn guitar, and thanks to today's craftsmanship, beginners have never had more fantastic options.
Flight
Big Value. Small Price.
Flight has quietly become one of our favourite recommendations for first-time players.
The excellent Flight F-230C Folk Acoustic Guitar combines comfortable playability with a bright, balanced voice that makes learning enjoyable from the very first chord. Its smaller folk body is especially comfortable for teenagers, adults and anyone who prefers a slightly more manageable guitar than a traditional dreadnought.
Better still, it's available as the superb Musicmaker Flight Complete Bundle, complete with a gig bag, tuner, capo, strap and everything needed to begin playing immediately.
Sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
Flight makes it wonderfully easy.
Vintage
A Guitar That Grows With You
Vintage has built an outstanding reputation for producing beginner acoustic guitars that consistently outperform expectations.
Whether you choose the powerful Statesboro Dreadnought or the beautifully balanced Statesboro Orchestra Model, you're getting an instrument that's reliable, inspiring and comfortable enough to keep long after your first lessons.
Our Musicmaker Vintage Complete Bundles include a padded gig bag, tuner, picks and strap, making them fantastic all-in-one starter guitar packages and thoughtful gifts for aspiring musicians.
One box. Everything you need.
Epiphone Starling
Four Colours. Endless Possibilities.
Few beginner acoustic guitars have earned such widespread praise as the Epiphone Starling.
Available in four beautiful finishes, it's designed specifically to inspire confidence from the very beginning. The comfortable neck, dependable tuning stability and warm, lively tone make it an ideal first guitar for adults and younger players alike.
Sometimes choosing your first guitar is simply about finding the one that makes you smile every time you see it.
The Starling has a habit of doing exactly that.
Alvarez Artist Series
The Guitar You'll Never Outgrow
Some first guitars stay with you forever. The Alvarez Artist Series is one of them.
Featuring solid tops, superb craftsmanship and exceptional playability, Alvarez has become one of the most respected names in affordable premium acoustic guitars. Whether you choose a Dreadnought, OM, Parlour or Grand Auditorium, you're buying an instrument capable of supporting years—perhaps decades—of musical growth.
It's little wonder Alvarez remains one of our most recommended acoustic guitar brands.
Your First Electric Guitar
Electric guitars have a unique kind of magic. They're expressive. They're versatile.
And they're simply enormous fun to play.
Whether your dream is classic rock, blues, indie, punk, metal, funk or jazz, an electric guitar can take you there.
Jet Guitars
The Best Surprise In Electric Guitars
Every now and then, a guitar brand arrives that completely exceeds expectations.
Beautifully finished, wonderfully comfortable and astonishingly good value, Jet guitars have quickly become one of the most exciting electric guitar brands available today.
From classic S-style and T-style guitars to offsets and travel models, every Jet feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests.
For first-time electric guitar players, they're incredibly difficult to beat.
The Musicmaker Jet Packs
Everything In One Box
Learning guitar is much easier when everything arrives together.
That's exactly why we created the Musicmaker Jet Packs.
Pairing either a Jet JS-300 or Jet JT-300 with a Laney practice amplifier, gig bag, tuner, cable and strap, these complete electric guitar bundles remove all the guesswork.
No forgotten accessories. No wondering what else you need.
Just plug in... And start making music.
Epiphone Electric Guitars
Legends Start Here
Few names carry as much electric guitar history as Epiphone.
From the legendary Les Paul and SG to modern classics and timeless favourites, Epiphone brings genuine Gibson heritage within reach of new players without sacrificing quality or playability.
If you've always dreamed of owning one of the world's most iconic guitars, there's a very good chance your journey begins with an Epiphone.
And that's a wonderful place to start.
Should You Buy A Guitar Bundle?
For most beginners... Absolutely.
A quality guitar bundle removes the uncertainty from buying your first instrument. Instead of trying to remember everything separately, you receive the essentials in one convenient package.
- Gig bag.
- Tuner.
- Strap.
- Picks.
- Capo.
And, for electric guitar players, an amplifier and cable.
Whether it's a Musicmaker Flight Bundle, a Vintage Complete Bundle or one of our hugely popular Jet Packs, bundles offer excellent value while making your first day with the guitar as enjoyable as possible.
Should Children And Adults Buy Different Guitars?
Not always.
The most important consideration isn't age.
It's comfort.
Smaller-bodied acoustic guitars, such as the Flight F-230C, often suit younger players and adults with smaller hands, while orchestra body shapes provide excellent comfort without sacrificing tone.
Electric guitars are also an excellent option for beginners because their lighter strings and lower playing tension make learning a little easier on the fingers.
Every player is different.
That's why we're always happy to help you choose the guitar that feels right.
Don't Forget The Accessories
The little things make a surprisingly big difference.
A quality clip-on tuner helps you stay in tune.
A capo unlocks hundreds of songs.
A comfortable strap makes longer practice sessions more enjoyable.
Extra strings are always worth having.
And if you've chosen an electric guitar, a great amplifier—like the Boss Katana Mini X or the incredible Boss Katana 50 Gen 3—will inspire you every time you plug in.
Fortunately, many of our beginner bundles include almost everything you need from day one.
Which Guitar Is Right For You?
Looking for unbeatable value? Flight and Vintage are fantastic places to begin.
Want something welcoming and beautifully approachable? The Epiphone Starling is hard to beat.
Planning to keep your guitar for years? The Alvarez Artist Series continues to impress musicians all over the world.
Dreaming of electric guitar? Jet offers astonishing value, while Epiphone lets you begin your journey with some of the most iconic guitar designs ever created.
The best beginner guitar isn't the one somebody else chooses.
It's the one that makes you excited to play tomorrow.
Why Buy Your First Guitar From Musicmaker?
Choosing your first guitar should feel exciting. Not intimidating.
At Musicmaker Dublin, we've been helping Irish musicians discover their first instrument since the early 1980s, and nothing makes us happier than seeing somebody leave with the guitar that sparks a lifelong love of music. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in-store, our team is always happy to answer questions, compare models and help you find the right instrument for your budget, your goals and your musical ambitions.
Because the first guitar is never just another purchase.
It's the beginning of a story.
Free Shipping Across Ireland
Musicmaker offers free shipping across Ireland on qualifying orders, making it easier than ever to begin your musical journey.
Whether you're in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford or anywhere else across Ireland, your first guitar is only a few days away.
Your First Guitar Is Only The Beginning
Every guitarist remembers their first instrument. It's where the first chords were played.
The first songs were learned. The first mistakes were made.
And where a lifelong love of music quietly began.
Whether you're searching for the best beginner acoustic guitar, the best beginner electric guitar, a complete guitar bundle, a first guitar for adults, a first guitar for children, or simply the instrument that inspires you to keep playing, Musicmaker is here to help.
Because somewhere, years from now, somebody will ask about your first guitar.
And you'll remember it forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an acoustic or electric guitar better for beginners?
Neither is better—only different. Choose the guitar that inspires you to play. Acoustic guitars are simple and portable, while electric guitars are generally easier on the fingers and offer a huge variety of sounds.
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
A well-made beginner guitar doesn't have to cost a fortune. Brands like Flight, Vintage, Jet, Epiphone and Alvarez offer outstanding quality and value for new players.
Should I buy a guitar bundle?
Yes. A guitar bundle includes the essential accessories you'll need, saving both money and guesswork.
Can adults learn guitar?
Absolutely. Thousands of adults begin learning guitar every year, and it's never too late to start.
What accessories do I need?
A tuner, gig bag, strap, picks and spare strings are great starting points. Electric guitar players will also need an amplifier and instrument cable.
What's the difference between a dreadnought and an orchestra guitar?
Dreadnoughts offer more volume and bass, while orchestra models are generally more balanced and comfortable to hold. Both are excellent choices for beginners.
Should I buy my first guitar online?
You certainly can. At Musicmaker we're always happy to offer advice before you buy, ensuring you choose the right guitar for your needs.
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