When picking out a guitar, the first thing to decide is whether you want to go acoustic or electric.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars need to be plugged into an amplifier (or amp for short), which then plugs into the wall. The amp’s speaker handles the volume— from whisper quiet to full blast. There are even little battery-powered amps if you want to practice on the go, though they’re usually not as versatile as the bigger ones.
The beauty of electric guitars is how flexible they are. With the right amp, you can roll from rock to blues to country with just a twist of a knob. They’re usually a bit easier on the fingers too, thanks to lighter string tension.
Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars on the other hand, make music all on their own—no amp, no power cord. They’re hollow, so the sound rings out naturally, kind of like a violin or a cello. There’s also the “acousticelectric”— basically an acoustic guitar with built-in electronics so you can plug it in when you want more volume.
Product Links
Here’s a link to some electric guitars on Sweetwater’s site. I’ve set it to show new, 6-string electrics from lowest to highest price—take a scroll and see what catches your eye.
You’ll also find starter packs — these are a great deal for electric guitars, since they come with the amp, cable, and sometimes a strap and picks too:
Acoustic guitars keep it simple and portable. No amp needed—just grab it and play wherever you are. Here’s a list of acoustic guitars, also sorted from least to most expensive:
For most elementary-aged students, a mini or 3/4-size guitar is the way to go. These smaller instruments are easier to hold, more comfortable to play, and help young musicians build confidence without fighting against a full-size guitar. Whether your student is starting with acoustic, electric, or nylon-string classical (easier on the fingers!) , we recommend checking out these curated selections:
These links should help you get a feel for what’s out there. It’s never a bad idea to swing by your local music shop, try a few out, and see what feels right in your hands. Once you decide which road you want to take—acoustic or electric—just let us know. We’ll happily share some tried-and-true recommendations at different price points.
GOT QUESTIONS? REACH OUT ANYTIME. WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR SOUND.
