Picking Out Your First Guitar

When I was 10 years old, I picked up a guitar for the first time. I’d seen and heard so many of my favorite artists making incredible music, and I knew I had to be a part of it. My fingers hurt, my chords sounded awful, and I felt completely lost. But I stuck with it, and it turned into the best thing I ever did.

If you’re just starting out on your own guitar journey, that feeling of being a little lost is completely normal. The important thing is to take that first step. This guide is all about giving you the advice I wish I had when I first started playing guitar over a decade ago.

Picking Out Your First Guitar

The first thing you have to figure out is what kind of guitar you want to play.

• Acoustic vs. Electric: The debate that never ends. An acoustic is great because you can play it anywhere without needing any extra gear. The thicker strings can be tough on your fingers at first, but it builds up your strength quickly. Electric guitars have lighter strings and are a lot of fun, but you’ll need an amp and a cable to make any real noise. My advice? Go with what inspires you. If you want to play acoustic ballads, get an acoustic. If you want to play rock, get an electric. It’s that simple.

• Don't Go Crazy on Price: You don’t need the most expensive guitar in the world. I found a decent starter guitar for a couple hundred bucks, and it served me well for years. A good starter kit from a local music shop is a great place to begin.

Don't Forget the Gear

Once you've got the guitar, you’ll need a few other things. Trust me, these are essential.

• Picks: Grab a variety pack with a few different thicknesses. You’ll find what feels right for you after a little while.

• Tuner: This is non-negotiable. You’ll sound terrible if you’re out of tune. A simple clip-on tuner is all you need, or you can use a free app on your phone.

• Strap: Get one. It's not just for standing. It helps you hold the guitar correctly and takes the weight off your arm so you can focus on playing.

• Guitar Stand: This one’s a huge tip. Keeping your guitar out and visible makes you more likely to pick it up and practice.

Learning the Basics

Don't try to be a guitar god on day one. You gotta learn to walk before you can run.

• Learn Your Chords: There are a few basic chords that form the backbone of thousands of songs. Look up easy chords like G, C, D, and E minor. Practice switching between them until it feels natural.

• Work on Your Strumming: Start with a simple rhythm. Just a consistent down-strum on all the strings. The most important thing is keeping time.

• Finger Exercises: Your fingers will be a little sore. That’s okay! It’s part of the process. I did simple finger exercises every day to build up calluses and dexterity.

Resources That Actually Help

There's more information online than ever, which is great but can also be overwhelming.

• YouTube is a goldmine. So many fantastic guitarists teach lessons for free.

• A good local teacher is always a great option, especially for the personalized feedback. I still remember the advice my first teacher gave me.

My Best Advice?

Don’t give up. The hardest part is the first couple of months. It feels awkward, it sounds bad, and you wonder if you’ll ever get it. But I promise you, if you stick with it, you will.

Consistency is a lot more important than long, infrequent practice sessions. Even 15-20 minutes a day is better than two hours once a week. You’ll build muscle memory and get better without even realizing it.

Most importantly, just have fun with it. Find songs you love and learn to play them. That’s why you started in the first place, right? Happy strumming, and maybe one day I’ll be helping you record your first song.