Buying your first guitar? Start here.
Picking your first guitar is exciting, and a little overwhelming. You do not need anything fancy. You need a guitar that is comfortable, stays in tune, and makes you want to pick it up every day.
Everything we recommend here is something we sell at Granata Music, so you can come in, hold it and try it before you buy.
Choose your type of guitar
The right one depends mostly on the music you want to play and how you want to practise.
Acoustic
The classic campfire, singer-songwriter and folk-pop guitar. No amp needed, so you can play anywhere. Steel strings are a bit harder on fingertips at first, but the sound is bright and full.
Pop, folk, countryClassical
Nylon strings are much gentler on fingertips and sound warm and mellow. The neck is wider, which gives fingers more room. A usual choice for younger kids and classical study.
Kids, classical, fingerstyleElectric
Slim, easy-to-fret necks and light strings that many beginners find the most comfortable. You will need an amp and a cable, and you get a huge range of sounds.
Rock, blues, metal, indieGet the right size
A guitar that is too big is one of the fastest ways to get discouraged.
Full size
Suits most teens and adults.
Compact body
Concert-body shapes like the Yamaha FS400 are easier to hold and great for younger players.
3/4 size
A better fit for kids roughly 8 to 12. Ask us which 3/4-size guitars are on the shelf right now.
Our picks for beginners
Tap a tab to browse. Every guitar here is one we carry.
No amp needed. Pick it up and play anywhere.
Yamaha F400
A classic full-size acoustic with a warm, balanced sound. Low string height and narrower string spacing make it easy to play.
Yamaha FS400
A concert-body shape that is comfortable for younger players or anyone who likes a more compact guitar.
Washburn Apprentice Pack
A spruce-top acoustic-electric with a cutaway, plus a gig bag, strap and picks to get you started.
The gentlest start for your fingertips, and a favourite with teachers.
Slim necks, light strings and a huge range of tones. You will need an amp (see 04).
Do not forget the amp
For electric players, a small practice amp is all you need. Bigger is not better for a first amp: it is easier on neighbours and sounds good at lower volumes.
MG10 Gold Series
A small, simple amp covering classic and modern tones.
Aroma AG-04
A pocket-sized 5W practice amp with Bluetooth, clean and overdrive channels and a rechargeable battery.
Catalyst CX 60
A modelling amp with lots of tones to explore as you grow.
Your starter gear checklist
The small stuff makes a big difference. Tick items off as you go.
A simple 30-day plan
You do not need hours of practice. Short, regular sessions beat one long weekend session every time.
Get comfortable
Learn the parts of the guitar, how to hold it and how to tune it. Standard tuning from thickest to thinnest string is E, A, D, G, B, E. Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day.
First chords
Start with Em and Am, which only need two fingers each. Practise switching slowly between them.
Add more chords
Bring in E, A, D and G. With just these you can already play a surprising number of songs.
Play a real song
Choose a simple song you love and play along, even slowly. A goal makes practice fun.
Your fingertips will be sore at first, especially on steel strings. That is normal and fades as your skin toughens. Take breaks if it hurts, and stop if you feel actual pain.
Common beginner mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Should I start on acoustic or electric?
Start on whichever type matches the music you want to play. Both work fine for learning. Electric is easier on the fingers; acoustic needs no amp and is simpler to set up.
How much should I spend?
Many people get started comfortably with roughly $200 to $450 for a guitar, plus an amp if it is electric. Packs bundle several essentials and save you shopping for each piece.
Do I need lessons?
You can learn from videos, but lessons help you build good habits and stay motivated. Granata Music School offers private lessons, and your first trial lesson is free.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes. Come in and play whatever you like. Our team will help you find something that fits your hands, your budget and your music. If budget is a concern, ask us about monthly financing.
Ready to start?
The best guitar for a beginner is the one that feels good in your hands and gets played often. Visit us in Nepean, or shop online with fast shipping across Canada and free pickup in store.
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