First Acoustic Guitar: How to Choose Your First Acoustic Guitar
Buying your first acoustic guitar should feel exciting, not confusing. This guide gives clear, practical steps so you end up with an instrument you enjoy playing every day. No jargon—just what matters: size, feel, sound, budget, and quick ways to make the guitar play better.
What to look for
Size and shape matter more than you think. A dreadnought sounds big and full but can be bulky for small hands. A concert, grand concert, or parlor body is smaller and easier to hold for beginners. Short-scale guitars (24.75"–25.5" scale) reduce stretch between frets and make chords easier.
Playability beats specs. Test the action (string height). If strings sit too high, it’s hard to press them down. If the guitar buzzes, that can be fixed with a setup but check for major neck warping. Neck width matters too—narrower necks suit small hands; wider necks help fingerstyle players.
Tonewoods influence sound but don’t let fancy names steer you. Spruce tops (Sitka or Adirondack) are bright and versatile. Cedar sounds warmer and favors fingerstyle. Mahogany bodies give midrange focus; rosewood leans toward bass and sparkle. For a first guitar, a solid top is great if your budget allows; laminate tops are fine and tougher on a tight budget.
New vs used: used can be a bargain if the guitar was well cared for. Look for cracks, patched bridges, or major fret wear. Bring a friend who knows guitars or buy from a shop that offers a short return or setup.
How to get started
Set a realistic budget. Good beginner acoustics often sit between $150–$500. Models that often get recommended are Yamaha (FG series), Fender CD series, and Epiphone DR models—solid builds without massive price tags. If you can stretch, a smaller Taylor or Martin can be worth saving for because of long-term playability and resale value.
Get a basic setup right away. A $30–$80 setup from a local tech fixes action, intonation, and fret buzz. Fresh strings change a lot—light gauge (.012–.053) are comfortable for new players. Keep a tuner, pick, spare strings, and a lightweight gig bag or case.
Start learning simple chord shapes and practice five to ten minutes daily. Short, focused sessions beat one long push. Use a capo to change voicings and make songs easier. Record yourself on your phone sometimes—listening back speeds up progress.
Maintenance is simple: wipe strings after playing, store the guitar away from heat or direct sun, and check humidity if you live in a dry or very humid place. If the neck moves or action changes a lot, book a setup.
Pick a guitar that invites you to play. If it feels right in your hands and sounds pleasing to your ear, you’ll play more—and that’s the single best way to improve. If you want model suggestions or a quick checklist to take to a music store, I can make one for you.
So, you've decided to embark on your musical journey and your first step is choosing an acoustic guitar? You've landed on the right page! This post will break down all the nitty-gritty details you need to consider when buying your first acoustic guitar. From the guitar body's size to the type of wood it's made of, we'll guide you through it all. Trust me, I was once in your shoes and I know how overwhelming it can seem, but with this guide, you'll feel confident in your choice.
