Welcome to your musical journey! Shopping for your first instrument is an incredibly exciting first step. At Tuneagers, we know all the choices can feel a little overwhelming, but the most important thing is finding a guitar that sounds good, looks cool, and feels great to play. Here is our quick, fun guide to finding the perfect beginner guitar that will inspire you to rock out every single day! The Big Question: Electric or Acoustic? At their core, electric and acoustic guitars are the same instrument, so everything you learn on one easily transfers to the other. Here is how to choose your vibe: Electric Guitars Electrics are the most popular style in modern music, perfect for rock, pop, and blues. The Pros: They are actually easier for beginners to play! The necks are narrower and the strings are easier to press down, saving your fingers some frustration. Plus, you can easily control the volume with an amp. The Cons: You will need to buy additional gear, like an amplifier and a cable, to achieve a full sound. Acoustic Guitars Acoustics are built to produce a rich sound without any amplification, making them perfect for singer-songwriters, folk, and country. The Pros: You don't need to buy an amp, making them a wonderful grab-and-go option that can save you money on extra equipment. The Cons: They use thicker strings, which can require more finger strength and make them a challenging starter instrument for younger players. Size Matters! Picking the Right Fit Please don't buy a massive guitar hoping your child will simply "grow into it"! A guitar that is too large or heavy will just lead to frustration. Here is a handy sizing guide based on average heights: Ages 5 to 7: 1/2 size guitar. Ages 7 to 10: 3/4 size guitar. Ages 11 and up: Full size guitar. New vs. Used Guitars While buying used can save you cash and offer a cool vintage vibe, entry-level guitars are often made with softer woods and thinner metals that don't always age well. Because of this, buying a new starter guitar is usually the safest route. Buying new gives you a pristine look, modern technology, and a manufacturer's warranty. Test Driving: What to Look For We highly recommend heading to a local shop to buy your first guitar so you can physically hold and hear it. When testing an instrument, look out for these four things: Does it stay in tune? Have a salesperson play it. A guitar that constantly slips out of tune will make practicing a major headache. Is the neck straight? The neck of the guitar should be straight. Curves or bends can make the strings hit the frets and ruin your sound. Check the "action": Action is the distance from the strings to the fretboard. If the strings are too high off the neck, the guitar will be difficult and painful to play. Feel the frets: Run your fingers along the edges of the neck. If you feel sharp metal fret ends sticking out, you should probably pass on that specific guitar. Must-Have Accessories
Don't leave the shop without the essentials to get you playing the minute you get home!

Guitar Tuner: An absolute necessity to keep you sounding great. Headstock tuners that work by vibration are inexpensive and work on any guitar. Picks: Grab some "medium" thickness plastic picks to start strumming.
Amp & Cable: If you chose an electric guitar, a small practice amp and a 10-foot instrument cable will do the trick. Strap & Case: Get an adjustable strap for comfortable playing and a gig bag (soft case) to protect your new instrument during car rides.

Got your guitar? Let’s make some noise! Join us at Tuneagers and let’s make some music.