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Beginner Acoustic Guitar

Posted on 3/14/25 at 1:31 pm
Posted by InCaliForNow
Member since Mar 2014
523 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 1:31 pm
I am kicking around the idea of learning to play the guitar. At 60, I've never played an instrument.

I'd like to start with an acoustic - but would be interested to hear if an electric would be a better place to start (and why).

I'd appreciate recommendations for a starter guitar at a lower price point - and hopefully something that I won't "outgrow" in a year.

Also - anything else I should buy to get started?

Any apps or software that would be helpful for a beginner?

Any other thoughts?

Posted by Bjorn Cyborg
Member since Sep 2016
31921 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 1:43 pm to
An electric is much easier to play, but I bought both when I started to learn and use them both often. I play the electric more.

Take lessons, at least in the beginning. Once you have learned the basics, you can learn through Youtube videos and apps, but there is nothing like having another human show you in person what to do.

Posted by drockw1
Member since Jun 2006
9238 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 4:40 pm to
Though it will be more difficult on your hands at first, I'd start with an acoustic. If you're still committed after a year or so, you can add an electric and it'll be much easier to play but you'll be grateful you started acoustically.

These days there are tons of lessons on YT, but I'd start figuring out basic chords (G, AM, C, D, etc) and play each of those over and over (and over) until you can alternate between them easily. Can also learn barre/power chords which will help you go up and down the fretboard.

Not sure what you like listening to, but once you can play one or two of your favorite songs you'll enjoy that satisfaction and it'll only lead you to dedicate more time and learning will become more fun.

I started off on a $79 Harmony nylon out of the Sears catalog (about 30 years ago), but if I recall Yamaha makes some decent entry-level acoustics but go to a music store and play a few and find out what feels and sounds good to you.

Good luck as you get started!
This post was edited on 3/14/25 at 4:54 pm
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
29597 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 5:07 pm to
I have played thousands of different guitars, and hands down this is the easiest guitar that requires the lightest touch of them all. It's a Fender Paramount resonator acoustic. I love this guitar.
It has a 24" scale which means string tension is very light. Plus it has the sound of a dobro and a Fishman pickup.
ItLINK never going to be a collector guitar but it's a great player.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
40640 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 5:29 pm to
I recommend the Yamaha C40 classical nylon string guitar. The nylon strings are easy on your fingers and it's only $150. I have a Martin and Guild acoustic and a few electrics and I almost always want to play that cheap Yamaha over my expwnsive guitars. FYI Willie Nelson plays a classical guitar.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
67977 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 5:32 pm to
What kind of music are you into?
Posted by mwil236
Member since Mar 2025
2 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 5:36 pm to
Starting on electric is a hacky move for a little kid with weak fingers and an obsession with Green Day. Start with an acoustic - your instincts are right.

I recommend a mid-range Takamine guitar, such as a G series (available at Guitar Center or on Sweetwater for $250-300). Good enough that it won't sound like total junk, but not so pricy that it will be a waste. I've been playing for 18 years and had my Takamine for almost all of that time. I upgraded to a Taylor just last year.

I do recommend taking lessons, or you won't know where to start. No apps or software necessary. Do not overcomplicate this. At most, buy a book that has chord diagrams, because that is where you'll want to start if you wish to be productive.
Posted by OldHickory
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2012
10700 posts
Posted on 3/14/25 at 11:59 pm to
Been kicking around this idea too. Need a new hobby. Quit drinking, but would like an excuse to hang out in bars for open mics. Sing some Haggard and Jones songs.
Posted by AmosMosesAndTwins
Lake Charles
Member since Apr 2010
18336 posts
Posted on 3/15/25 at 2:10 am to
Acoustic. If you get an electric, you’ll learn some power chords, plateau, then quit.

Alvarez has great tone in low-mid price range. To your point about not outgrowing your starter, spend a little more for decent tone. Those cheap starters sound like a child’s ukulele.

D’Addario Phosphorus Bronze Strings
Clamp Tuner
Capo
Fast Fret

Take in person lessons. Proper finger work, technique, chords, scales, etc. will all help you progress more quickly.

Ultimate Guitar has a decent paid setup once you start learning songs on your own.

-25 years self taught
Posted by BogeyTX
Member since Apr 2018
870 posts
Posted on 3/15/25 at 1:45 pm to
I recommend a Seagull for beginners. They have great prices and sounds good.

Just realize you’re gonna suck and sound terrible for like 2 months or more depending on how quickly you can learn.

Stick with it though and do not put your guitar away in a closet or anything. Keep it out and in a stand so it’ll be easier to create a habit of picking it up and playing it for 10 minutes or so.
Posted by TTB
LA to L.A.
Member since Nov 2006
2711 posts
Posted on 3/15/25 at 11:04 pm to
quote:

Acoustic


This.

It’s easy to get some quick wins on an acoustic. Learn three or four chords and how to strum and you can play a million songs. I learned on a really shitty Alvarez with sky high action. It was a struggle but made me way better of a player for having done it. Once I got an electric and a better acoustic, playing was like heaven! You don’t need to go through all that BS. Just get and Epiphone and you’ll be fine :)
Posted by SidewalkTiger
Midwest, USA
Member since Dec 2019
61041 posts
Posted on 3/16/25 at 10:19 pm to
I would get a Yamaha acoustic, if it were me. There are Yamaha dealers everywhere and they offer a variety of sizes, styles, and price points.

Most are quality instruments as well and you could realistically play one for a long time before deciding to upgrade.

I personally learned on a Yamaha FG830 which sells for ~$350 new. Something with laminate sides and solid top will give you great tone at an affordable price and with less maintenance than some of the more expensive all solid guitars.

Could get a much better deal used but would only advise that if you have someone that can look it over for you.
Posted by BottomlandBrew
Member since Aug 2010
28339 posts
Posted on 3/17/25 at 4:04 pm to
quote:

I recommend a mid-range Takamine guitar, such as a G series


This is what I started on (GD20). Solid guitar.

I started learning using Justin Guitar.
Posted by m2pro
Member since Nov 2008
29202 posts
Posted on 3/17/25 at 5:01 pm to
Whatever you buy, find a local luthier (guitar shop) and be sure to get your instrument set-up.

They can take a brand new guitar and make it more playable and fix little small things that could affect intonation and fret buzz (and other various things). Entry level guitars and high dollar guitars alike can come with issues that need to be sorted.

Also, strings that come standard on a guitar are almost always trash anyway. So, for less than 100 bucks you'll get your guitar set up for you, and a fresh pack of strings :) I'd recommend light strings to begin with.

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