Classical Guitar
Nylon strings, a warm sound and several sizes for children, teenagers and adults.
Discover Classical Guitars →
Musikhaus Korn Guide
Guitar for Beginners: Find the Right Instrument & Starter Set
Classical, acoustic or electric? Find out which guitar type, size and equipment suit your music, your hands and your everyday life.
3
key guitar types
4
common classical-guitar sizes
12
selected beginner products
1
goal: a guitar you enjoy playing
The decision in one minute
Which Guitar Is Suitable for Beginners?
For classical lessons, finger technique and a warm tone, a classical guitar with nylon strings is a comfortable choice. For pop, folk and acoustic song accompaniment, an acoustic steel-string guitar is a good fit.
Anyone who wants to play rock, blues, punk, funk or metal can start directly on an electric guitar . The decisive factors are your musical direction, the instrument’s size, comfortable playability and a sound that motivates you to practise regularly.
Choose by sound and musical direction
Which Guitar Type Matches Your Goal?
Do not begin with wood species or technical details. First choose the sound you hear in your favourite songs.
Acoustic Steel-String Guitar
A bright, powerful steel-string sound for chords, strumming, folk and singer-songwriter music.
Discover Acoustic Guitars →Electric Guitar
Flexible sounds, often a manageable neck and quiet practice through an amplifier with a headphone output.
Discover Electric Guitars →
The most important rule:
a rock fan does not have to learn classical guitar first.
Starting on the instrument you genuinely want to play connects
practice with your own musical goal more quickly.
Three possible routes
Classical, Acoustic or Electric Guitar?
Every construction type can be a good beginner instrument. The main differences concern the strings, neck, volume and the way the sound is shaped.
Warm and traditional
Classical Guitar with Nylon Strings
A classical guitar has a hollow wooden body and does not require an amplifier. Nylon strings produce a rounded sound. The broad neck creates more space between the strings and supports finger technique and classical lessons.
- Suitable for classical music, melodies and fingerstyle
- Available in several sizes for children
- Ready to play without additional equipment
- Warm and soft fundamental sound
Clear and acoustic
Acoustic Guitar with Steel Strings
Acoustic steel-string guitars deliver the bright sound used in modern song accompaniment. The strings feel firmer than nylon strings, but produce a powerful attack and a clear presence when playing chords or picking.
- Suitable for pop, folk, country and singer-songwriters
- Powerful sound for strumming and chords
- Available with different body shapes and sizes
- Also available with pickups and cutaways
Flexible and electric
Electric Guitar with an Amplifier
On an electric guitar, the pickups and amplifier shape the sound. Many models have a slim neck and easy-to-fret strings. An amplifier with a headphone output also makes controlled practice possible in an apartment.
- Suitable for rock, blues, funk, punk and metal
- Sounds ranging from clean to heavily distorted
- Comparatively quiet when played without amplification
- Plan for an amplifier and instrument cable
More than shape and colour
How Do You Recognise a Good Beginner Guitar?
A first guitar should work reliably, suit the player’s body size and avoid unnecessary obstacles when fretting notes or tuning.
The Most Important Selection Features
- Comfortable string action reduces unnecessary effort.
- Cleanly finished fret ends protect the fretting hand.
- Stable tuning machines allow controlled tuning.
- Body size and scale length must suit the player.
- Weight and balance should support a relaxed posture.
Check Playability Systematically
Posture and Reach
Your shoulder and wrist should remain relaxed. The first frets must be reachable without twisting or stretching unnaturally.
Tuners and Tuning
The tuning keys should turn evenly. A freshly tuned guitar should not drift significantly during normal playing.
A good beginner instrument may be challenging, but it should
not work against every movement.
Do not decide by price alone:
an affordable guitar that plays well is more helpful than a
feature-rich instrument with an unsuitable size or uncomfortable
string action.
Arranged by product group
Selected Guitars for Getting Started
This selection covers different sizes, body shapes, sound concepts and complete starter packages. Product availability and current prices are shown on the linked English product pages.
Classical Guitars and Classical Starter Sets
Nylon strings, student sizes and regular full-size models for lessons, fingerstyle and classical accompaniment.
Complete Set
Gewa-Pure VGS Basic Set 4/4
A full-size classical guitar with suitable basic equipment for an uncomplicated start.
Open Product →
Full Size
N-RoK Guitars CG 4/4
A regular full-size classical guitar with a solid cedar top.
Open Product →
3/4 Student Size
N-RoK Guitars CG 3/4
A compact student size designed for shorter arms and smaller hands.
Open Product →
Narrower Neck
La Mancha Granito 33-N-MB
A full-size classical guitar with a narrower fingerboard for a more compact playing feel.
Open Product →Acoustic Guitars for Chords and Songs
Dreadnought, concert and compact body shapes for pop, folk, picking and singer-songwriter music.
Dreadnought
Yamaha F310
A traditional dreadnought acoustic guitar for chords, strumming and song accompaniment.
Open Product →
Concert Body
Fender CC-60S Sunburst
A more manageable concert-style body with a distinctive sunburst finish.
Open Product →
Pickup · 000 Body
Sigma 000ME
A compact 000-style acoustic guitar with an electronic pickup for amplified playing.
Open Product →
Beginner Dreadnought
Soundsation CODY DN-NT
A natural-finish dreadnought acoustic guitar for first songs, chords and strumming patterns.
Open Product →Electric Guitars and Complete Beginner Packages
Compact short-scale models, versatile HSS guitars and a complete package with an amplifier and accessories.
3/4 Short Scale
Fender Squier Mini Strat
A compact electric guitar for shorter arms and smaller hands.
Open Product →
Complete HSS Set
Fender Squier Affinity Strat HSS Pack
Electric guitar, practice amplifier, padded bag, cable, strap and picks in one coordinated package.
Open Product →
HSS Pickups
Yamaha Pacifica 112J BL II
A versatile pickup combination for clean, blues, pop and rock sounds.
Open Product →
HSH · Rock & Metal
Ibanez GRG170DX-BKN
A modern electric guitar with an HSH pickup configuration for rock and metal.
Open Product →
Differences at a glance
Which Beginner Guitar Matches Which Goal?
Compare the strings, neck, sound, intended use and additional equipment required.
| Feature | Classical Guitar | Acoustic Guitar | Electric Guitar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strings | Nylon | Steel | Steel, often in lighter gauges |
| Neck | Broad | Medium width | Often slim |
| Sound | Warm and rounded | Clear and present | Shaped through the amplifier |
| Music | Classical and fingerstyle | Pop, folk and country | Rock, blues and metal |
| Additional Equipment | Not required | Not required | Amplifier and cable |
| Quiet Practice | Audible acoustically | Clearly audible acoustically | Possible with a headphone solution |
Children, teenagers and adults
Which Guitar Size Is Right?
A suitable size makes fretting easier and supports a relaxed posture. Age recommendations are only a guide: body height, arm length and hand size must also be considered.
1/2 Guitar
A compact format for younger children and shorter arms.
3/4 Guitar
A common student size and manageable intermediate option.
7/8 Guitar
An alternative for teenagers and smaller adults.
4/4 Guitar
The regular size for many teenagers and adults.
Fit check:
the elbow should not be pushed strongly outwards. The first
frets should be reachable without permanent tension in the
shoulder or wrist.
Components selected to work together
When Is a Guitar Starter Set Worthwhile?
Starter sets are practical when you do not yet own the basic equipment. Check the contents carefully because packages differ in terms of bag, tuner, cable, strap and amplifier.
Classical Guitar Set
Often supplied with a bag, tuner and picks. The included bag must match the guitar’s size.
View Classical Guitar Sets →Acoustic Guitar Set
An instrument, transport bag and tuning aid create practical basic equipment for songs and chords.
View Acoustic Guitar Sets →Electric Guitar Set
In addition to the guitar, a complete package should include at least an amplifier and an instrument cable.
View Electric Guitar Sets →
Set or individual purchase?
A set simplifies the start. Buying components individually provides
more freedom when you already want a particular amplifier, an
especially lightweight bag or specific accessories.
Ready to play and safely protected
Which Accessories Does a Guitar Beginner Need?
A few suitable components are more useful than a large collection of unverified accessories.
Tuner
A clip-on tuner works compactly and independently of the room’s volume.
View Tuners →Bag or Case
The transport solution must match the guitar’s body shape and size.
View Bags and Cases →Guitar Stand
A securely positioned instrument remains visible and easy to reach.
View Stands →Picks
Different thicknesses change the attack, flexibility and playing feel.
View Picks →Replacement Strings
Nylon, acoustic and electric-guitar strings are not interchangeable.
View Guitar Strings →Guitar Strap
A strap is important for electric guitars and whenever you want to play while standing.
View Guitar Straps →Capo
A capo changes the key while allowing the same chord shapes to be used.
View Capos →Practice Amplifier
Straightforward controls and a headphone output are especially useful for home practice.
View Guitar Amplifiers →
From unpacking to your first song
Your First Four Weeks with the Guitar
Short, regular sessions support controlled movements and help establish a stable practice routine.
Posture and Tuning
Hold the guitar securely, learn the string names and tune before every practice session.
First Chords
Fret two or three chords cleanly and change between them slowly.
Rhythm
Develop an even strumming motion and practise at a slow, controlled tempo.
Your First Song
Combine a simple piece and repeat difficult transitions separately.
Several short practice sessions per week are usually more useful for beginners than one rare, very long session.
Practical rule for a motivating start
Avoid frustration early
Common Mistakes When Buying and Using a Guitar
Many initial problems are caused by an unsuitable size, missing accessories or inappropriate storage.
Choosing Only by Price
Workmanship and playability are more important than the lowest possible individual price.
Ignoring Your Musical Direction
The instrument should produce the sounds you genuinely want to learn.
Buying a Guitar That Is Too Large
An oversized body makes posture, reach and chord changes more difficult.
Forgetting Accessories
An amplifier and cable form part of a complete electric-guitar system.
Underestimating Heat and Dryness
Guitars should not be stored permanently beside radiators or in direct sunlight.
Continuing to Use Worn Strings
Rough, corroded or poorly tuning strings should be replaced.
Expertise from advice and service
Still Unsure About Size, Guitar Type or Accessories?
The Musikhaus Korn team can help you choose a suitable instrument and complete basic equipment. In-house service is available for maintenance, care and repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Answers About Your First Guitar
Which Guitar Is Easiest for a Beginner?
This depends on your musical goal and the required size. Classical guitars have nylon strings, while electric guitars often have a slimmer neck. Comfortable, correctly adjusted playability is particularly important.
Do You Have to Learn Classical Guitar First?
No. Anyone who wants to play rock, blues or metal can begin directly on an electric guitar. The instrument should match the music you want to make.
Which Guitar Size Is Suitable for Adults?
Many adults play a full-size 4/4 guitar. Smaller players may feel more comfortable with a 7/8 classical guitar, a compact acoustic guitar or a short-scale electric guitar.
Which Guitar Is Suitable for Children?
Common options include 1/2, 3/4 and 7/8 sizes. Body height, arm length and hand size are more important than a rigid age recommendation.
Can You Play an Electric Guitar with Headphones?
Yes. Use a practice amplifier, headphone amplifier or a suitable effects unit with a headphone output. Headphones are not connected directly to a passive electric guitar.
What Do You Need in Addition to an Electric Guitar?
You need at least an amplifier and an instrument cable. A tuner, bag, strap, picks, stand and replacement strings are also useful.
Is a Starter Set Better Than Buying Items Individually?
A set simplifies the start and combines compatible components. Buying individually provides more freedom when choosing the amplifier, bag and accessories.
How Often Should a Guitar Beginner Practise?
Several short sessions per week are usually more useful than rare sessions lasting several hours. Consistency is more important than one especially long practice session.
Develop your setup
Suitable Categories for the Next Step
A suitable start at Musikhaus Korn
Choosing a Guitar for Beginners at Musikhaus Korn
A guitar for beginners should suit the desired music, the player’s body size and their personal playing feel. Classical guitars provide a nylon-string sound, support traditional lessons and are available in several student sizes. Acoustic steel-string guitars offer a clear sound for pop, folk and song accompaniment. Electric guitars lead directly to rock, blues and metal sounds.
In addition to the guitar type, comfortable string action, clean workmanship, a suitable scale length and useful accessories are important. Starter sets combine the instrument and basic equipment, while buying components individually allows a particularly personal setup.
Discover more topics
Open the Infocenter
Choose Instruments and Equipment with Confidence
Discover further information about instruments, accessories, service, repairs and music technology in the Musikhaus Korn Infocenter.