A lot of people learned to play the guitar from an acoustic guitar. It is the norm.
If somebody would ask me today, what is the best beginner guitar? A lot of you are expecting I will say an acoustic guitar.
I would say that the best beginner guitar is an electric guitar. Why?
It is easier to play, the neck is slim and has a lower string tension than an acoustic guitar.
String tension is the first issue that makes a student give up especially if they start very early. It is very painful to the fingers and more so for younger students.
This pain is the main reason students give up. It actually takes dedication to overcome this pain. I myself started on an acoustic guitar, and my favorite songs are folk songs that are played fingerstyle.
It was hard for me to continue studying because of the pain but I persevere because as they say no pain, no gain.
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When I first use an electric guitar, I was so amazed because the string tension is so soft compared to an acoustic guitar. The neck is slim and very much easier to play than an acoustic guitar.
I remembered when I was still learning to play, I used to avoid a song that has a bar chord. It was very hard for me as a kid to play that bar chord on a fat acoustic guitar neck.
With the electric guitar, it was much much easier because of the slim neck. After that, I never went back to the acoustic guitar.
I even fitted one of my personal electric guitars with a Graphtech Ghost Piezo pickup saddles, so I can have a studio-quality acoustic sound while having the amazing playability of an electric guitar neck.
Now I can still play folk songs on my electric guitar. So what is the best guitar for a beginner? I would say hands down a Fender Stratocaster Standard Series made in Mexico.
Why not start with a Fender Squier Stratocaster made in Indonesia or China which is cheaper?
A Fender Standard Stratocaster made in Mexico is constructed of the same wood as the more expensive American Standard model. Only the hardware like pickups, tuning machines, and the bridge is different.
Let us say the student gives up and doesn’t want to study anymore. This guitar is not hard to sell because it has value compared to a Fender Squier model. So resale value is one of the considerations for a Mexican model.
If the student is passionate about guitar playing, then this model guitar comes off real value. This guitar is an industry-standard guitar and a lot of upgrades, and parts are designed around this guitar model.
As the student progresses, he will need a better guitar especially if he becomes professional. He already has in his possession a guitar which could be turned into a professional guitar by just upgrading the parts.
Again, there are tons of available upgrades for this model guitar, and a lot of players are using this guitar professionally, upgraded of course.
If you are on a tight budget, then you can settle for the Squier Stratocaster Affinity Series Starter Pack by Fender. The same company who made the Fender Standard Stratocaster.
Included is a Fender FM 10G Amplifier, Strap, Clip-on Tuner, Picks, Gigbag and Cable. Out of the box, this set is complete to start playing. The retail price is $349, but you can get in on Amazon for $199.
The Affinity is a Mid-Level of the Squier Series. The cheapest is the Bullet then the Standard is the most expensive among the series. This guitar could be made in Fender’s Indonesia or China factory.
The most noticeable difference between the Squier Affinity Stratocaster by Fender and the Fender Standard Stratocaster is the body.
The body of the Squier Affinity Stratocaster is thinner and made of Agathis while the Fender Standard Stratocaster is made of Alder. Alder is commonly used among electric guitars, even the more expensive Fender American Standard Stratocaster.
Conclusion
I highly regard the Fender Standard Stratocaster overall as the best beginner guitar. If you can afford it, I suggest you go for it.
On the other hand, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Starter Pack is a very much viable solution for budget-conscious individuals.
It is playable as a beginner but then you can not expect good results when you try to upgrade this guitar. As I have been doing guitar modifications for more than fifteen years, I found the Fender Standard Stratocaster guitar is the best for upgrades.
Being the most copied electric guitar in the world, a lot of companies are manufacturing upgrade parts for this guitar. Tons of upgrades are available. So now you have two choices as your first electric guitar.
Cheers,
Den
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Hey Den,
Good advice for the beginner guitar player. I agree with you that it is better to learn on an electric guitar. When I started I knew nothing about which guitar to start on, or about adjusting the action etc. I agree, the Squier series guitars are very good entry level Fenders guitars and good for beginners.
Luthor
Hi Luthor,
The Squier Series guitar is manufactured by Fender and it is their entry level guitar which has a very competitive price compared to other brands. The price range makes it suitable for beginners.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
This speaks directly to me. I am definitely in the beginner stage of guitar, in fact I have not really started to learn due to the fact of starting with an acoustic guitar. I often envy those who play the guitar but for me myself it was just a little bit to cheesy. I like the fact that you recommend starting with an electric guitar. I like it because I like the sound a whole lot better and feel like I’m actually making music. I had no idea about the slim neck and lower string tension being a factor but it does. I now have a new motivation to learn guitar thanks to this post. Now I just need to get me an electric guitar
Hi Taquee,
It is a lot easier to learn on an electric guitar than on an acoustic guitar due to string tension. The pain because of that string tension will cause the student to stop learning especially the young ones.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Thank you for this perspective on learning the guitar! My son is asking me to buy him a guitar because he wants to learn. He is into rock music and he loves it when I play some of his favorite songs. I know that in order for him to be motivated and keep up with the lessons, it would be best to start with an electric guitar. He is only 6 years old, and the string tension and neck size is definitely an issue. What would you say is a good electric guitar for a young kid to start playing?
Hi Juan,
I would suggest he start on a Fender Standard Stratocaster if you have the budget. If you are tight on the budget the Fender Squier Stratocaster or Fender Squier Telecaster will do just fine.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi Den,
This is a subject I am very passionate about being a guitarist myself.I have been playing for over 20yrs now and I also started out on Acoustic with the same issues you had. It was tough but totally worth it.
Though I think you make a valid point, starting on an electric would keep the student interested.After a while of playing they can then move on to acoustic once they have a grasp of the basic chord fingerings which would be a smoother transition.
Rock on!
Hi Andrew,
Students learning how to play the guitar will find that practicing on an electric guitar is much easier than on an acoustic. Once they learn they might want to switch to acoustic guitar especially if their selected genre requires an acoustic guitar. By that time the string tension will not bother them anymore as their fingers are toughened up.
Rock on!
Den
Thanks for all of the information. I tried playing when I was young but couldn’t get my fingers to stretch good enough. I practiced on a scale without any luck. Had I known that electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic guitars I probably would have had a better go at it. I’m no Eddie Van Halen though.
Hi Gary,
A lot of young players who started with acoustic guitars got frustrated because it is harder to play. When I was doing guitar lessons I always have my students practice on electric guitars and it gave better results.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
So I actually did try learning the guitar once. However, it was on an acoustic guitar. I never really considered getting an electric guitar. That seems like a really interesting choice to make. I did quit, though. And it was because it was quite painful. I never really got the idea to get a guitar that was less painful. I guess I could try taking the guitar up again and use an electric guitar instead.
Hi Caleb,
It is never too late to start learning again. With the available online lessons now, it is much easier to learn to play guitar. Yes electric guitars are much easier to play than acoustics.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Very nice article. When I was learning to play I had a steel string acoustic. At one stage the skin on my fingertips were so hard I had limited sense of touch. Like yourself I was also avoiding bar chords. I did later get my hands on a electric and did find it much easier to press the cords. And the fact that you don’t have to strum so hard was also a bonus.
Hi Hannes,
It is very much easier to play on an electric guitar than on an acoustic. The tension of the strings are much lower so it is not as painful to play compared to an acoustic guitar. I always recommend this to my students especially those that start very young.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi! You have a pretty good site there. I had no idea that you could get a guitar that good, for that cheap. I’ve always heard great things about Fender. I have a question, What would you recommend for someone that can “tough it out” when it comes to the string tension of an acoustic? I always preferred the lighter weight of the acoustic as opposed to an electric. Also, just to let you know, you have a little typo. It’s at the end of the third paragraph.
Hi, Madelaine!
If you can take the pain, then an acoustic guitar is for you. Fender makes cheap acoustic guitars with good quality, go for the Squier Series as they are cheap.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Of course, my son has been pestering me for literally years to play the guitar. My excuse always was they he didn’t have the time. Now he does, and we are back to the guitar thing. I like the Fender Standard Stratocaster, mostly because you can upgrade it some, which does give it some longevity until we get to the point, where he is playing well and wants something even better.
Hi!
It is about time to start. The Fender Standard Stratocaster is the one I really recommend if you have the budget. If you are tight on a budget you can start with the Fender Squier Starter Pack. Everything is included, you just have to plug it and play.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I too started out with an electric but I think I was a special case. See, I’m a pretty tall guy, I have big hands and long fingers so I struggled for months trying to play on the tiny neck of an electric guitar. I agree that the low tension of the strings is better for beginners than the acoustic guitar.
Anyways, It took a couple of months but eventually I realised that I was more suited to a bass and at least by then my fingers could withstand the punishment of those heavy strings. Have you ever tried home remedies to speed up the hardening of your finger tips? Many would be keen I’m sure
Hi Ryan,
In your case , yes you are suited for bass playing. The low tension of the electric guitar strings will make it easier for those who want to learn to play. Electric guitars are the best guitar for beginners.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Hi Den!
I am a fellow guitarist and I concur with your content on this page. I, too, believe an electric guitar is easier to learn on. I learned on a cheap $35 electric guitar and then upgraded to a Gibson SG. I took up acoustic guitar with a Takemine F-340 and then a Taylor 414. That Takemine had high action and hurt my fingers. I had it set up but it never was right to me. The Taylor was great. I now play an Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III and love it. It has the Nanomag for an acoustic like sound.
I also agree with you that a Strat is a great beginner’s guitar. I also had a Tele that I loved.
The only suggestion I would give you about your content on this page is that there are some good, cheaper, electric guitars that beginners could choose.
Given the fact that the beginner would have to purchase a chord and an amp, and purchase a Strat for $599, the beginner would be approaching $800, including tax for their gear.
Could you possibly keep the Strat info on the page, but add an alternative guitar that would be cheaper? I find, in my experience that beginning guitarists, or parents who are buy their child or teenager a first guitar will not pay our $800.
I say this in light of the fact that I’m one who believes beginners should not buy junk! You believe that too! I agree, but still think there are some good choices that are less costly.
I’m afraid that someone may not continue to engage your site when they see this price for a beginner’s guitar. Just my opinion, of course!
You have a great niche! Keep up the good work!
You got a good choice of guitars. I love Taylor guitars. You got a point there. I admit that a Standard Stratocaster is a bit of a high price for beginners.
I selected it as the best beginner guitar considering its resale value, upgradability and quality of build for its price. If you put good upgrades on a Standard Stratocaster it will reach pro level. If the student progressed to that level then he have a very capable guitar, but if he or she quits playing, then this guitar has a resale value.
There are a lot of beginners guitar, out there, even Fender has an entry level Squier Series guitars but they could never be upgraded even to a semi pro level guitar and if you try to sell it used you may not get half of your money. Then there are a lot of Strat copies, and Les Paul copies which are of very bad quality.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
You are completely right about about many new players finding out about the pain that comes when first starting. When I first started I would play until my fingers were about ready to bleed. I was wondering what pick-ups you would recommend to put in my acoustics? I own a Schecter Diamond Series Bomber Girl electric but I refuse to change it’s pick-ups because of it’s rarity, but I also want to be able to plug in one of my acoustics. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Travis
Hi Travis,
Yes, the pain you have to endure using an acoustic guitar when learning to play. That’s a nice guitar you have there. Fishman is the way to go for Acoustic Guitar Pickups. I will not recommend a model because there are different options.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
Den, thanks for the great information. I would love to get my son to learn an instrument. If pain is involved, then he is definitely less likely to stick to it. I will consider your recommendation of using an electric guitar for learning. Guitars are expensive, to me at least, but well worth the money if it becomes a lifelong passion. Thanks again.
Hi, Tomeika!
I am glad you will follow my recommendations. You can click on the black guitar image and buy it from Amazon. You will pay the same price when you buy it direct from Amazon. When you buy from my website you are helping me continue what I am doing, which is sharing information to others.
Thanks for the comments,
Den
I haven’t played in a long time but I do recall my early days. I agree entirely that a start is a great way to get going. I had no idea however about the Mexican build! That was some really great info.
When I start my boys I will definitely use this information.
All in all a great post!
Hi Marc !
Yes the Mexican build is really value for money than buying the cheaper Squier Series. A good start usually comes a long way.
Thank you for the comment,
Den
I used to play the guitar when I was younger, and like a lot of people learning, I started with an acoustic. It wasn’t too bad, and I stuck with it, but when I finally got myself an electric guitar, I completely loved playing it.
I agree, it’s much easier to play on, and you can get some pretty awesome sounds too!
I’m sure this post will help many beginners who are willing to learn!
Hi Davby !
Thank you very much for the comment and yes I hope this will help some beginners.
Den
Interesting take on learning guitar, I would have suspected acoustic, but perhaps I was wrong. I like the article, it’s well informed and I can tell you know a lot about the topic.
I do have one question though, how much is the guitar you mentioned, The Fender Stratocaster Standard Series made in Mexico.
If that one is more expensive, what would you say is the best electric guitar on a budget?
Hello Claire.
The Fender Mexico is about $500-$600. There is a Fender Squier starter pack Made in Indonesia for about $200 with a very basic amplifier but the beginner would soon hate this as they progresses in their playing.
Thank you for the comment,
Den
So string tension is the reason I never learned how to play guitar?
Good to know.
I’ve always thought that in order to learn guitar, you need to start off with an acoustic guitar. Thanks to you, there might be hope for me after all if I get myself an electric guitar. After all… isn’t that our ultimate goal? To learn to play like Slash from Guns N Roses?
The Fender guitar made in Mexico sounds like a good choice for a beginner like me. How much does that guitar go for?
Also, you stated the ones made in Indonesia and China are cheaper; is there a difference in quality between each instrument?
I don’t want to purchase an electric guitar for cheap and then have to buy a new one. Or worse, feel discouraged and give up if the sound of the cheaper model doesn’t have a good quality.
I am definitely going to check out the Fender Standard Stratocaster and might get one for my little sister as well.
Thank you for sharing Den,
Diana
Hi Diana !
The string tension is what the students really complain about specially those who started very young. I was about to give up when I was learning because of the pain.
The Fender made in Mexico would run between $500 to $600 and the China and Indonesia is about half the price. There is much difference between the made in Mexico and China/ Indonesia. the China/Indonesia model is not worth to be upgraded whereas the Mexico model when upgraded properly will be transformed into a pro level instrument.
Thanks for the comment,
Den