Acoustic Guitar

Crispy_Ambulance

DH would like a guitar for Christmas. Could anyone who is a guitar expert out there give me an idea of what to look for? He has never played before so a beginners instrument would be best. What is a good make and what sort of strings should it have? Are there any other accessories that he needs? Please help as I am being blinded by too much choice!

superscotsman

If it is an instrument for a beginner, do not pay too much. If it for a child with small hands, think about getting a half-size or a 3/4 size instrument. You are probably better getting a classical (nylon-strung) guitar, as the strings are less likely to break than a steel strung. If you get a classical guitar, you will not need any accessories as the instrument is played with the fingers. A footstool might help but this can be improvised. A tuning fork or pitchpipe to tune the instrument will help if you do not have a piano, a recorder etc to tune up from. You can try buying a guitar tutor book, although a proper guitar teacher is better.
Later you can upgrade.
Crispy Ambulance. Love the handle. Next time my son is forming one of his rock bands and is looking for a name...

Claudie

My DS just bought a guitar with his Christmas money and hasn't stopped playing it, it is lovely. I went to a local music shop and the chap was really helpful (and gave almost the exact advice as superscotsman) so we bought a classic 3/4 size.

The guitar was about £5 more at this shop than at Argos but I really wanted some advice as well. In the end it paid off as the guitar came with a carrying bag (which the Argos one didn't) and the chap gave my son a free tuning kit. They also said to pop in any time to have the strings done or if we needed anything at all.