The guitar is a fascinating instrument, often a dream for people of all ages to learn. It is one of the most popular musical instruments that beginners prefer.
Anyone with the patience and determination to learn and play the instrument can master the art in no time. But many learners tend to quit due to the time-consuming process and the persistence required to learn how to play.
It takes weeks, in some cases months, to develop the muscle memory and finger strength to play ones first song.
Piano and drums, for instance, are easy to start off with but get difficult to play as one learns on. It's the other way around when it comes to a guitar. It's hard to begin with as a learner but once a person has learnt the basics, it's all about those special strings and emotions.
As a beginner what is more important is the comfort and the liking for the sound produced more than the price, the brand or the wood. Comfort is the utmost priority! Sometimes beginners tend to get frustrated as the sound isn’t appealing. Hence, its always better to begin with an instrument of good quality but priced at a medium range. One can then upgrade and buy a guitar of a higher price once they realise it's not a passing interest and decide to stick to the field.
Buying a guitar and its accessories can sometimes get expensive. For many, stage and studio performances are a few years away from when they begin to learn. The first thing that one has to decide is whether they wish to start off with an acoustic, an electric or a classical guitar. One can choose a classical guitar if they wish to learn classical finger styles.
Mohak Sanandan, who started off with an acoustic guitar but has mastered both electric as well as acoustic says, "There are small mechanisms that you learn while playing one instrument that goes on to build when you switch. Hence it's completely fine to start learning an acoustic guitar and then switch to an electric. You always have an option of buying a new one and having both.”
He adds that guitars ranged between Rs 7,000 to 20,000 are advisable for first-timers, as one can lose interest when the tone doesn't sound pleasing. Guitars in this price range are usually of good quality and produce better sound and therefore widely recommended by most experts.
Rohan Pradhan, a guitarist, advices that regardless of the discounts online, it is advisable to personally visit a store or at least trying a particular guitar before buying it online.
Experts from Reynold's Inc. and Thomsun Music House, recommend a few classical, acoustic, semi-acoustic and electric guitars which are of an affordable price for beginners from which one can pick, try and buy.
Here is a list of 10 guitars for beginners:
Classical guitars
Classical guitars are good for classical, Spanish and Flamenco music. The strings of these guitars are comparatively gentle on the fingertips since they have nylon strings. They produce mellow and soft sounds and are not as loud as acoustic guitars.
1. Yamaha C40
The Yamaha C40 is a full-sized nylon-stringed guitar providing a bright and lively sound and is available at an affordable price for any guitarist. Its 2 inch nut makes it easy for learners to play with true classical finger techniques. The model costs Rs 7,190.
2. Yamaha C70
The Yamaha C70, built for beginners, is known for its cost and outstanding performance. The C70 is a full-sized nylon-stringed guitar. They have exceptional playability and superb tone for guitars of the particular cost range. The guitar is priced at Rs 8,490.
Acoustic/ semi-acoustic guitars
Acoustic guitars are usually good for folk, country music, slow rock music and pop. They are usually hard on a beginner’s fingers. They produce bright and loud sounds. They are light in weight but rather large.
Semi-acoustics are similar to acoustic guitars, but come fitted with a built-in preamp and can be plugged to an amplifier or directly to public address (PA) systems. This is a useful feature if the player performs live, or plans to do solos. If you're just a beginner who just wants to play at home, getting an electro-acoustic is not really necessary.
It is usually advised to buy a guitar tuner, a few guitar picks and a pack of extra acoustic guitar strings until and unless it is a guitar kit.
3. Yamaha F310
At Thomsun Music House, sales staff say that the F310 is one of the best selling beginner guitars not only at their store but all over the world. The guitar is slightly big in size for a learner but the quality wood helps it produce a decent tone. Moreover, it isn't a big investment and can be easily replaced. The Yamaha F310 is priced at Rs 8,990.
4. Fender Squier SA-105
Fender is one of the leading manufacturers of professional guitars. The Fender Squier SA-105 is a sweet-sounding, great-feeling dreadnought that has plenty of vibes.
The Fender Squier SA-105 is priced at Rs 7,889 and is available in a kit which costs Rs 9,144.
Fender also offers a semi-acoustic model named Fender Squier SA-105CE which costs Rs 11,475.
5. Cort AD810-OP
Cort's oldest acoustic Standard Series has always been well known in the world of music. Not only are they affordable but offer solid performance for beginners and hobbyists. The spruce top not only provides great balance and strength but its versatile sonic character makes it ideal for playing a variety of musical genres and playing styles. The instrument is priced at Rs 9,736.
Cort also has a semi-acoustic model named Cort AD810E-OP, priced Rs 12,2230.
6. Epiphone PRO 1
The Epiphone Pro 1, is one of the most recognised models. It is quite vibrant in tone and crisp, with plenty of resonance. The Pro-1 features the classical dreadnought with reduced body depth. This makes it easy and more comfortable to play for a beginner. The instrument is priced at Rs 15,125.
7. Epiphone PR 4E (semi-acoustic guitar)
The Epiphone PR-4E is a semi-acoustic guitar preferred widely by both beginners and experienced players. The instrument gives newbies a chance to learn both professional sound as well as has quality construction at a great price. It features a spruce top, projecting a rich tone. The guitar is priced at Rs 18,980.
At Reynold's Inc., experts say that both Epiphone PRO 1 and Epiphone PR 4E are longtime fan-favorites for their woody tone and great projection.
Electric guitars
The electric guitar is smaller in size than acoustic or classical. It's good for rock, metal, pop and country music. The guitars usually tend to be heavy, depending on the model.
Buying a good amplifier, tuner and cable along with an electric guitar is always important.
8. Cort CR 150
The Cort CR150 is an excellent option for beginners who are looking forward to a Les Paul style guitar. The CR150 is one of the most affordable options mainly for inexperienced players. It features a solid and single-cut body made entirely of mahogany, a mahogany neck and a 22-fret fingerboard. The guitar costs Rs 18,400.
9. Cort X4
The X series is Cort's primer metal guitar series. The Cort X4 has a beauty and a beasty look and is one of the best options for a beginner. The body is made from basswood and while the neck is made of maple and has a really bassy tone. Both woods are very durable and easy to work with. It is considered cheap for the high-quality tonewoods used. The CX4 costs RS 18,645.
10. Ibanez GRG 121-DX
The Ibanez GRG121DX gives quality sound, has simple electronics and is reasonably priced. The guitar is playable, durable, versatile and preferred by newbies. It produces a very good tone for electric guitars in this price range. The GRG 121-DX is priced at Rs 18,645.
The prices mentioned may vary with different sites and stores.