The right guitar is one of the most important things when you're getting started with playing. It should be comfortable to hold, easy to play, hold its tune, sound good and – most importantly – make you want to pick it up again and again.
We are all different and have different needs, so there is no single best guitar. But here is the advice we give in the store when someone is looking for their first guitar. It also works when it's number two, three, or four.
Three types of guitar
Broadly speaking, there are three types of guitars: classical, western, and electric. Bass, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin are other options, but here we'll stick to the guitar.
Classical guitar (Spanish guitar)
The classical guitar has nylon strings and is based on the Spanish tradition. The nylon strings are soft under the fingers, and the fretboard is wider than on the other types. The soft strings and the extra space for the fingers make the classical guitar the obvious choice for many beginners – and for children.
Western guitar (folk)
The western guitar has steel strings, a narrower fretboard, and usually 14 frets free of the body. It has a brighter and more powerful sound than the classical guitar. Steel strings require a bit more from the fingertips at the beginning, but if you're up for it, you can certainly start on a western. If you want to know more about the sizes, read our guide to western guitar body sizes.
Electric guitar
The electric guitar has a relatively narrow fretboard, and the sound is picked up by magnetic pickups. You need to use an amplifier to hear it properly. Although it has steel strings, it is usually easier to play than a western guitar because the strings are thinner and sit closer to the fretboard.
Check this before you buy
- Choose a guitar that is built to be played. Very simple instruments often have high strings and frets that are not properly finished. This makes it unnecessarily difficult to learn and can take away the motivation.
- The neck must not be crooked. The neck means a lot for whether the guitar is good to play. If it is crooked, or cannot be adjusted, you should pass.
- Check the string height. Measure the distance from the strings down to the fretboard at the 12th fret. On a classical guitar, it must not be over 4 mm, and on a western preferably under 3 mm.
- Feel the frets. The frets are the metal inlays across the fretboard. They must not stick out over the edge of the fretboard and must not be rough.
All guitars we sell are checked on exactly these points before they leave us. And after 3–6 months you can get a free check-up with adjustment when the guitar has settled.
Our recommendations
Classical guitar
For classical guitar we recommend Vedra.
- Vedra Model 1M is our first choice for beginners. Mahogany body, solid top, and a neck that is easy to play. It comes with Augustine strings.
- Vedra Model 3M is a step up with a solid cedar top and rosewood fretboard. It is right for you who have gotten a bit started, or who want a guitar to grow into.
- Vedra Model 5 has a solid cedar top and a gloss finish and is for you who want a really good classical guitar from the start. The model is also available as a flamenco guitar, Model 5 F and Model 5 FC.
See all classical guitars.
Western guitar
Here we recommend series rather than individual models, so you can choose the level that suits you. We emphasize durability and playability over decoration. The current prices are always in the shop.
- To get started: Sigma SE Series. Models like Sigma DME are built to be good to start on. See western guitars under 3,000 kr. If the guitar needs to travel with you, or you want a smaller body, then look at Little Martin.
- A step up: Sigma 15 Series and Martin X Series. The 15 series is in mahogany and has a warm sound. X Series is the first step into Martin's own guitars. See western guitars under 5,000 kr.
- A guitar you won't have to replace: Martin Road Series and Sigma Standard Series. Solid wood and a quality that can follow you for many years, for example Martin D-10E Retro Sapele. See all western guitars.
Electric guitar
Fender and Squier are the starting point for many, and there is a reason for that. Here too we recommend series.
- To get started: Squier Affinity. A real electric guitar for under 3,000 kr. See electric guitars for under 3,000 kr.
- A step up: Squier Classic Vibe and Epiphone. Better hardware and a neck that feels more finished. See electric guitars for under 5,000 kr.
- A guitar you won't have to replace: Fender Player II and Fender Made in USA. Player II is the solid start, Made in USA is for you who want the best from the beginning. See electric guitars Made in USA.
You can also see the entire selection of guitars for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Should I start on classical guitar or western?
If you want to play classical music, or it is a child who is getting started, classical guitar is the natural choice. If you want to play pop, rock, folk or chords to songs, you can start on a western. The fingers get used to the steel strings within a few weeks.
Is electric guitar harder than acoustic guitar?
No, the electric guitar is usually easier for the fingers. In return, you also need to use an amplifier.
Why does it hurt in the fingers?
It is normal at the beginning, but strings that are too high make it worse. Read more in Why do my fingers hurt when I play guitar?
Get advice in the store
The best thing is to have the guitar in your hands. Stop by one of our stores in Aarhus and Copenhagen and have a talk about what suits you. You can also write to us.