How do you choose your first guitar?

Henare Classical guitar 2

You’ve finally decided to make the leap to learn guitar only to jump online or whip down to your local music store in an excited rush only to be confronted by hundreds of different guitars!

Guitars can in all kinds of styles, shapes, and configurations. There are acoustic guitars, classical guitars, and electric guitars. On top of that there are guitars with 6, 7, 8, and sometimes even 9 strings!

Many guitars are also like art pieces so you need to choose a colour, or colours. Do you want a natural finish or fluorescent green with gold lightning bolts? A flying V shape or a dreadnought acoustic?

Then there is the price of your new beauty. How much do you want to pay? Guitars can range in price from around US$100 all the way up to the record breaking price of US$6M paid for a Martin D-18E owned by the late Kurt Cobain of Nirvana!

Chances are you may not have a lazy $6M lying around for your first guitar, so let me jump in to help you make a well-informed purchasing decision for your initial guitar in a slightly cheaper price bracket

The Three Main Types Of Guitars

Acoustic, Classical/Nylon, and Electric guitars are the three main types of guitars we have come to know and love. Essentially, they’re all the same, however they’re definitely different enough to require a brief explanation of their similarities and differences.

Acoustic

Benefits & Features

  1. Versatility: Suitable for various music styles, from folk to rock.
  2. Portability: No need for an amplifier, making it easy to carry and play anywhere.
  3. Durability: Built to withstand different playing conditions.
  4. Sound Quality: Natural, resonant sound that is loud enough for performance without amplification.
  5. Common Materials:
    • Top: Spruce or cedar
    • Back and Sides: Mahogany, rosewood, or maple
    • Neck: Mahogany or maple
    • Fingerboard: Rosewood or ebony

Classical

Benefits & Features

  1. Soft Strings: Nylon strings are easier on the fingers, reducing the risk of injury or pain.
  2. Wider Neck: Ideal for fingerstyle playing, offering better string separation.
  3. Historical Repertoire: Access to a vast array of classical music pieces.
  4. Warm Tone: Rich, mellow sound that is ideal for classical and flamenco music.
  5. Common Materials:
    • Top: Spruce or cedar
    • Back and Sides: Mahogany, rosewood, or cypress
    • Neck: Mahogany or cedar
    • Fingerboard: Rosewood, or ebony

Electric

Benefits & Features

  1. Sound Variety: Can produce a wide range of tones and effects with the help of amplifiers and pedals.
  2. Playability: Generally easier to play due to lower string action and narrower neck.
  3. Volume Control: Ability to adjust volume easily with an amplifier.
  4. Innovation: Suitable for modern and experimental music styles.
  5. Common Materials:
    • Top: Akder, ash, mahogany, or basswood
    • Neck: Maple or mahogany
    • Fingerboard: Rosewood,maple, or ebony

As you can probably see there is quite a lot going on in the world of guitars which doesn’t make choosing one any easier.

Out of the three main types explained earlier I believe that classical guitars are the best guitar for beginners. I started out learning on a classical guitar and after teaching thousands of students at schools and online I’ve come to the conclusion that the best beginner guitar is a classical guitar or nylon string guitar as they are also known.

I’ll outline my reasons why I believe that below:

  • Softer on Fingers: Nylon strings are nice and soft and squishy, making them less painful than their steel counterparts.
  • Wider Neck: More distance between strings makes playing some chords much easier because fingers have less chance of touching strings that they shouldn’t.
  • Lower Tension: This makes it easier to press down on the strings which makes your notes sound better with less effort.
  • Affordability: Typically more affordable, offering a good quality instrument at a lower price.
  • Foundation for Technique: Classical guitar technique provides a solid foundation for transitioning to other guitar types and styles.

As you can see a classical guitar as your first guitar makes a lot of sense from a cost, playability, and versatility perspective.

Where Can I Find A Great Beginner Classical Guitar?

When it comes to finding a beginner guitar for yourself there are really only two options:

  • Buy from a physical music store
  • Buy online

Buying from a physical store is a great option because you can play a range of guitars before making a final decision. You can walk out of the shop with it immediately and start your guitar learning journey. Potential downsides are paying a bit more and the very real possibility that there are no instrument stores near where you live or work.

Buying online is also an awesome option because you can see and research literally thousands of guitars quickly and easily from your smartphone or computer. You can usually find reviews of guitars that may interest you which can help to build trust and give you confidence in your purchasing decision. Potential downsides are not being able to get a feel or hear the guitar beforehand (unless the seller has uploaded sound samples or posted videos of it). Returning it may also be problematic if it has been shipped from overseas.

You Can Also Buy An NBN Guitar Specifically Designed For Beginners!

The NBN Beginner Series Guitars have been specifically designed by Josh for students just starting their guitar journey. He has poured his heart, soul, and knowledge into creating these guitars along with a wonderful team in China.

Josh has visited and spent time in the factory working alongside the luthiers and development team that are directly responsible for bringing these guitars to you.

Our guitars are super special because have several incredible features that make them super comfy and easy to play:

Specifications:

  • 640mm scale length. This is a little shorter than the standard scale length which makes stretching and playing beginner guitar chords like C major & F major easier. It also helps when picking scales, melodies, and solos.
  • Armrest. Designed for comfort, the armrest is far more comfortable for the picking hand forearm. Most guitars have a 90 degree angle where the sides meet the front which can feel like it is cutting in to the underside of your forearm. The NBN Beginner guitar’s armrest is at a far less severe angle and will allow you to practice and play for much longer without any pain.
  • Adjustable truss rod. A truss rod allows the curve or bow of the neck and fretboard to be increased or decreased. This fine tuning can make the guitar easier to play whilst strengthening the neck and increasing intonation stability.
  • Soundport. Sometimes a guitar can be difficult to hear, especially if you are playing in a noisy environment or playing with other musicians. A soundport overcomes this problem by sending some of the sound of the guitar upwards towards you. It also looks quite cool!
  • Low Action: A high action means the strings are really difficult to push all the way down, resulting in more pain and a guitar that is much harder to play. This guitar has been set by the factory to be as low as possible and easier to play.
  • Built-In Tuner & Preamp. Tuning a guitar can be a nightmare for a beginner (and some professionals!). Thankfully a tuner has been included and it is positioned perfectly so that it is easy to use and see when you need to tune your guitar. It also plugs in to any amp if you need it for band performances and worship rehearsals.
  • Strap Pin: A guitar is notoriously difficult to hold standing up without a strap. Our guitars come with a strap pin that lets you use a strap for added comfort and security when needed.
  • Twenty Frets: 19 frets is sometimes not enough for some songs and pieces. A 20th fret means you can play a high C if needed.
  • Low Tension Nylon Strings: Steel strings or High Tension nylon strings can be brutal on your fingers. Low tension nylon strings are relatively soft and extremely easy to push down on which means less pain and more gain.

Materials:

  • Top: A Grade Laminated Spruce
  • Back & Sides: Laminated Sapele
  • Neck: Okoume
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Frets: Polished Stainless Steel
  • Saddle & Bridge Nuts: Bone
  • Bridge: Rosewood
  • Binding/Purfling: ABS
  • Colour: Natural Matte Finish

Benefits You Can Expect

Easy To Play

Low Action, Armrest, Soft Strings

Easy To Tune

Built-In Tuner for convenient tuning

Looks Great

Laminated Top, Back & Sides, with Bone Nuts and a matte finish

How it Works

Step 1: Click the button

This will take you directly to the website shop where you take a closer look at and hear the NBN Guitar Models

Step 2: Learn at your leisure

Register as a member of the website to receive a special discount code

Step 3: Elevate your playing

Click the Buy Now button, fill out your address details, enter your discount code, and then your amazing guitar will be sent out to you!

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