Learning Guitar: Where to Start
Classical, acoustic or electric: here's our advice for choosing your first guitar well and building an effective learning routine.
Which guitar to start with?
The classical guitar, with its softer nylon strings, is often recommended for a very first contact, especially for children. The acoustic guitar (steel strings) works well for songwriting and folk. The electric guitar needs an amplifier but generally has softer strings, which can make it easier to handle for some beginners drawn to rock or blues.
The essential first skills
Most methods start with basic (open) chords, reading chord charts, then gradually moving between chords in rhythm. Building up strength in the fretting hand's fingers takes a few weeks before the strings hurt less.
Staying motivated over time
Learning a few chords quickly lets you play simple songs, which helps keep motivation up. Regular practice, even short, remains the most decisive factor for progress.
Your first steps on guitar
1. Choose your instrument
Classical, acoustic or electric depending on your musical style and budget.
2. Learn the basic chords
A handful of open chords is enough to play many simple songs.
3. Practice changing chords
Fluency between chords comes with regular repetition.
Questions about learning guitar
Do your fingers hurt at the start?+
Yes, that's normal for the first few weeks while the skin on your fingertips toughens up; nylon strings (classical guitar) are generally less painful to start with than steel strings.
What's the difference between classical and acoustic guitar for beginners?+
See our dedicated article on classical vs acoustic guitar for a detailed comparison.
